LTC 145-2021 Update - Resiliency CodeDocuSign Envelope ID: 97B44F75-7075-4326-9606-5CF7C0146O2D
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 14 5 -2 021 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO : Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager
r-: DocuSigned by: e.
DATE: April 6, 2021
SUBJECT: Update: Resiliency Code
The Administration is pleased to inform the City Commission that the drafting of much needed
updates to the City's current Land Development Regulations (LDR's) and the Resiliency Code are
well underway and proceeding as scheduled. The Administration has been engaged in scenario
planning with the consultant since last fall, and has been providing relevant data to the consultant.
Additionally, in the coming months focus group sessions and community workshops will be taking
place.
Background
On June 5, 2019, City Commission authorized the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
for a firm to analyze and update the City's current Land Development Regulations (LDR's) to better
meet the City's current regulatory needs with a primary focus on resiliency. On October 16, 2019,
the City Commission accepted the recommendation of the City Manager and authorized the
Administration to enter into negotiations with Perkins & Will Architects, Inc., the top ranked
proposer. On August 21°, 2020 the City awarded the contract to the firm of Perkins & Will.
Miami Beach is comprised of 27 barrier islands and extends 7.5 miles in overall length from south
to north. The City is located 2.5 miles off the mainland coast, and 97 percent of the land mass and
93 percent of the buildings are located within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Over the last
eight years, the LDR's have been amended numerous times for current and projected impacts of
climate change. Notwithstanding, a more holistic update is necessary to ensure that the entire City
has regulations in place to reduce the risk of sea level rise, as well as address future shocks and
stresses such as the ongoing pandemic.
The primary anticipated outcome of the Resiliency Code is a comprehensive and flexible document
that will address known impacts and provide necessary tools to manage circumstances that may
impact the viability and economic security of the City. The Resiliency Code will also provide a
much needed update our current LDR's, which were drafted over 30 years ago, and well before
sea level rise was understood to be a serious risk.
Resiliency Code and LDR Update
The new Resiliency Code will address all types of land uses and buildings, as well as strengthen
the economic foundation necessary for a thriving community. The updated code will also contain
innovative methods for the mitigation and adaptation of the City's historic resources so they can
continue to maintain their historic character and serve as a vital part of the city's economy. The
following is an initial summary of some of the key components identified in scenario planning
exercises:
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• The effects of climate change and the impacts of zoning on the economy will both be
analyzed to provide options for businesses' continued operations in non-traditional spaces
at times when low lying and/or enclosed premises become compromised.
• The safety of residents and visitors will be addressed by encouraging development that
provides 'more eyes on the street', and by better incorporating Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED) Principles. These are strategies for the built environment
that provide for natural observation through the placement of physical features, activities
and people in a way that maximizes the visibility of the space and its users.
• The updated code will help economic development in the City and provide mechanisms to
promote more streamlining of the development review processes so that both residents
and developers have a clear and transparent understanding of applicable regulations.
The Perkins & Will Team
The lead consultant is Perkins & Will and the following are the primary individuals who will lead
the sub disciplines:
• The Managing Principal and leader of the implementation team is Jose Gelabert-Navia
from Perkins & Will.
• Urban Design will be led by Paul Kulig, from Perkins & Will.
• Landscape will be led by Leo Alvarez, from Perkins & Will.
• The legal framework necessary for enactment will be led by Nancy Stroud, a Professional
Planner and Attorney with the firm of Lewis, Stroud and Deutsch.
• The develop of comprehensive written standards will be led by Doug Pierce from Perkins
and Will.
• Public outreach and implementation will be led by Ana Gelabert-Sanchez, from Perkins
and Will.
• The creation of a user-friendly and fully illustrated document will be led by Juan Mullerat of
Plusurbia.
• Engineering systems and sea-level rise details will be coordinated by Harvey Sasso of
Coastal Systems.
City of Miami Beach Team
The project will be managed by Rogelio Madan, Chief of Community Planning and Sustainability,
in collaboration with Amy Knowles City's Chief Resilience Officer. Nelson Perez-Jacome, City
Engineer, and Elizabeth Wheaton, Director of Environment and Sustainability, along with their key
staff, will also play an important role. In addition to the Planning Department, a number of other
City departments, as well as applicable local and state agencies, will be consulted to ensure a
holistic resilience strategy for the city.
Current Status
At this time the project team is well into Task 1, which is the fact gathering phase. To date the
team has received data from several City departments including Planning, Public Works,
Environment & Sustainability, and others. The project team has made initial introductory
presentations to the Ready Team and the City Manager Executive staff and is working with Miami
Dade County and other relevant regulatory agencies.
The consultant will hold a total of 15 meetings that will include community, public, and focus group
meetings. This robust public process will ensure that the public, City land use boards and the
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elected officials are updated regularly and that their input is considered as regulations are drafted.
Once the work is complete, staff will take the necessary legislative steps with the City Commission
for approval and implementation.
It is expected that the team will commence scheduling focus group meetings sometime in May to
receive input from key stakeholders, These include, but may not be limited to, Homeowner
Associations, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Miami Beach Conventions and
Visitors Bureau, Historic Preservation and Design Review Board, Sustainability and
Resilience Committee, Miami Design Preservation League, as well as Landowners and
Developers.
The Administration will be providing a brief introduction of the project team at the April 21, 2021
City Commission meeting. Additionally, should the Mayor or any member of the City Commission
like a more detailed, individual update, the Administration is available to brief members of the City Co!!ion
RJ, „ITRMICAS
C: Rafael Paz, Acting City Attorney
Rafael Granado, City Clerk