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Hialeah board denies subdivision of 1929 house, urges owner to seek historic designation
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Board voted to deny a variance that would have split a 1929-era lot on East 43rd Street and allowed two new substandard lots; board members and neighbors cited the home’s historic character and neighborhood pattern and suggested the owner pursue historic designation.
The Planning and Zoning Board voted Jan. 15 to deny a request to subdivide a large pre-1930 parcel at 316 East 43rd Street and to allow two substandard 50-foot frontages and reduced side setbacks.
Staff recommended denial, saying the house and surrounding lots are among the last pre-1930 homes in Hialeah and that permitting two 50-foot lots would be inconsistent with the prevailing lot frontages on the block. Neighbors attending the hearing urged the board to preserve the home’s historic character and to forward the property to the city’s historic board for consideration.
At the meeting, planning staff said the parcel was originally platted in 1927, contains a house built in 1929 and sits in a block where the majority of lots have frontages ranging from 60 to 100 feet. The applicant sought variances to allow lot areas of 6,900 square feet (where 7,500 square feet is the minimum) and lot widths of 50 feet (where 75 feet is required). Staff recommended denial based on incompatibility with existing frontage dimensions and the city’s historic fabric.
Several residents spoke against the application including Theresa Mejidas Perez, who told the board the existing house “has a beautiful chimney, fireplace, original made out of coral rock” and said she worried the proposed new buildings “look like it’s going to be a rental unit” that would worsen congestion and street parking by commercial vehicles.
Board members said they were concerned the applicant was not present for the hearing and that neighboring voices deserved an opportunity to be heard. The board voted to deny the variances; the motion to deny was made by Board Member Rios and seconded by Board Member Jimenez. The clerk recorded roll-call votes in favor of denial and the item was denied.
After the vote, board members discussed asking the owner to consider historic designation for the property. Planning staff and residents suggested forwarding the house to the historic board for evaluation and said the city could pursue historic designation processes and bring the owner into discussions on preservation.
Because the action was a recommendation, the applicant retains the right to pursue other remedies, including a future application or appeal to City Council; the board’s denial will be reflected in written findings that will go to the council and the applicant.
