Broward commission approves land‑use changes for Monarch Hill amid wide public opposition and calls to delay

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 approved a package of land‑use and code changes that clear legal pathways for Waste Management’s proposed horizontal and vertical expansions at the Monarch Hill landfill and enacted related limits on what may be disposed above certain heights.

The measures the board acted on were considered together during a lengthy public hearing that drew dozens of speakers from nearby cities and communities. The public record included formal submissions from the cities of Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach, municipal staff, environmental engineers, and long‑time residents who said the landfill’s continued growth threatens air quality, groundwater and property values.

What the board approved - Ordinances to amend the county comprehensive plan and land‑use map to allow the proposed horizontal expansion (agenda items 33 and 34). The board approved amended motions that condition the effectiveness of the land‑use amendments on Waste Management’s execution and recordation of declarations of restrictive covenants and on the terms of a county‑industry agreement distributed as additional material. - An ordinance limiting certain waste types from being landfilled above specified heights (agenda item 35). That ordinance was adopted unanimously. - A code text amendment to increase the maximum permitted landfill height in the A‑6 (agricultural disposal) zoning district, subject to commitments by Waste Management (agenda item 36). - A separate contract amendment (Wheelabrator third amendment, agenda item 37) that extends the county’s incineration disposal agreement under certain conditions; that amendment passed with one dissenting vote.

Board members and staff stressed that the approvals are subject to multiple conditions and state environmental permitting. County staff told the board that many environmental safeguards would still be required and that any vertical or horizontal expansion must meet current state and federal environmental rules before construction or acceptance of additional municipal solid waste. County staff also noted an 18‑month option period tied to a proposed purchase option for the horizontal expansion. Staff warned that approving only the…