C4F-Ref- Planning Board - Artificial Grass At Hotels And Homes -Wolfson-City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower
and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE:
SUBJECT:
December 14, 2011 ~~
Referral to Planning Board ~rtificial Grass at Hotels and Homes and the
Planning Department Procedure for Approving Same.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Refer both versions of the proposed ordinance permitting artificial grass in the Dune
Overlay District (one permitting unlimited use, and one setting a maximum of 50% of the
required landscape area and requiring setbacks from side property lines) to Planning
Board and then bring back to LUDC ..
SUMMARY
At the October 26, 2011 meeting, the Land Use and Development Committee had a
discussion regarding an amendment to the City Code related to artificial grass at hotels
and homes and the Planning Department procedure for approving same. This item was
requested by Commissioner Jonah Wolfson at the September 14, 2011 City Commission
Meeting (Item C4D). The Committee recommended referring this to the Planning Board
and then bring back to LUDC.
As a result of significant recent advances in the development of high quality artificial
grass products, in terms of use, durability, desirability, and aesthetic appearance, the
Planning Department has begun to receive requests for the use of these products. A
small number of hotels have requested to replace natural grass with artificial grass in
limited areas of high-intensity-use where natural grass cannot be sustained in a healthy
condition and good appearance without being frequently replaced, most particularly
around highly active pool deck areas. However, while this has given the opportunity for
hotels to install artificial grass with either staff or board approval, the policy specifically
excludes the "Dune Preservation Overlay District," the easternmost portion of most
oceanfront hotel properties. The Dune Preservation Overlay District states that these
regulations "are designed to accommodate and promote recreational, open space and
related uses" and . . . . "supportive of the beachfront park system and the natural beach
environment." This has been interpreted to date by the Planning Department as a
prohibition on artificial grass within this area.
~R'"
JMGIJS'G/RGUML
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