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Opa‑locka commission approves emergency ordinance stripping some landlord‑permit mandates for very large apartment complexes
Summary
At a Nov. 14 special meeting, the City of Opa‑locka Commission voted 5‑0 to approve an emergency ordinance amending landlord‑permit code language that had required on‑site property managers and off‑duty police for buildings of 150+ units. Commissioners agreed to workshop broader security and permitting policy soon.
The City Commission of the City of Opa‑locka on Nov. 14 approved an emergency ordinance that amends the city’s landlord‑permit code, removing specific provisions tied to very large apartment complexes and clearing the way for staff to return with revised policy recommendations.
The measure, adopted 5‑0, was presented as an emergency item intended to address a narrowly defined life, health and safety concern tied to a prior amendment. During public comment, a speaker who identified himself as Dr. (Mister) Logan said the ordinance as posted online did not fully remove a requirement for 24/7 off‑duty police at a complex and warned that 216 residents could be displaced and a planned $25,000,000 rehabilitation jeopardized unless a particular subsection was stricken. “The lives and futures of families of 216 residents and their families … were at stake and are at stake,” he said.
City staff and the city attorney told the commission the emergency ordinance was drafted to address that specific emergency element and that language tied to the issue had been removed in the packet the commission considered. The city manager summarized the item as removing the off‑duty police requirement for qualifying apartment buildings and said staff would bring a fuller policy back to the commission.
Commissioners debated the scope of the change. Commissioner Santiago cautioned that new requirements can shift costs to residents and owners and urged more outreach to tenants and property owners. Vice Mayor Kelly, who sponsored the motion to consider the measure, and other commissioners said they supported passing the emergency amendment now while convening a workshop to gather data and craft a citywide approach to security and landlord permits. The Commission asked that the manager, the city attorney and the CRA be involved in the follow‑up work.
Developer and property‑owner testimony raised concerns that ongoing operational mandates — including requirements for posted security or staffing — could deter investment and complicate financing. “This is not the way to enact these types of rules,” said Kareem Brantley, who identified himself as a property owner and developer.
The clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous approval: Commissioners Irvin, Vice Mayor Kelly, Santiago, Bass and Mayor Taylor voted Yes and the motion passed 5‑0. Vice Mayor Kelly moved the measure and Commissioner Bass seconded. The commission directed staff to return with additional recommendations and to schedule a workshop to examine security, permitting and fiscal impacts before any broader changes are adopted.
The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote.
