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Design Review Board approves two‑story home at 8290 SW 61st Ave with zoning‑legend condition
Summary
The City of South Miami Design Review Board approved a design‑review application for a two‑story residence at 8290 Southwest 61st Avenue, granting staff recommendations and imposing one condition to correct the rear setback in the zoning legend before permitting.
The City of South Miami Design Review Board voted 4–0 to approve the design review application DRB‑2025‑029 for a new two‑story residence at 8290 Southwest 61st Avenue, with staff conditions and board comments.
Lourdes Cabrera, representing staff, summarized the application and said the 13,484‑square‑foot lot meets RS‑3 frontage and lot‑size requirements and that the proposal complies with floor‑area‑ratio limits. Cabrera told the board the staff recommendation was approval with one condition: "the zoning legend shall include 28 feet for the proposed rear setback matching the dimension provided on the site plan." She also noted that a tree‑removal application must be submitted and that the project must comply with the Florida Building Code and relevant Land Development Code sections.
Architect Christina Fundino, who was sworn in to give testimony, described the design as a modern parapet two‑story residence that incorporates Florida materials—stone, wood, stucco—and interior planters consistent with vernacular elements. Fundino said the construction plans show the proposed fence and pool location; she added the fence work will likely be permitted under a separate building permit but is shown on the plans submitted to the board.
Board member Christian Rodriguez asked whether fence and structural items would be handled through separate permits; the applicant confirmed they would. Board member Mariano Corral raised technical concerns about grading and the septic/drain field location, warning the applicant to verify grading, spot elevations and stormwater calculations and suggesting a civil engineer prepare or review grading details. Corral said the board expects the applicant to address potential conflicts between tree root zones and the drain field during permit review.
After discussion, Corral moved to approve the application "with approval with staff comments and board members' comments." Christian Rodriguez seconded. Board members Rodriguez, Corral, Lopez and Acting Chair Daniel Guerra all voted yes.
The board’s approval is conditioned on correcting the zoning legend to reflect the 28‑foot rear setback on the site plan and on submittal of a required tree removal application; staff will confirm those items before issuing permits.
