Sunny Isles Beach commission approves zoning changes, sign variance and multiple budget and maintenance items

The City of Sunny Isles Beach commission on April 20 approved a series of zoning, ordinance and resolution items, including a site-plan modification at the Estates at Aqualina and a contested sign-size variance for a Collins Avenue business.

Planning staff presented zoning application PZ-202603 to divide a combined unit occupying the entire 34th floor of the South Tower at 17901 Collins Avenue into two units. Staff advised the split would raise the project's dwelling-unit count from 234 to 235 but stay below the project maximum; the commission voted 5-0 to approve the site-plan modification.

The commission then considered PZ-202604, a variance requested by Martin Lopez for Dryco/Eco Garment Care at 18660 Collins Avenue to increase wall-sign area from 28.5 square feet (code maximum) to 96.4 square feet, citing reduced storefront visibility caused by a newly installed bus shelter. Lopez told the commission the existing sign had been illuminated 24/7 and proposed dimming at night rather than turning the sign off entirely. After discussion and a request from Vice Mayor Viscaro for a compliant rendering, the commission approved the variance 4-1; Vice Mayor Viscaro voted no, saying the business could resolve visibility by complying with the code.

On the ordinance calendar, commissioners approved on first reading an amendment to subdivision and plat procedures to implement state law changes (referencing section 177.071, Florida Statutes, and Senate Bill 784) that create an administrative approval pathway for plats and designate administrative officials for processing and approvals. The commission also approved, on first reading as amended, an ordinance establishing rules for personal delivery devices and mobile carriers; commissioners shortened the compliance period from six months to three months before administrative enforcement.

The body approved numerous resolutions to authorize city contracts and purchases, including a first-amendment to the lease for La Playa Beach Associates (extending a guaranteed term and continuing monthly rent at $10,000), the purchase of nine replacement police vehicles (staff said older units will be auctioned to offset costs), agreements for garage waterproofing, HVAC preventive maintenance, 14 replacement bus shelters (noting the city has 47 total shelters), and a contract amendment to reengineer foundations and add pilings for a pre-engineered metal building.

Commissioners also approved a sixth amendment to the civil engineering agreement for the Central Island pump stations and drainage improvements. City staff said multiple studies considered injection wells versus pump stations and determined pump stations are the effective long-term solution; the engineering and construction costs will be significant.

A budget-amendment ordinance for fiscal 2025-26 passed on second reading by a 3-2 vote after one commissioner repeated objections that key line-item breakdowns, change-order documentation and supporting invoices were not provided. That commissioner said the absence of details reduced transparency and accountability; other commissioners and staff said the expenditures were budgeted items and that additional backup could be provided.

The commission closed the business meeting and resumed a workshop session focused on code-enforcement and procedure items including enforcement of illegal use of handicap placards and restoring structured public comment during workshop discussion items. Staff reported 112 handicap-parking citations issued since October and said the city will step up enforcement; commissioners agreed to work with staff to return with specific proposals.

What happens next: several items passed on first reading will return for second readings in May; staff said they will provide additional backup and renderings when requested by the commission.