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Council approves first reading of comprehensive‑plan text amendment to raise height limits on parts of Biscayne Boulevard PCD
Summary
Council passed first‑reading companion amendments (comp plan and LDR) to increase allowable height from 110 to 210 feet for properties within the Biscayne Boulevard Plan Corridor south of NE 123rd Street and east of NE 18th Avenue; both readings passed 4–1 and will be transmitted to the state for review.
On first reading the City of North Miami council approved companion text amendments to the comprehensive plan and the land‑development regulations that would allow certain properties in the Biscayne Boulevard Plan Corridor to be built up to 210 feet, up from 110 feet today.
Staff explained the amendments carve out properties south of NE 123rd Street and east of NE 18th Avenue within the PCD to allow the higher height limit. Planning Commission recommended approval earlier in the year. Community planning staff said, if council adopts first reading this evening, the city will transmit the amendments to the state land planning agency for a completeness determination; state comments normally arrive in about 45 days, after which the council would take a second reading and, if adopted, the amendment would become effective 31 days after second reading and transmittal.
Representatives for the project known as La Maison, including counsel and the principal, told the council the request seeks only a height increase and not an increase in density; they said the site has been vacant for decades and higher height permission is needed to motivate redevelopment. Applicant counsel said any future project on the site will still require a conditional‑use permit and additional review.
Council members disclosed meetings with the applicant and asked about community meetings, project timelines and permit time limits; staff noted that conditional‑use approvals typically require building permits and DRC approval within 18 months but that prior hurricane‑related extensions have kept an older approval active. Several members expressed support while the vice mayor recorded a dissenting vote on both companion items. The motions for both Tab E and Tab F passed 4–1 on first reading.
Next steps: staff will transmit the amendments to the state for review; the council will consider second reading when state comments return.
