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South Miami staff recalibrate landscape, open‑space and building‑coverage rules; palms limited to 35% of tree count
Summary
Staff recommended clarified metrics: building coverage presented at ~80%, open space set at 5–10% depending on project size, tree canopy may count as permeable area, and palm trees may satisfy up to 35% of tree requirements; commissioners signaled preferences but asked staff to confirm standards in the draft ordinance.
At the workshop Mark Alvarez summarized recalibrations to the landscape and open‑space requirements. He said building coverage was being presented around 80% and that projects would provide 5%–10% open space depending on size; landscape requirements are tied to the open‑space portion rather than the entire lot and tree canopy may count toward permeable area.
Commissioners questioned the proportion of palm trees that can satisfy tree requirements; staff confirmed a 35% cap for palms and noted the standard aligns with what had been used for downtown. The mayor and others expressed a preference for more canopy trees rather than palms to provide shade for pedestrians. No formal change was adopted at the workshop; staff will codify the agreed percentages in the draft ordinance for Nov. 4.
Why it matters: These metrics affect how developers design publicly accessible open spaces, tree planting and pedestrian comfort in the downtown core — elements flagged by commissioners as important to the district’s long‑term character.
