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Planning board endorses recycled composite materials for decks and trellises
Summary
Coral Gables’ Planning & Zoning Board recommended allowing composite recycled materials (minimum 60% recycled content) for trellises, decks and waterway walkways, while confirming review by the city architect and Board of Architects for visual compatibility and longevity.
The Planning & Zoning Board on Nov. 19 recommended a text amendment to permit composite recycled materials for trellises, wood decks and waterway walkways under the City of Coral Gables zoning code.
Jennifer Garcia, planning and zoning director, said the amendment would allow recycled composite materials (commonly made from post‑consumer plastics and PVC) as an approved option while preserving the city architect’s authority to require higher‑quality products or refer contentious cases to the Board of Architects.
Board members supported the sustainability and maintenance benefits but stressed visual quality, color compatibility and long‑term fading as important considerations. Felix Pardo said some recycled products can “look cheap” and urged that the city architect and, if needed, the Board of Architects retain case‑by‑case review authority to avoid substandard appearances on historic or prominent buildings.
The board also recommended staff provide a preapproved list of products for use by city CIP teams to expedite procurement. The motion to approve the staff recommendation passed unanimously.
