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Coral Gables board backs water‑quality review for Mahi Canal projects
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended a text amendment requiring water‑quality analyses for new or modified docks, mooring piles and similar over‑water structures in MF and MX districts along the Mahi Canal; the measure, which references Florida DEP standards, passed unanimously with a comment to flag manatee habitat and recommend the Commission examine slip counts separately.
Acting Chair called the City of Coral Gables Planning & Zoning Board into session Nov. 19 and the board considered a staff‑sponsored text amendment to Appendix A, section A‑67, aimed at protecting water quality in the Mahi Canal. Craig Southern, planning staff, told the board the amendment “simply requires applicants to provide a water quality analysis” and requires demonstration of compliance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (chapter 62‑302).
The measure would not change allowed uses or existing rights, Southern said, but would add a science‑based check — a benthic and depth analysis covering sediment and aquatic habitat — to assess potential impacts from added docks, mooring piles, boat lifts and similar structures. Staff recommended approval and noted applicants would pay for any required studies.
Board members asked a series of technical and scope questions: several members reported differing counts for existing boat slips (estimates ranged from the low‑20s to around 30 or more), while others warned that wide boats or additional slips could impair navigation. Staff and the city attorney repeatedly emphasized that the proposed amendment is limited to water‑quality analysis for MF (multifamily) and MX (mixed‑use) zoning districts and does not itself change the number of permitted slips or boat‑size rules.
Following discussion, a board member moved to approve the city’s recommendation. Members accepted a friendly amendment asking staff to note that the area is a designated manatee zone and to recommend that the City Commission consider slip‑count or vessel‑size limits as a separate action. On roll call the board voted to recommend the amendment to the City Commission; the meeting record shows the recommendation carried unanimously.
The matter will now go to the City Commission for formal action. The staff packet and the ordinance language cite Florida DEP rules (Chapter 62‑302) as a compliance standard and envision the Waterways Advisory Board and City Commission reviewing any water‑quality findings before project approval.
