178-2001 LTCCITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
http:\~ci.rniami-beach.fl.us
LETTER TO COMMISSION
L.T.C. No. /7/
July 27, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~'~
City Manager
RENTAL OF HOUSES FOR LESS THAN SIX (6) MONTHS
This Letter To Commission is to notify you of the recent enfomement action taken by the Department of Code
Compliance concerning homes that are being leased for less than six (6) months by homeowners and realtors
in violation of the City Code. The short-term leasing of the residences have impacted on the quality of life for
the surrounding property owners.
The Department of Code Compliance was referred a complaint of a "party-house" being operated from 4350
Noah Bay Road. In speaking with the owner, Mr. Shawn Lewis, he denied that the property was being leased.
A Code Compliance Officer inspected the location and spoke with one of the occupants who stated that the
rap artist, "Little Kim" had rented the location. "Little Kim," along with her manager and members of the
group were staying at the location. Outside of the address was a Wimbish Reality sign. A Code Compliance
Officer called Wimbish Reality asking if the house was for lease for a weekend in August. The realtor
confirmed that the house could be rented on a weekly basis. The realtor also advised the Code Compliance
Officer of a web-site listing other homes on Miami Beach that were available for rent on a short-term basis.
The web-she contained twelve (12) locations. Notices of violation were issued to the property owners and the
realtor for leasing the property for less than six (6) months in violation of the City Code. A cease and desist
notice was issued to the maltor to discontinue the web-site. The cease and desist notice required that the web-
site be discontinued or the department would taken further action. The web-site was modified on July 18, 2001
to include language that the houses were only available to be leased for a minimum of six (6) months.
The location at 4350 North Bay Road is being referred to the Special Master for prosecution and that a
$15,000.00 fine be imposed. The other locations are being referred to the Special Master only for a finding
of guilt. As a result of the above enforcement action, other realtors on Miami Beach have called the City
inquiring about the City Code with respect to the rental of single family homes.
If you require any further information about this matter, do not hesitate to contact me.
c: Robert C. Middaugh, Jr., Assistant City Manager
Albert P. Childress, Director, Code Compliance Department