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Miami Gardens council approves ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units
Summary
The City Council voted 6-0 on May 27 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) subject to permitting, inspections and fees; supporters said ADUs will add modest housing supply, opponents raised enforcement, parking and overcrowding concerns. The ordinance includes annual inspections and fee provisions.
Miami Gardens — The City Council on May 27 adopted an ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units, approving a framework for homeowners to add or legalize secondary living units on qualifying lots.
Councilwoman Linda Julian, the ordinance sponsor, said the change is voluntary and designed to help residents "bring existing in-law quarters into compliance" while adding modest housing supply. "This is an opportunity to help increase the housing stock," Julian said during the council discussion.
Supporters at the public hearing included State Representative Felicia Robinson, representatives of the Miami Realtors and housing advocates. Robinson said ADUs are a tool to ease housing pressures and to keep family members together. "When a homeowner can legally build a unit on their own property, that's one more door that opens for an aging parent, a young adult starting out, or a neighbor who needs a safe, affordable place to live," said Fo Estz, a housing-placement specialist who testified in favor.
Opponents and residents urged stronger safeguards. Gail Cunningham and other residents said the city must ensure enforcement and prevent conversions into unregulated multiunit rentals. "How will additional units be monitored? How will illegal rentals be prevented?" asked John Ziggler. Residents also warned about parking stress and neighborhood character changes.
Council members and staff addressed those concerns during debate. Staff said the ordinance requires compliance with building codes and development standards and includes an annual inspection and certification process. Council clarified implementation details: the one-time permit fee was stated in the meeting as $300 and the annual certification fee as $250. Council members said code enforcement and business-licensing offices will handle notifications and inspections.
Mayor Rodney Harris and five council members voted in favor; the motion passed unanimously (6-0). The ordinance allows qualifying homeowners the option to apply for ADU permits; conversions that fail to meet code remain subject to enforcement. Council members said the city will monitor implementation and fine-tune rules as needed.
Next steps: staff will publish application and inspection procedures and the fee schedule, and residents may apply once administrative forms are posted.
