Miami Beach committee backs study of zoning changes to allow religious schools, dormitories in Fortieth Street overlay

The Land Use and Sustainability Committee on June 10 endorsed a staff proposal to amend the Fortieth Street residential overlay to permit religious institutions, up to four dormitory units per platted lot, and standalone schools subject to conditional-use review, and to refer a corresponding comprehensive-plan amendment to the Planning Board.

Committee members and staff said the changes are intended to allow religious institutions already in the area to expand limited residential and educational uses while keeping conditional review and design controls in place.

Under the proposal presented by the administration, the overlay — the south side of Fortieth Street from Chase Avenue to Pine Tree Drive — would allow dormitory units (described in the meeting as typically 200–300 square feet and possibly without restrooms), standalone…