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Miami Gardens council advances ordinance to limit permanent commercial window coverings
Summary
On June 11, 2025, the Miami Gardens City Council voted 6-0 on first reading to create a new code section restricting persistent commercial window coverings such as hurricane shutters and bars, citing aesthetics and neighborhood appearance. The ordinance returns for a required second reading.
On June 11, 2025, the Miami Gardens City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to amend Chapter 16, Article 3 of the city code to create Section 16-61, titled “window openings,” targeting persistent commercial window coverings such as permanently lowered hurricane shutters and security bars.
The ordinance, sponsored by Vice Mayor Robert Stevens, is intended to address “eyesores” in commercial areas and give the city authority to improve the appearance of storefronts, the city attorney told the council. “This item addresses, commercial store windows where they have the awnings, the hurricane shutters that are down consistently instead of during hurricane season, or those where we have bars on the window,” the city attorney said.
The council voted unanimously 6-0 on its first reading; the item will return for a subsequent second reading before final adoption. Mayor Harris recorded a yes vote as did Councilwoman Baskin, Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Powell, Councilwoman Lyndall Julian and Vice Mayor Stevens.
Council members did not debate amendments at the June 11 meeting. The city attorney said staff drafted the ordinance at the vice mayor’s request and that it aims to give the city a mechanism to address commercial façades where temporary hurricane protections are being used year-round.
Next steps: the ordinance will be placed on a future agenda for second reading and formal adoption. If adopted at second reading, the ordinance will amend the city code, repeal any conflicting language and include a severability clause as drafted.
