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North Miami board approves special exception for Montessori tutoring center at 580–590 Northeast 139th Street
Summary
The board unanimously approved a special exception permitting a private tutoring/Montessori program at 580–590 Northeast 139th Street. Owner Jane Romero said the center will serve highly functioning students in small groups, up to 25 children in staggered shifts; approval is conditioned on obtaining a certificate of use and business tax receipt and any required permits.
The North Miami board unanimously approved a special exception to allow a private tutoring/Montessori center at 580 and 590 Northeast 139th Street.
City planner Daniel Losandir presented the staff report for the application (folio 0622190200020), describing recent property improvements and concluding that the applicant met the special‑exception standards in the LDR; staff recommended approval with standard conditions that include obtaining a certificate of use (CU) and business tax receipt (BTR) and securing building permits for any future changes.
Property owner Jane Romero said she and her sister ran a Montessori tutoring program since 2008 and purchased the current property to continue services tailored to children with learning differences. Romero told the board the facility can accommodate up to 25 children in staggered shifts and that instruction is delivered one‑on‑one or in very small groups, with certified teachers and space for therapists to visit when needed. Romero described a large rear yard of roughly 10,000 square feet for activities.
Assistant Christian (Christian Lopez) said the program also uses virtual instruction to increase reach. In board questioning, Romero and Lopez confirmed the age range served (first grade through high school, and in some cases up to age 22), hours of operation (approximately 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and that Miami‑Dade Fire will set any maximum occupancy during final approvals. The applicant said they will perform background checks for offenders and obtain required permits, including a recent permit application for a six‑foot privacy fence on the back patio.
Following public comment and board questions, the board moved to approve the special exception. The roll call recorded unanimous affirmative votes and the motion passed. The approval is conditioned on the applicant obtaining the CU and BTR and any necessary building permits before commencing operations.
No specific occupancy limit was set by the board at the hearing; Miami‑Dade Fire and city permitting staff will determine final occupancy and safety requirements during the permitting process.
