Miami Beach committee backs broad historic‑preservation code update, refers draft ordinance to planning board

The Land Use and Sustainability Committee on March 11 reviewed the final report and recommendations of the ad hoc Historic Preservation Ordinance Review Advisory Committee and by acclamation asked staff to prepare a draft ordinance for referral to the planning board.

The committee’s report — led by chair Rick Lopez and prepared with city staff liaison Debbie Tackett — recommends consolidating the city’s lengthy certificate of appropriateness criteria, expanding what staff may approve administratively, clarifying a two‑step review for very large projects, and pursuing incentives to help owners rehabilitate historic properties. “We have over 50 criteria,” Chief Preservation Officer Debbie Tackett told the committee, arguing many are redundant and should be simplified. Rick Lopez, chair of the advisory committee, said the panel sought to “streamline the process” and flagged the need for additional staff resources to administer new incentives.

Why it matters: Miami Beach has 14 historic districts and dozens of individually designated properties whose treatment affects housing, small landlords and the city’s tourism economy. Supporters said simplifying the process will speed routine repairs and reduce costs for owners while preserving design controls for…