HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-340202025-34020
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
EXPAND THE PERMIT WALKTHROUGH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE SMALL
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AND RETAIL SPACES, IN ORDER TO
STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS, ENHANCE CUSTOMER
SERVICE, REDUCE TIME TO MARKET FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND
SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION IN THE
CITY'S COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTATION
TO ROLL OUT THE EXPANDED PROGRAM ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1,
2026; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A
PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE EXPANDED
PROGRAM IN ADVANCE OF THE PROGRAM'S LAUNCH.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach currently offers a Permit Walkthrough Program that
provides expedited, same -day plan review services for certain residential construction projects,
allowing eligible applicants to obtain permits more efficiently and with greater predictability; and
WHEREAS, the Walkthrough Program has proven to be a valuable tool in improving the
permitting experience for residents, reducing processing times, and enhancing transparency and
accountability in the plan review process; and
WHEREAS, small commercial projects and retail spaces —particularly those involving
interior buildouts, tenant improvements, or minor renovations —often face similar permitting
challenges, including delays that can significantly impact project timelines, leasing activity, and
business openings; and
WHEREAS, time is a critical factor for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and delays in
permitting can result in lost revenue, increased carrying costs, and missed market opportunities,
particularly in competitive commercial corridors; and
WHEREAS, expanding the Permit Walkthrough Program to include qualifying small
commercial and retail projects would provide these businesses with a more efficient and
predictable permitting pathway, thereby reducing barriers to entry and supporting the City's
broader economic development and small business support goals; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission is committed to fostering a business -friendly regulatory
environment that supports local investment, encourages commercial revitalization, and promotes
the adaptive reuse of existing retail and commercial spaces; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of the Walkthrough Program aligns with the City's strategic
priorities of improving customer service, streamlining internal processes, and enhancing the
responsiveness of City departments to the needs of residents, businesses, and property owners;
and
WHEREAS, the City Administration is well -positioned to develop eligibility criteria,
operational procedures, and staffing plans necessary to implement the expanded program in a
manner that maintains the integrity of the plan review process while delivering meaningful benefits
to the business community; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission desire that the Administration roll out the
expanded program on or before January 1, 2026 and conduct a public awareness campaign to
promote the expanded program in advance of the program's launch.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby direct the City Administration to expand the Permit Walkthrough Program to
include small commercial projects and retail spaces, and to develop and implement the necessary
procedures, eligibility thresholds, and staffing resources to support this expansion, with the goal
of streamlining the permitting process, enhancing customer service, and supporting local
economic development, and directs the Administration to roll out the expanded program on or
before January 1, 2026; and further, directs the Administration to implement a public awareness
campaign to promote the expanded program in advance of the program's launch.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this /7 day of Ot cem6,e2/0/2/j5.
ATTEST:
EC 2 2 2025 Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
(Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez)
Cosponsored by Mayor Steven Melner
Cosponsored by Commissioner David Suarez
Cosponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Cosponsored by CommissionerTanya K Bhatt
Cosponsored by Commissioner Mcnics Mateo -Salinas
... E
=psr.... Eq
D IIN�DR7�0RARED -'
i, ;•. � ; cat
41A=
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
/.Jz, 12o21
City Attomey Dam
Resolutions - C7 BH
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: December 17, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND
THE PERMIT WALKTHROUGH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE SMALL COMMERCIAL
PROJECTS AND RETAIL SPACES, IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE THE
PERMITTING PROCESS, ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE, REDUCE TIME TO
MARKET FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION IN THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL
DISTRICTS, AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ROLL OUT THE
EXPANDED PROGRAM ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2026: AND FURTHER,
DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A PUBLIC AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE EXPANDED PROGRAM IN ADVANCE OF THE
PROGRAM'S LAUNCH,
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Alex
Fernandez,
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://w w.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meetinn-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
2015 of 3458
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a 'Residents Right to Know" item Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code section 2-177 Project?
No No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which as defined in Code Sec 2.481
includes a principal engaged in lobbying?
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
City Attorney
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Mayor Steven Meiner
Commissioner David Suarez
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Condensed Title
Expand Permit Walkthrough Program, Include Small Commercial/Retail Projects.
(AF/SM/DS/LD/TB) CA
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
2016 of 3458