The Miami Beach Zoning Board of Adjustment approved an after‑the‑fact variance for parking‑lot light poles that were installed as part of a condominium 30‑year recertification.

Staff explained the building is undergoing required 30‑year recertification work and that the association installed light poles intended to meet the building‑code lighting standards without first obtaining individual building permits. When the installation was inspected, the poles were discovered to be essentially at the property line and therefore not meeting the code’s 7‑foot‑6‑inch interior side‑yard setback requirement.

Aileen Lewis, representing the condominium association, told the board the lot’s irregular shape leaves no practical place to site the poles without eliminating a row of parking. She said engineers tested spill and illumination patterns and that the fixtures are aimed to light only the parking lot and not adjacent properties. Lewis also said the association had financial constraints and the city commission previously waived variance fees to allow the process to proceed.

Board members asked how the violation had arisen. Staff said the lighting was installed during the recertification upgrades and that work was done without the separate permit required for the light fixtures. Board members noted the lights addressed a previously unlit area, improving safety. After discussion a motion to approve the variance was moved, seconded and passed.

The board’s approval recognizes the applicant’s hardship argument that relocating the fixtures would remove required parking and that the poles meet building‑code lighting parameters; standard conditions and enforcement provisions will apply to ensure continued compliance.