HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 101-2026 - Design Review Board Recommendation - Permeability RequirementsMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
LETTER TO COMMISSION
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter, City Manager � �
March 11, 2026
Design Review Board Recommendation - Permeability Requirements
On July 10, 2025, the Design Review Board (ORB) requested that a discussion item related to the
permeability requirements for understory homes be placed on its October 23, 2025, ORB agenda. •On October 23, 2025, the ORB discussed the item and made several recommendations.
DRB DISCUSSION:The discussion was related to recent variance applications to allow for concrete to be used in theunderstory area for new understory homes. Due to the size of the lots and homes, the variances
were requested due to concerns that pavers would settle and sag over time. The variances weresubsequently granted to allow applicants to use a concreate grid that provides stability for pavers
while still allowing water to percolate into the ground.
For the ORB discussion the following applicable requirements for permeability in the understory
area in Section 7.2.2.3.b. the Resiliency Code were provided:
6.Understory Level Standards
Non-airconditioned Understory space located below minimum flood elevation, plus
freeboard. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, homes with understories may be
approved administratively, as provided herein:* * *
G.Understory ground elevation and minimum height. The minimum elevation of the
understory ground shall be constructed no lower than future crown of road as definedin chapter 54, of the city Code. Additionally, a minimum height of nine (9) feet to the
bottom of the first habitable floor of the home shall be required. All portions of the
understory area that are not air-conditioned shall consist of pervious or semipervious material. such as wood deck. gravel or pavers set in sand. Concrete.
asphalt and similar material shall be prohibited within the non-air-conditioned
portions of the understory area.
* * *
J.At least 70 percent of the required front yard and street side yard areas shall consist ofsodded or landscaped pervious open space. For purposes of this section, the required
front yard shall be the same as the required front setback of the principal structure. All
allowable exterior walkways and driveways within the front and street side yards shallconsist of pavers set in sand or other semi-pervious material. The use of concrete.
asphalt or similar material within the required front or street side yards shall beprohibited.
The purpose of these understory regulations is to facilitate the ability for storm water to percolate
into the ground.
101-2026