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South Miami planning board backs forwarding notice‑rule change to commission, seeks phased move from print to web
Summary
On June 2 the City of South Miami Planning Board voted to forward an ordinance (PBDash2026‑015) to the city commission that would let applicants satisfy public‑notice duties by posting on a county/municipal website, while preserving affidavits and sign‑posting and asking staff for a phased transition from newspaper to web notices.
The City of South Miami Planning Board voted June 2 to forward Ordinance PBDash2026‑015 to the city commission after staff presented proposed amendments to the Land Development Code that would allow legally permitted web posting as a method to satisfy public‑notice requirements.
Marcus, presenting for staff, said the proposed changes would amend Articles 4, 5 and 12 to reorganize notice requirements and give applicants the option of publishing notices on a county‑hosted website authorized under recent changes to Florida law. "Weare asking to be allowed for publishing notice in a matter that's permitted by law," Marcus said, adding that the city would continue current publication practices while authorizing web posting to reduce costs and increase visibility for web‑inclined residents.
The nut graf: the amendments respond to a statutory change that permits online publication in lieu of or alongside newspapers. Staff told the board that existing code requires mailed notice to property owners within a 500‑foot radius, a posted sign on the subject property and publication of a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation; Florida Statute section 166.04 requires notice at least 10 days before the public hearing. The proposal would let applicants meet those legal requirements via the permitted web posting while keeping staff oversight measures.
Board members asked how the city would verify that applicants complied with the posting requirements. One board member asked whether the city could require photographic proof that a sign had been posted; Marcus responded that staff will require photographic evidence and an affidavit attesting to mailing and posting and that postal services can provide certification receipts. "We would still require them to put the notice up," Marcus said, noting that affidavits and location maps would remain part of the submittal package.
Several members stressed that many long‑time residents still rely on print notices. "South Miami has a bunch of people who live here 20, 30, 40 years. They're still reading the paper," Chair Cherry said, urging a transition period. Board members discussed a phased approach that would continue newspaper placement (where feasible in the neighbor section) while establishing the web posting as an official option. Members also discussed requiring registered or certified mail for higher proof of service and clarified that the 500‑foot radius is measured "crow flies." Marcus said staff can explore a phase‑in period and higher‑stringency mailing options.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve staff's recommendation with two conditions — requiring applicant affidavits and photographic proof of sign posting, and instituting a phased transition to web posting while maintaining newspaper notice during the phase‑in. Another member seconded the motion; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board then approved minutes for April 14 and May 12, 2026, and confirmed its next regular meeting for July 14.
The ordinance will now go to the City of South Miami city commission for further review and potential adoption. Staff said they will return with any edits needed to implement a phased transition and with the affidavit and proof requirements discussed by the board.
