Planning board backs allowing attached open‑air accessory structures, with conditions

The Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board on March 12, 2025 recommended approval of a zoning text amendment that would allow certain open‑air accessory structures to be attached to single‑family and duplex homes without counting against the 35% principal building lot coverage. The board voted 4‑3 to approve the change with an amendment that any attached open‑air structure must be open on at least two sides.

The proposal, presented by Jennifer Garcia, Planning and Zoning Director, would keep the existing maximum ground coverage of 45% (35% principal building plus 10% accessory) but allow an attached, covered, open‑air connector (breezeway, loggia, porch, pergola) to be calculated so it does not push previously detached accessory area into the principal 35% allotment. Garcia told the board the change is intended “to encourage open‑air spaces” and to address the practical problem that homeowners with detached garages or terraces cannot attach a covered connector without that roof area counting against the 35%…