LTC- 409-2025 Update on the Permitting Process with Miami-Dade County for the Current Configuration of Ocean Drive from 5 Street to 14 Place_MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC #409-2025 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of th City Commission
Eric Carpenter, City Manager �Ll.J.i--:tt::;-;;::::�---
September 23, 2025
Update on the Permitting Process with Miami-Dade County for the Current
Configuration of Ocean Drive from 5 Street to 14 Place.
The purpose of this Letter to Commission {L TC) is to update the Mayor and City Commission on
the status of the permitting process with the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works ("DTPW") for the current configuration of Ocean Drive from 5 Street to 14 Place (i.e. one ( 1) southbound vehicular travel lane and a two (2)-way protected bicycle lane).
Pursuant to direction received from DTPW, the City Administration ("Administration") has complied with all submission timelines as required by Florida Statute 334.61 - the new state law, effective
on July 1, 2024, which governs the approval process for vehicular travel lane repurposing projects
on public roadways. It is important to note that following the enactment of the new state law, DTPW advised the City that the current configuration of Ocean Drive is considered a lane repurposing
project (the "Project") as the original configuration of Ocean Drive consisted of two (2) vehicular
travel lanes (one (1) northbound lane and one (1) southbound lane) with on-street parking on both sides of the street, and the northbound vehicular travel lane was essentially repurposed in January
2022 to create a two (2)-way protected bicycle lane.
Below is a chronology of actions taken by the City to obtain a permit from DTPW for the Project in
compliance with Florida Statute 334.61:
•On March 7, 2025, the City mailed letters to over 5,000 property owners located within aone-quarter (1/4)-mile radius of the Project (as determined by DTPW). The City's letter
included an explanation of the Project and a link to review the draft traffic study for the
Project. This action satisfied the statutory requirement for the City to notify all affectedproperty owners of the Project at least 180 days prior to completion of the design phase ofthe Project. As such, the City would be able to obtain DTPW approval for the design of the
Project after the 180-day period ends (i.e. after September 3, 2025).•On June 17, 2025, the City mailed public meeting notices to over 5,000 affected propertyowners and posted an advertisement in the Miami Herald as well as on the City's website
and social media platforms.•On July 17, 2025, the City conducted a virtual public meeting. This action satisfied the
statutory requirement to conduct at least one (1) public meeting with at least 30 days priornotice, before completing the design phase of the Project. During the public meeting, theCity and the Project design consultant (Calvin Giordano and Associates ("CGA"))
presented the Project, including benefits to traffic and safety, and invited public comment.•On August 13, 2025, the City submitted 100% design plans to DTPW for review andapproval. As a matter of practice, DTPW has 25 business days to review/provide
comments or approve the design plans (with or without conditions). While the review period
is due to expire on September 18, 2025, it is worth noting that DTPW may extend thereview/comment period at their sole discretion.•On September 11, 2025, the final draft traffic study for the Project was submitted to DTPW
for review and approval. DTPW provided minor comments which CGA has addressed. The