DRB Understory Review ExamplesThe DRB and HPB provide a unique
public good by giving residents the
opportunity to publicly voice their
concerns about homes that will have
a direct effect on their quality of life.
It also ensures that our design
standards remain high.
Homes with Understories are a relatively new home type.
When done incorrectly, an understory home with a roof deck looks like a 4-story
apartment building plopped into a single-family home neighborhood.
No resident wants that.
Here are some recent examples of projects that have come before the DRB.
The lots on this street are narrow.
Residents have complained about the
impact understory homes will have on
their privacy.
1480
Stillwater Drive
This 20ft column is taller than
the house next door. This
design is out of scale with the
established homes. DRB
guided design modifications
enabled the home to better fit
it’s context by appearing to not
tower over its neighbors.
Staff does not have the time to listen to resident concerns, inspect
neighborhoods or work with the applicant to address unresolved
design flaws that might adversely impact adjacent homes. DRB does.
This architect is from Mexico City, where it is common to have homes enclosed by
large walls. In Miami Beach, our homes are not cut off from the street by 20 foot
high columns and screening walls. Nautilus Drive is an especially open, friendly
neighborhood. The front facade of this home is not.
4350
Nautilus
Drive
In Miami Beach good design is good for business
Before DRB review After DRB review