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Planning board approves Sunset Harbor restaurant’s conditional‑use permit with noise safeguards
Summary
The Planning Board approved a conditional‑use permit for a proposed 132‑seat restaurant in Sunset Harbor, approving staff conditions (no outdoor entertainment, outdoor speakers prohibited) and accepting a concession to reduce late‑night terrace hours to 10 p.m. for neighborhood protection.
The Miami Beach Planning Board approved a conditional‑use permit for a restaurant in the Sunset Harbor neighborhood after staff recommended approval with conditions intended to protect nearby residents.
Staff explained the application seeks to expand an existing restaurant from 60 seats to 132 and increase maximum occupancy to 198 (under the 199 limit for the Sunset Harbor overlay). Staff noted prior code violations under previous management and recommended conditions including prohibition of outdoor speakers and a ban on entertainment.
Applicant attorney Paul Savage said the new operators have worked with staff, closed prior violations and accept the conditions in the staff recommendation. Owner Juan Pablo Donofrio described the request as narrow, aimed at allowing hotel guests limited on‑site alcohol service at a small rooftop pool terrace and said the terrace is for hotel guests only.
Neighbors and the Sunset Harbor Neighborhood Association largely supported the restaurant’s return but pressed for strict enforcement of no entertainment and a point of contact for noise complaints. The applicant agreed to reduce late‑night terrace hours for the adjacent neighbors: board members accepted a modification to limit terrace hours to 10 p.m. (except July 4 and New Year’s Eve), and that concession was incorporated into the motion.
The board voted in favor of the conditional‑use permit with staff conditions and the added hour limitation; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: The recommended CUP conditions and operational limits will be incorporated into the zoning order and enforced by code‑compliance mechanisms and contract remedies if violations occur.
