Doctor Horton proposes 14 single-family lots at Bahama Drive and Bluewater Road in Cutler Bay

Doctor Horton on Feb. 13 presented a final plat and site plan for 14 single-family homes on a 2.79-net-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Bahama Drive and Bluewater Road in the Town of Cutler Bay.

The application, presented at a town zoning workshop, seeks approval of a final plat and site plan consistent with a tentative plat the town approved in 2023. The property is designated low-density residential on the town’s future land use map and zoned single-family residential; those designations permit up to five units per acre as of right, the applicant’s representative said.

Maritza Haro, speaking on behalf of Doctor Horton, said the project proposes 14 individually platted lots (the developer said 15 would be permitted as of right) with lot sizes ranging from about 8,200 to more than 9,000 square feet, all exceeding the town’s 7,500-square-foot minimum. The developer presented two one-story models offered in four design variations and said no variances or code relaxations are being requested.

The presentation noted the site is approximately 2.79 net acres and 3.08 gross acres, and that the parcel is the last remaining vacant lot in the immediate area, which is otherwise developed with single-family homes and institutional and educational uses. The applicant displayed colored site plans and renderings for the Dustin and Frasier model floor plans in contemporary and modern exterior styles.

Council members and residents raised concerns about open space, tree preservation and the long-term quality of product. Council member Ramirez said she was worried about repetitive designs, adding, “everything’s cookie cutter, and I’m not in favor of cookie cutter homes.”

In response, the Doctor Horton representative emphasized homeowner protections and post-sale service. “Doctor Horton has a premium warranty on these homes,” the representative said, and offered to return to the council before the regular meeting with details on the warranty terms and lengths.

Citing direct experience with the company’s past projects, one council member said quality concerns were not merely hearsay and asked the developer to provide contact information and warranty details to neighbors. The applicant said local Doctor Horton staff and a warranty process would be available to buyers and that the team had already provided contact information to concerned neighbors.

No variances were requested and the applicant said the proposal complies with the town’s land development regulations and with the comprehensive plan. Because this was a workshop presentation, the council took no formal action; the item will be placed on a future regular council meeting agenda for formal consideration.

The developer also confirmed the town published notice of the workshop in the Miami Herald on Feb. 2; signs were posted on the property and mailed notices were sent to owners within 1,000 feet on Jan. 31, staff said.

The council did not vote on the application at the workshop; council questions focused on design variety, green space and warranty/quality assurances. The applicant said it would provide the requested warranty information and remain available to neighbors as the project proceeds toward a formal hearing and decision.