R5A-Fence Heights -Malakoff-COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Condensed Title:
Second Reading to consider an Ordinance that amends and clarifies the measurement of fences,
walls, and gates within a required yard in Single-Family Residential Districts.
R5AAGE!'IDA ITEIIi
lncrease satisfaction with neighborhood character. lncrease satisfaction with development and
Supporting Data (Surveys, Environmental Scan, etc 48% of residential respondents and 55% of
businesses rate the effort put forth by the Citv to requlate
Item Summary/Recommendation :
SECOND READING - PUBLIC HEARING
The subject Ordinance would allow the overall height of fences, walls and gates in Single-Family
Residential Districts to be measured from adjusted grade, provided that the portion of such fences,
walls or gates above 4 feet in height consist of aluminum pickets with a minimum spacing of 3 inches.
On December 10, 2014 the Land Use Committee discussed the proposed amendments and
recommended that a modification to the measurement of fence heights be referred to the Planning
Board. On December 17 ,2014, the City Commission referred the item to the Planning Board.
On April 15, 2015, the City Commission approved the subject Ordinance at First Reading. On May 6,
2015, the City Commission continued the 2no Reading Public Hearing to a date certain of June 10,
2015.
The Administration recommends that the Citv Commission the attached Ordinance.
On February 24, 2015, the Planning Board (vote of 6-0), transmitted the attached proposal to the
City Commission with a favorable recommendation. (Planning Board File No. 2230).
Financia! !nformation :
Source of
Funds:
Amount Account
1
2
3
OBPI Total
Financial lmpact Summary:
ln accordance with Charter section 5.02, which requires that the "City of Miami Beach shall consider
the longterm economic impact (at least 5 years) of proposed legislative actions," this shall confirm
that the City Administration evaluated the longterm economic impact (at least 5 years) of this
proposed legislative action, and determined that there will be no measurable impact on the City's
budqet.
Thomas Mooney
T:\AGENDA\2015\June\Fence heights - 2nd Reading SUM.docx
MIAMIBEACH orrs 610 -tf229
MIAMI BEACH
City of Miomi Beoch, ,l700 Convention Center Drive, Miomi Beoch, Florido 33,l 39, www.miomibeochfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor Philip Levine and Members o the City
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: June 10,2015 ECOND READING - PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: Single Family Home Regulations -\Fence Heights
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATTONS (LDR) OF THE C!ry CODE,
CHAPTER 142, "ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS,"
ARTICLE IV, "SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRICT REGULATIONS,"
DIVISION 4, "SUPPLEMENTARY YARD REGULATIONS," AT
SECTION 142.1132, "ALLOWABLE ENCROACHMENTS WITHIN
REQUIRED YARDS," BY AMENDING AND CLARIFYING THE
MEASUREMENT OF FENCES, WALLS, AND GATES WITHIN A
REQUIRED YARD; PROVIDING CODIFICATION; REPEALER;
SEVERABILITY; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMM EN DATION
The Administration recommends that the City Commission adopt the attached
Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
On September 17,2014, at the request of Commissioner Malakoff, the City Commission
referred a discussion to the Land Use Committee regarding proposed amendments to
the maximum elevation of required yards in reference to increased seawall height
requirements (ltem C4B). On November 5, 2014, the Land Use Committee discussed
proposed amendments and continued the discussion to the December 10,2014
meeting.
On December 10, 2014the Land Use Committee discussed the proposed amendments
and recommended that a modification to the measurement of fence heights be referred
to the Planning Board. On December 17,2014, the City Commission referred the item to
the Planning Board.
ANALYSIS
Currently, within single family districts, the maximum elevation of a required yard is
limited to no higher than 'adjusted grade', which is the midpoint between the minimum
230
Commission Memorandum
Single Family Home Regulations - Fence Heights
June 10,2015 Paqe 2 of 4
required flood elevation and 'grade'. Grade is the sidewalk elevation at the center of the
property. For example, if grade is 4' NGVD, and the minimum flood elevation is 8'
NGVD, then adjusted grade is 6' NGVD. ln this instance the maximum elevation of a
required yard could not exceed 6' NGVD, or 2' above sidewalk grade.
On December 1Oth, 2014, as part of a related Ordinance amendment potentially allowing
increased elevations within required yards, the Land Use Committee recommended that
the heights of fences, walls and gates within interior and rear yards be modified by
measuring such heights from adjusted grade rather than grade as currently required.
Currently, within the required rear or side yard, fences and walls are measured from
grade.
As proposed, within single family districts zoned RS-1 or RS-2, the overall height of
fences, walls and gates would be measured from the adjusted grade, provided that the
portion of such fences, walls or gates above 4 feet in height consist of aluminum pickets
with a minimum spacing of 3 inches. Requiring a more open type picket fence above 4
feet in height will help minimize what could otherwise be a very tall solid structure when
viewed from a neighboring property with a much lower elevation.
PLANNING BOARD REVIEW
On February 24, 2015, the Planning Board (by a 6-0 vote) transmitted the proposed
Ordinance to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation. The Planning
Board also recommended that the proposed Ordinance be limited to homes located in
RS-1 and RS-2 districts.
FISCAL IMPACT
ln accordance with Charter Section 5.02, which requires that the "City of Miami Beach
shall consider the long term economic impact (at least 5 years) of proposed legislative
actions," this shall confirm that the City Administration City Administration evaluated the
long term economic impact (at least 5 years) of this proposed legislative action. The
proposed Ordinance is not expected to have a negative fiscal impact upon the City.
SUMMARY
On April 15, 2015, the subject Ordinance was approved at First Reading. At First
Reading, the City Commission requested a map of all RS-1 and RS-2 districts and a
map of properties that are 15,000 SF or larger.
On May 6,2015, the City Commission continued the public hearing to a date certain of
June 10, 2015. The Commission requested additional illustrations of how the revised
fence heights would look. Additionally, the Commission requested that the term
'aluminum' pickets be modified, so as to allow for flexibility in terms of materials. The
requested maps and illustrations of the proposed Ordinance changes (Exhibits A and B)
are attached to this memorandum.
CONCLUS!ON
The Administration recommends that the City Commission adopt the Ordinance.
JLM/JMJ/TRM/MAB/RAM
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231
Commission Memorandum
Single Family Home Regulations - Fence Heights
June 10,2015 Page 3 o'f 3
RS-{ and Rs-ZZoning
232
Commission Memorandum
Single Family Home Regulations - Fence Heights
June 10,2015
RS Lots 15,000+ SF
n RS Lots 15.ooo sFandAbove
{Approx.785 parcels}
0 1,25(P,500 5,000 Feet
JULTATUTTLE csrYY [[
233
EXHIBIT'A'- EX]STING
t
6flop{_E!qva_ti9! _ltP 7.0' I
: I I $3uS"r"o-cr"o-"
tr _GraQs _ _tl'o.o'
House Beyond
oE(\,
Lo)
Within Required Sideyard
(up to req, front setback)
VoriesElevationVories (min. 20 feet)
o,
Eo
Required Rear Yard
Existing Fence Height Requirements
MIAMIBEACH
Plonning Deportment
RS-1, RS-2 Zoning District Amendments - Fence Heights
Example of Current Fence Height requirements for a typical RS-1 and RS-
Zoned property with a difference of 7 feet between Grade and Base Flood
Elevation
May 2015. Cfry of Miami Eeach Planning Depadment
234
I
I
I
I
I
I
t
I
5 HopC-Elevation--J
'J, 7.0' :
EXHIBIT'B' . PROPSED
Oper
for p<
4 fee
House Beyond
picket type railiing required
rrtions of fence/wall above
tin height
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IC,
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Required Rear Yard
Within Required Sideyard
(up to req, front setback)
Erevation Vories (min' 2o feet)Vories
Proposed Fence Height Requirements
MIAMIBEACH
Plonning Deporiment
RS-1, RS-2 Zoning District Amendments - Fence Heights
Example of Proposed Fence Height requirements for a typical RS-1 and
RS-2 Zoned property with a difference of 7 feet between Grade and Base
Flood Elevation
May 2015. Cny orMiami Beach Planning oepadment
235
May 2015 Cfry ofMiami Beach Plann ng Depanmenl
236
EXHIBIT'B'- PROPOSED
R.
I
10'-0'
Min. Setbock (Typ.)
RS-1 Properties
OPEN PICKEI'TYPE
RAIUNG REQUIRED ABWE
4 FEET IN HEGHI
TYPICAL OLDER HOME
CONSTRUCTION
TYPICAL NEW HOME
CONSTRUCTION
NON HABITABLE SPACE
Proposed Fence Height Requirements
MIAMIBEACH
Plonning Deportmenl
RS-1, RS-2 Zoning District Amendments - Fence Heights
Example of Proposed Fence Height requirements for a typical RS-1 and
RS-2 Zoned property with a difference of 7 feet between Grade and Base
Flood Elevation
237
Fence Heights
ORDINANGE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR) OF THE
CITY GODE, CHAPTER 142, "ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS," ARTICLE IV,..SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRIGT REGULATIONS," DIVISION 4, "SUPPLEMENTARY YARD
REGULATIONS," AT SECTION 142-1132, "ALLOWABLE ENCROACHMENTS WITHIN
REQUIRED YARDS," BY AMENDING AND CLARIFYING THE MEASUREMENT OF FENCES,
WALLS, AND GATES WITHIN A REQUIRED YARD; PROVIDING CODIFICATION;
REPEALER; SEVERABILITY; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, sea level rise and flooding is an ongoing concern of the City, and the City
has previously implemented increased height allowance for single family homes in recognition
of rising sea levels; and
WHEREAS, the raising of required yards in single family districts to adjusted grade is
allowed and encouraged in order to minimize impacts from future flooding events; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to amend the amend the height regulations for fences, walls,
and gates within the required side and rear yards based upon the higher yard elevations; and
WHEREAS, these regulations will accomplish these goals and ensure that the public
health, safety and welfare will be preserved in the City's single-family districts.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND GITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. That Section 142-1132, "Allowable encroachments within required yards", is
hereby amended as follows:
(h) Fences, walls, and gates. Regulations
walls and gates are as follows:
(1) All districts except l-1 :
pertaining to materials and heights for fences,
Within the required front yard, fences, walls and gates shall not exceed five
feet. as measured from qr . The height may be increased up to a maximum
total height of seven feet if the fence, wall or gate is set back from the front
property line. Height may be increased one foot for every two feet of setback.
For properties zoned multifamily and located within a locally designated
historic district or site, fences shall be subject to the Certificate of
Appropriateness review procedure, and may be approved at the administrative
level.
Within the required rear or side yard, fences, walls and gates shall not exceed
seven feet, as measured from qrade, except when such yard abuts a public
right-of-way, waterway or golf course, the maximum height shall not exceed
five feet. Within RS-1 or RS-2 sinqle familv districts, in the event that a
propertv has approval for adiusted qrade, the overall heioht of fences. walls
a.
b.
238
d.
f.
and oates mav be measured from adiusted qrade, provided that the portion of
such fences, walls or qates above four (4) feet in heiqht consists of open
pickets with a minimum spacino of three (3) inches. unless othenryise approved
bv the desiqn review board or historic preservation board, as applicable.
All surfaces of masonry walls and wood fences shall be finished in the same
manner with the same materials on both sides to have an equal or better
quality appearance when seen from adjoining properties. The structural
supports for wood fences, walls or gates shall face inward toward the property.
Chainlink fences are prohibited in the required front yard, and any required
yard facing a public right-of-way or waterway (except side yards facing on the
terminus of a dead end street in single-family districts) except as provided in
this section and in section 142-1134.
Chainlink fences may be erected to surround vacant lots or vacant buildings to
minimize the possibility of the property becoming a dumping area. Such fence
shall be permitted on a temporary basis for a period not to exceed one year
and subject to its removal prior to the issuance of a certificate of use or a
certificate of occupancy for a main permitted use on the property. ln the
architectural district, such a fence shall be vinyl coated.
Barbed wire or materials of similar character shall be prohibited.
g Vacant lots in the CD-1 , CD-2, CD-3, C-PS1, C-PS2, C-PS3, C-PS4, RM-1,
RM-2, RM-3, R-PS1, R-PS2, R-PS3, R-PS4, RM-PS1, and MXE districts must
be secured against motor vehicle entry at all entry points by a chain, hedge,
fence, or other such material approved by the planning and zoning director.
ln l-1 light industrial districts, within the front, rear or side yard a fence shall not
exceed seven feet. as measured from qr , excluding barbed wire or materials of
similar character. Barbed wire or materials of similar character shall be elevated
seven feet above grade and be angled towards the interior of the lot. The combined
height of a wall or fence plus barbed wire or materials of similar character shall not
exceed nine feet. Vacant lots in the l-1 district must be secured against motor
vehicle entry at all entry points by a chain, hedge, fence or other such material
approved by the planning and zoning director.
For government facilities in GU and CCC districts, a fence surrounding the property
may be located on the property line, not to exceed six feet in height, as measured
from qrade. The height may be increased up to a maximum total height of eight feet
if the fence is set back one foot from the property line, subject to design review
approval; fence(s) shall be constructed in a manner such that there is substantial
visibility through the fence.
(2)
(3)
239
SECTION 2.COD!F!CATION
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, and it is
hereby ordained that the provisions of this ordinance shall become and be made part of the
Code of the City of Miami Beach, Florida. The sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or
relettered to accomplish such intention, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section",
"article", or other appropriate word.
SECTION 3. REPEALER
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 4.SEVERABILIry
lf any section, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the
remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect ten days following adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of
ATTEST:
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
First Reading: April 1 5,2015
Second Reading: June 10, 2015
Verified By:
Thomas R. Mooney, AICP
Planning Director
Underline = new language
S+ri*e$reugh = deleted language
[Sponsored by Commissioner MalakoffJ
T:\AGENDA\20'1 SUune\Fence Heights - 2nd Reading ORD.docx
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LANGUAGE
AND FOR EXECUTION
2015.
Philip Levine, Mayor
240
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