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Home My WebLink AboutSubmittal-Planning and Zoning Department-Letters of SupportWynwood Business Improvement District 310 NW 26th Street # 1 Miami, Florida 33127 May 7, 2014 Dear City of Miami Commissioners: We are writing this letter on behalf of the Wynwood Business Improvement District's Board of Directors which represents over 400 Properties in the Wynwood Area. At the Boards,regularly scheduled meeting on May 15, 2014 a motion was approved to endorse a small building parking exemption for T4,T5 and T6. "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, or by one hundred percent (100%)for any structure that has a Floor Area of ten thousand (10,000)square feet or Tess except when site is within 500 feet of T3." The Board feels that this proposed zoning change provides a first necessary and important step in the promotion of small scale infill development in the City of Miami. We urge you to support the Small Building Parking Exemption amendment, which will have significant benefits for the City's residents. David Polin Chair, Transportation/PiJ. . Committee _ Joe rst Chair, y,wood BID CC. Francisco Garcia, Director, Planning and Zoning City of Miami Submitted into the public record or it m(s)ity Clerk on - 0 Onni n GI(id 7n n �.Por t men � -1 e � � � o-F Supp0-- �4 02u�t�z-}-�. �vr�►t�rG � � Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk TRANSIT ACTION COMMITTEE April 28, 2014 Re: Support for Reduced Parking Requirements As our city grows and becomes denser, the requirement for additional parking continues to come up as an obstacle. Rather than continuing to accommodate more automobiles, our policymakers should be intent on creating an urban setting, as well as a transportation system, where trips by car are not the default. TrAC, or Transit Action Committee, is a political action committee in Miami in support of elected officials, policies and candidates that prioritize robust transit options for Miami -Dade. TrAC fully supports any measure that would eliminate the need for small-scale developments, 10,000 sq. ft. or less, to provide parking spaces near transit stations and corridors. Ensuring that a small building parking exemption moves forward will help build a livable and walkable community, increase economic/business activity, increase housing affordability and improve transit use. By creating new policies or revising existing ones that allow for the creation and realization of mix -use developments around our transit stations and corridors, we are paving the way for an economically vibrant, resilient, and attractive Miami. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, TrAC Miami TrAC is a non -partisan, political action committee in support of elected officials, policies and candidates that prioritize robust transit options for Miami -Dade. TrAC is registered with the Florida Division of Elections. www.tracmiami.orq trac@tracmiami org I @tracmiami I 786-508-2944 We Walk. We Ride. We Vote. Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 800 NW 33rd Street I Pompano Beach, Florida 33064 I p 954/942-7245 I F 954/788-7878 I www.sfrta.fl.gov August 25, 2015 Mr. Charles Garavaglia, Chair City of Miami Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Dear Mr. Garavaglia: The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) applauds the City of Miami (City) Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board for their recent decision recommending approval of a Parking Exemption for Small Scale Development located close to transit. The SFRTA is aware of the burden that increased parking requirements can have on developers interested in transit -oriented development (TOD) and supports the City in helping to advance Smart Growth principles and address the parking dilemma facing many cities across the country. This action will also set a great precedence for cities along the east coast from Miami to Jupiter. Providing parking exemptions for smaller buildings near transit allows for a mix of affordable housing options for residents, and supports the local economy by allowing small businesses to create retail opportunities focused around transit. This density around transit stops creates more demand for transit and provides opportunities for increased ridership and farebox revenues while leveraging the public transit investments already made by the City. With the City's recent transportation investments to the All Aboard Florida Project and Tri-Rail Downtown Miami Link, the City is at the forefront of improving and growing its transportation network. Providing opportunities for Small Scale Development is critical to this growth and will be a major boost to the City's economy. We look forward to working with the City as it transforms and continues to grow into a thriving urban and walkable City connected to transit. Since ely, k L. Stephens executive Director cc: SFRTA Governing Board GOVERNING BOARD Commissioner Steven L. Abrams I Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro I James A. Cummings I Andrew Frey I Frank Frione Nick A. Inamdor I Gerry O'Reilly I F. Martin Perry I Commissioner Tim Ryan I James A. Scott I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jack L. Stephens k'''"e"DC SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COALITION May 12, 2014 City of Miami Commissioners, Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk The South Florida Community Development Coalition (SFCDC) endorses a small building parking exemption, specifically the text below. Our mission is to support community development efforts for low -to -moderate income families. We are dedicated to promoting neighborhood revitalization by building the capacity of local, community -based developers, property owners, and businesses. The proposed small building parking exemption directly supports the mission of the SFCDC and the members we serve. Many small property owners find it impossible to build new, affordable buildings or additions due to Miami's zoning requirements for parking. A small building parking exemption would: • Level the playing field for small property owners. • Let the market decide: Empower small owners to choose how many spaces to provide based on their property size and knowledge of local needs. • Investment without displacement: Allow small property owners to keep their property and develop it, thus participating in the revitalization of their own neighborhood. • Reduce housing costs: Required parking drives up construction costs and encourages larger, less -affordable units. • Spread the wealth: The gains from urban development should not be concentrated in a few large companies. • Facilitate investment in more urban neighborhoods: Not every neighborhood needs 40 stories, some just need 8 units but can't accomplish that due to required parking. • Compatible development: Small buildings are compatible with neighborhood character. • Grow world -class neighborhoods: The best urban neighborhoods are made up of many small, adaptable buildings. The small building parking exemption being advocated for is as follows: "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, OR BY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) FOR ANY STRUCTURE THAT HAS A FLOOR AREA OF TEN THOUSAND (10,000) SQUARE FEET OR LESS, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." Please vote for this exception and support a sustainable future for Miami's urban neighborhoods. Sincerely, a rr David Halpern Interim Executive Director 300 NW 12m AVENUE ♦ MIAMI, FLORIDA 33128 VVNAN.SOUTHFLORIDACDC.ORG 786-237-2125 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Arden Shank, President •Is rQ 3, pr,-,eS Jihad S. Rashid, Vies-Prgident ehxxrec' Oliver Gross, Treasurer Maha Coto, Secretary Evelyn Bruce Mario Arlecona Elaine Black Myrna Sonora Sam Diller .. Doug Mayer - _ Development Don Patterson Deveicpirent. 'nc Jihad S. Rashid i operative Development rr�i nn Barbara Ibarra '...� •e C2a ,or for the ".*maless Barbara Romani Denis Russ Juan Rojas Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ.13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk Net rkood Fweviv>� Greativw R�,vit�lliilno� �tol v;il Serviceti of ,outs Florida, nhssf.org May 6, 2014 City of Miami Commissioners, Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida endorses a small building parking exemption, specifically the text below. Our mission is to develop affordable, sustainable housing and to stabilize neighborhoods. We are dedicated to neighborhoods where development is driven by local property owners and businesses, not outside interests. The proposed small building parking exemption directly helps our mission. Many small property owners find it basically impossible to build new buildings or additions due to Miami's zoning requirements for parking. A small building parking exemption would: ■ Level the playing field for small property owners. ■ Let the market decide: Empower small owners to choose how many spaces to provide based on their property size and knowledge of local needs. • Investment without displacement: Allow small property owners to keep their property and develop it, thus participating in the revitalization of their own neighborhood. • Reduce housing costs: Required parking drives up construction costs and encourages larger, less -affordable units. • Spread the wealth: The gains from urban development should not be concentrated in a few large companies. • Facilitate investment in more urban neighborhoods: Not every neighborhood needs 40 stories, some just need 8 units but can't accomplish that due to required parking. • Compatible development: Small buildings are compatible with neighborhood character. • Grow world -class neighborhoods: The best urban neighborhoods are made up of many small, adaptable buildings. The small building parking exemption that is being advocated is as follows, short and simple, in CAPS: "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, OR BY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) FOR ANY STRUCTURE THAT HAS A FLOOR AREA OF TEN THOUSAND (10,000) SQUARE FEET OR LESS, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." Please vote for this exception. The future of Miami's urban neighborhoods depends on it. Best regards, 1t / Arden Shank President & CEO MIAMLDADE: 300 NW 12th Avenue • Miami, FL 33128 • Tel 305 751-5511 • Fox 305 751 2228 800 W,.Oa&land Pork Boulevard, #301 • fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 • Tel 954.564.4037 • Fox 305-751-2228 Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk Miami Coalition for the Homeless. Inc. 140 West Flagler Street Suite 105 Miami, FL 33130 Telephone: 786-469-2060 Fax: 305-372-6337 info@miamihomeless.org www.miamihomeless.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Monica Vigues-Pitan President Legal Services of Greater Miami Jason Pittman Vice -President Touching Miami with Love Marla Cristina Barros Seaatary NBCUniversal, Telemundo Vance Aloupis The Children's Movement of Florida Cleve Bell Riverside House Anthony Brunson Sharpton, Brunson & Company, P.A. Ana Castilla TD Bank Judge Cindy Lederman 11 ' Judicial Circuit Court Barbara L. Romani Citibank Curtis Taylor Carrfour Supportive Housing May 15, 2014 Commissioner Francis Suarez City of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Dear Commissioner Suarez, The Miami Coalition for the Homeless endorses progressive modifications to zoning and code requirements that will decrease construction costs and increase the stock of affordable rental housing for low-income households. According to a Center for Housing Policy study, moderate -income renters in the Miami metro area spend 38% of their household monthly income on housing costs. When transportation costs are combined with housing costs, the percentage of monthly household income consumed by renters increases to nearly 69%—the highest percentage in the country. This leaves moderate -income renters as well as lower - income households with limited resources to afford essentials such as food, medication, and healthcare and makes households increasingly vulnerable to becoming homeless. Parking exemptions for small urban buildings near transit networks is a cost effective approach to reduce housing and transportation costs. Eliminating minimum parking requirements will significantly reduce the cost of creating new housing in location - efficient areas by decreasing construction costs and encouraging smaller, more affordable units. Increasing density near transit networks will also help to create more walkable communities and begin to offset the high costs of auto ownership. Furthermore, replacing parking with denser development will generate more property and sales tax for the city and county. The Miami Coalition for the Homeless strongly supports this effort because of its potential to successfully encourage the inclusion of affordable housing within the urban core. This is a fundamental component of our affordable housing initiative, Miami Homes for All®. This initiative seeks to establish a loan fund to finance the development of rental units affordable to extremely low-income households within a mixed -income context. Miami Homes for All® will greatly benefit from the increased development of small, adaptable buildings. Thank you on behalf of Miami individuals and families struggling to make ends meet in this challenging economy. incerely, Barbara A. (Bbh1 ie) Ibarra, SPHR Executive Director Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk LITTLE I1AVANA 111111.3 IMF May 9, 2014 Dear Commissioners, By way of this letter, the Little Havana Merchant Alliance would like to express that we support the idea of a small building parking exemption in Transit -Oriented Development areas and along the Transit Corridor and we like this specific proposed text forT4, 5 & 6: "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, or by one hundred percent (100%) for any Structure that has a Floor Area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." We feel that this proposal will: 1. Level the playing field for small Miami property owners 2. Enable small steps toward more walkable urban neighborhoods. 3. Promote investment in Little Havana. We encourage you to vote for this proposal. Cordially, The Board of the Little Havana Merchant Alliance: Anneliese Morales, HAC Architects Bill Fuller, Barlington Group Raisa Fernandez, Brickell Kidz Bus Corinna Moebius, Little Havana Guide Alvaro Alvarez, Continental National Bank Carol Ann Taylor, Little Havana To Go Reine Price, Miami Dade College Marta Viciedo, Urban Impact Lab Suzanne Battle, Azucar Ice Cream Fernando Arencibia, RE/MAX Realty 1 1637 CALLE OCHO LITTLE HAVANA, MIAMI, FL 33135 (786) 255-4664 2 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1710, Miami, Florida 33131 t: 305.374.7200 f: 305.374.7003 9 September 2015 City of Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez, District 4 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 fsuarez(@.miamigov.com Dear Commissioner Suarez, Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk HEALTH F."; FOUNDATION of south florida Given the serious prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases in Miami linked with a sedentary lifestyle, and Health Foundation of South Florida's interest in fostering a healthier community where residents obtain needed levels of walking, biking or other forms of physical activity, the Foundation fully supports the small building parking exemption. We believe that this is an important step in making our community less dependent upon sedentary transportation, such as cars, and fostering neighborhoods where residents more typically use active forms of transportation (i.e., walking, biking, public transit). Beyond the economic health of walkable urban neighborhoods, waving parking requirements for small buildings near transit encourages small scale economic development. Small scale development is a major economic component for any thriving city. Let's not lose this opportunity to support our local businesses by enabling them to grow and instead give the green light to the cafes, stores and businesses that keep the magic in our city and sustain our world class ranking. And although Health Foundation helped to create Age -Friendly Miami -Dade, it wasn't because it often feels like you will reach 100 before finding a parking space in some areas. But according to various sources, adding parking only compounds the issue. The solution to a parking shortage, isn't more spaces, rather it's creating places that thrive with fewer cars. And when places thrive, so do its residents. Miami is not alone on this issue. It is being addressed across the country. Let's lead the way and support the small building parking exemption. Sincerely, Peter N. Wood, MPA Vice President of Programs & Community Investments T: 305.374.2282 Personal Twitter: @peternwood Health Foundation of South Florida, a nonprofit organization, improves health through community investments for health promotion and preventive services. With leadership and effective partnerships on a national, state and local level, the Foundation advances the ability of residents in Broward, Miami -Dade and Monroe Counties to lead healthier lives. Since its founding in 1993, the Foundation has worked with more than 400 organizations and awarded over $110 million. For more information, please call 305.374.7200 or visit www.hfsf.orq The Foundation for healthy community BOARD OF DIRECTORS Loreen M. Chant Chairwoman Arthur A. Finkle. CLU Vice Chairman Roderick K. King. M.D., MPH, FAAP Secretary MEMBERS Richard B. Adams, Jr., Esq. Melida Akiti, LCSW Luther Brewster. Ph.D. Sheldon D. Dagen, CPA Karen B. Gilmore Philip Grossman, M.O. FACP, FACG, AGAF Susan Kelley Richard Laviha Ivette Motola. M.D.. MPH. FACEP, FAAEM Claire Michele Rice, Ph.D. Than M.P. Tran, M.D. J. Everett Wilson, Esq. Stanley Worton, M.D. STAFF Steven E. Marcus, Ed.D. President & CEO Kathy J. Antreau, CPA Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Shari L. Gantman Vice President of Communications Janisse R Schoepp. Ph.D. Associate Vice President Programs. Policy and Special Initiatives Peter N. Wood, MPA Vice President of Programs & Community Investments .•J.v hFsrorn Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk ti5HACDC HAITIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HAITIAN AMERICAN -COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION June 2, 2014 Dear City of Miami Commissioners, "23ui� n9 74mes, $ui[Jnj Lives, Sul -fling Community" The Haitian American Community Development Corporation (HACDC) endorses modification to City of Miami zoning code requirements that will decrease the cost to build much needed infill housing by reducing parking requirements for small properties zoned T4, T5 and T6. Reduced costs for housing and increased supply moves our community a long way towards addressing the growing need for affordable housing in the urban core. Providing affordable housing in the urban core where there is an abundance of small properties within walking distance to places of employment and essential services and amenities, and ready access to public transportation, also reduces the dependency on privately owned vehicles. For the majority of residents of Miami housing and transportation costs combined consume close to 70% of total household income making Miami the most expensive city in the entire country in which to live. By providing small property owners near transit networks the opportunity to reduce the number of parking spaces has the potential to reduce both housing and transportation costs. The small building parking exemption that HACDC supports would allow for parking ratio to be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of Transit Oriented Development areas or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by one hundred percent (100%) for any structure that has a floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, except when site is within 500 feet of T3 zoned property. As a community development corporation we seek strategies that create sustainable, livable communities by utilizing community assets. Allowing small property owners the opportunity to more fully utilize the asset that is their property to meet the need for more affordable housing, while creating an increased tax base and revenue for the city, is in my mind a classic win -win situation for all. With best regards and hopes that this progressive modification to City of Miami Code and Zoning be considered and supported. S. Biller Executive Director Miami FL 33138 I T: (305) 759-2542 I F: (954) 742-9139 e1 toeiicanCDC.com Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk May 7, 2014 RE: Supporting Reduced Parking Requirements Miami is a city on the verge of embracing the realities of 21st Century sustainability. With increasing popularity of bicycling, transit, and alternative transportation, the city's impulse to prioritize the automobile is becoming outdated and inconsiderate of an increasing urban population. Miami is metropolitan, and, as most world -class American metro areas like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco suggest, people are more productive uses of space than cars. Our policy makers have a responsibility to the residents and the future of this region. City and county have expressed interest in expanding rail lines, providing widespread and efficient commuter services, and diminishing the strain on roadways by offering more options than personal cars. This requires changing zoning to better serve our urban space by reducing archaic regulations on installing parking spaces in new building projects. Emerge Miami is a network for community -minded advocates and organizations working to achieve common goals in seeing South Florida thrive as a sustainable region. Among our numerous activities are monthly weekend bicycle rides utilizing Metrorail stations as gathering places and visiting local small businesses and events to show our support for Miami's growth. We represent a number of individuals and organizations, that are eager to see restrictions lifted on small-scale developments mandating they install automobile parking spaces, thereby obstructing opportunities for infill development, increased transit, and bicycle use. We have an opportunity to revise standards for Miami's development pattern by taking our focus away from cars and aligning it toward healthy, active, and thriving citizenry. Emerge Miami would therefore willingly endorse any movement by our local representatives to do away with zoning requirements in South Florida which mandate small scale developments, such as those 10,000 square feet or Tess, install obligatory parking spaces. By encouraging alternative forms of transportation and limiting regulatory priorities for parking and automotive transportation, Miami can set a global standard for recognizing the qualities of a contemporary cosmopolitan metro area connected to its people, its economic prosperity, and its regional growth. Sincerely, Emerge Miami Emerge Miami is a collaboration of local professionals, organizations, and individuals interested in creatively achieving our common goals through community -building activities emergemiami.com @EmergeMiami emerge.miami@gmail.com Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk DPZ PARTNERS 320 Firehouse Lone Gaithersburg, MD 20878 :el: 301 948.6223 www dpz.com July 13, 2015 To the attention of: The City of Miami Planning Commission The City of Miami Commissioners The City of Miami Planning Director Re: Parking exemption for small buildings Dear all, DPZ Partners would like to enthusiastically support the small building parking exemption for buildings 10,000 square feet or less, near TOD areas and not within 500 feet of low -density residential homes. It will more easily permit the redevelopment of smaller plots without burdening property owners with parking requirements simply too difficult to meet on these smaller plots. Around the country, many cities are adopting similar regulations in their desire to revitalize the redevelopment of affordable neighborhoods, and to meet the ever-growing demand for walkable urban living. In fact, many cities lack the crucial "middle housing" building types, (such as townhouses, fourplexes, small courtyard buildings and bungalow courts) we determined were missing in our rewrite of the zoning code precisely because regulations inadvertently precluded smaller lot platting or placed too onerous requirements on regulations, such as parking or setbacks. If you recall, the old zoning code jumped from 18 du/acre to 55 du/acre with no choices in between. Our reintroduction of these necessary transition types of densities from single-family homes to higher density towers between 20 - 40du/acre was intended to significantly diversify the building type choices for Miami residents of different income and age. We believe this proposed Code amendment will greatly incentivize the construction of these new building types at a much faster pace. Miami needs this change. Regards, Marina Khoury, Partner Cc: Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk & Andres Duany, DPZ American Planning Association Florida Chapter Gold Coast Making Great Communities Happen Executive Board OFFICERS Silvia Vargas, AICP, LEED AP Chair Maeve Desmond, AICP, Vice-Chalr Professional Development Officer Lynda Kompellen Westin, AICP Treasurer Arceli Redila Secretary Karen D. Hamilton Immediate Past Chair DIRECTORS Maria Batista, AICP Jerry Bell, AICP Alex David, AICP Brian Gillis, AICP Mlrtha Gonzalez Melissa Hege, AICP Sarah Ingle, AICP Edward Murray, AICP Alexis Pena Ralph Rosado, AICP Valerie Neilson, AICP Thomas Hastings, AICP Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk May 15, 2014 City Commission City of Miami Re: Amendment to Miami 21 for Small Building Parking Exemption Honorable Commissioners: On behalf of the Gold Coast Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA FL), please accept this letter in support of an amendment to the City of Miami Code to create a small building parking exemption in Transit -Oriented Development areas and along the Transit Corridor. Specifically, our organization would favor an amendment to the present code language to relieve structures with a floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or smaller from current parking requirements, as underlined in the following text: "Parking ratio may be reduced within'/2 mile radius of TOD or within % mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, or by one hundred percent (100%) for any Structure that has a Floor Area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." APA FL is the state affiliate of the American Planning Association, a non-profit organization formed to provide vision and leadership for the future development and redevelopment of Florida communities. The Gold Coast Section, a division of the Florida Chapter, includes nearly 200 hundred planning professionals, students and allied professionals in Miami - Dade and Monroe Counties. As planners, we believe the goal of our profession is to help create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Because of this belief, the APA FL Gold Coast Section supports the proposed amendment. This exemption will facilitate reinvestment in urban neighborhoods with good access to transit, where often small property sizes make it impossible to meet the current parking requirements on site. It will allow owners of small properties to keep their properties (rather than selling to developers for assembly) and pursue smaller projects that are more consistent with the existing character of their neighborhoods. In addition, the exemption will contribute to keep housing more affordable in those neighborhoods, since parking drives up construction costs, which in turn get passed on to residential buyers and renters. We urge you to support the Small Building Parking Exemption amendment, which will have significant benefits for the City's residents. Sincerely, Gold Coast Section APA FL Chapter Gold Coast Section, American Planning Association Florida Chapter • 100 Northeast 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132 Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk 01011 BASF BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA BUILDING GREAT CITIES Chair and City Commissioners City of Miami 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33131 Dear Chairman Goa and City Commissioners: July 16, 2014 Re: Small Building Parking Exemption I am writing on behalf of the Miami -Dade Legislative Committee of the Builders Association of South Florida (BASF)_ Chapter about the above -referenced issue, which proposes an amendment to the City of Miami Code to create a small building parking exemption in Transit -Oriented Development areas and along Transit Corridors. It has been a source of discussion for the past several months, among our committee members, as well as within the community at large. The City of Miami has come to a mature point in its development such that this is an idea most worthy of exploring. Increasingly, the City is spending more capital dollars in building more transit -friendly facilities, including increasing the number of bike lanes, funding the Miami Trolley, and in general, promoting walkability within neighborhoods. Further, since the adoption of Miami 21, the City has strongly encouraged developers to plan their buildings (office and residential buildings) to make more or better use of existing mass transit facilities, including Metro Rail and Metro Mover among other facilities, through the zoning code. We continue to strongly support and endorse these incentives. The next step in this forward -thinking urban planning is the small building parking exemption. This concept, when added to all other existing incentives, will help make all programs even more successful. Finally, we respectfully submit that the City should adopt greater densities within and around these areas as well. While such efforts may have been thwarted in the past, perhaps now is the time for this change as well, to increase the efficacy of the small building parking exemption, too. Sincerely, Truly Burton, Executive/Government Affairs Director cc: Mayor Tomas Regalado Planning and Zoning Director Planning and Zoning Board Lit✓NNAR' xfinity • A I41,1,1 ry A.1 11, 12 il i, Associaa• illinT tiumfx l: fTI T�... - BRurna rLT • fltul, nF,•lc • CC Devcn`Dev.:•fonrra - G.i.+,t;H Convtrucncrn.Inc. In • Flagrx rDova,lot,nv.,nt T1 Honks • G. c..rn l,e,J. rru...nt Noll..ncl 4 Ki.rf,l,l • / Ilrt,..n Ch•v..rinl,rne nl C...nol, T 1',.:• C.n....-.n nl,. ni. • VRAA l'.nl.,.i,r..... • Wt•.t,.-i A chapter of Florida Atlantic Building Association www.myfaba.com_ 4601 Sheridan Street, #401, Hollywood, FL 33021 Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk T: 954-399-9233 F: 954-639-7107 2014 Board of Directors President Gene N. Kluesner, AIA President Elect Tony Rosabal, AIA Vice Presidents Javier E. Cdrdova, AIA Jason R. Hagopian, AIA Secretary/Treasurer Neyda S. Otero, AIA Chapter Directors Elizabeth G. Camargo, AIA Javier F. Salmon, AIA Jason Tapia, AIA State Directors Virgilio Campaneria, AIA Allan T. Shulman, FAIA Alejandro Silva, AIA Lourdes Solera, FAIA Associate Directors Michelle M. Bilbao, Assoc AIA Alejandro 8. Granger, Assoc AIA AIA Florida Secretary/Treasurer Martin Diaz-Yabor, FAIA Executive Vice President Cheryl H. Jacobs AIA Miami A Chapter of The American Institute of Architects July 2, 2014 The Honorable Tomas Regalado City of Miami 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 RE: SMALL BUILDING PARKING EXEMPTION Dear Mayor Regalado: Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, I am writing to advise you of our support of a small building parking exemption, currently being considered. AIA Miami has over 700 members, many of whom work with small property owners on a regular basis. Many small property owners find it basically impossible to build new buildings or additions due to Miami's zoning requirements for parking. A small building parking exemption would: • Level the playing field for small property owners. • Let the market decide: Empower small owners to choose how many spaces to provide based on their property size and knowledge of local needs. • Provide more affordable housing in the urban core near transit reducing the dependency on private vehicles. • Investment without displacement: Allow small property owners to keep their property and develop it, thus participating in the revitalization of their own neighborhood. • Reduce housing costs: Required parking drives up construction costs and encourages larger, less -affordable units. • Facilitate investment in more urban neighborhoods: Not every neighborhood needs 40 stories, some just need 8 units but can't accomplish that due to required parking. • Compatible development: Small buildings are compatible with neighborhood character. • Grow world -class neighborhoods: The best urban neighborhoods are made up of many small, adaptable buildings. The small building parking exemption that is being advocated is as follows, short and simple, in CAPS: "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, OR BY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) FOR ANY STRUCTURE THAT HAS A FLOOR AREA OF TEN THOUSAND (10,000) SQUARE FEET OR LESS, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." We ask that you support this exemption. The future of Miami's urban neighborhoods depends on it. Best regards, AIA MIAMI Cheryl H. Jacobs Executive Vice President 101 NE 1 Avenue Miami, FL 33132 Phone: 305.448.7488 Email: info@aiamiami.org www.aiamiami.orq Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09/24/2015, City Clerk 3730 Coconut Creek Pkwy., Suite 200 Coconut Creek, FL 33066 Phone 954.984.0075 Fax 954.984.4905 www.abceastflorida.com Florida East Coast Chapter 2014 Board of Directors Chairman George L Cueeta Cueste Construction Chairman Elect iesua Vazquez Facchina Construction of Florida, L.LC. Immediate Past Chairman Scott R. Moss Mose & Associates First Vice Chairman/Secretary/Treasurer Antonio Obregon rormrita Construction, LLC Directors Dave Aiken CEMEX Carlos Ardevin Jr. Cambridge Construction Corporation John Bennett Coastal Construction Croup Bill Bower Southeast Mechanical Contractors Tim Domblaser The Everglades Croup, LLC Charles Enner Right Way Plumbing Co. Alberto Fernandez ANF Croup, Inc. Clay Fischer Woodland Construction Co, Inc. Clinton Class Balfour Beatty Construction Chris Kennedy Suffolk Construction Co., Inc. Randall Lebolo Lebolo Construction Management, Inc. Roy F. MacRobert Supemrbr Concrete and Superblock Russell P. Nash William R. Nash, Inc. Bill Parker InSource, Inc. Richard Paul-Hus Hypowor, Inc. Miami -Dade Council Chairman Scott Prince Suffolk Construction Co, Inc. Kerri Smith Baker Concrete Construction Space Coast Council Chairman Michael 1I. Williams Sr. M H Williams Construction Croup, Inc. Brian A. Wolf Eaq. Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP President & CEO Peter M. Dyga, CAE ABC Florida East Coast Chapter May 22, 2014 The Honorable Tomas Regalado 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Dear Mayor Regalado, On behalf of Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter I write in support of a small building parking exemption currently being considered by some in City Hall. ABC is the largest commercial construction association representing the largest and smallest contractors from Key West to Melbourne. We support this discussion because we know and see that there are areas where businesses would like to be but cannot because of current parking guidelines and because we also know there are neighborhoods where the residents would like there to be a larger business presence. This effort speaks to both of those issues. It is our belief that a small building parking exemption would: (1) Level the playing field for small property owners. (2) Let the market decide: Empower small owners to choose how many spaces to provide based on their property size and knowledge of local needs. Investment without displacement: Allow small property owners to keep their property and develop it, thus participating in the revitalization of their own neighborhood. (4) Reduce housing costs: Required parking drives up construction costs and encourages larger, less -affordable units. (5) Spread the wealth: The gains from urban development should not be concentrated in a few large companies. (6) Facilitate investment in more urban neighborhoods: Not every neighborhood needs 40 stories, some just need 8 units but can't accomplish that due to required parking. Compatible development: Small buildings are compatible with neighborhood character. (8) Grow world -class neighborhoods: The best urban neighborhoods are made up of many small, adaptable buildings. (3) (7) Submitted into the public Record for item(s) PZ. 13 on 09 24 2015, City Clerk The small building parking exemption that is being advocated is as follows, short and simple, in CAPS: "Parking ratio may be reduced within 1/2 mile radius of TOD or within 1/4 mile radius of a Transit Corridor by thirty percent (30%) by process of Waiver, OR BY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) FOR ANY STRUCTURE THAT HAS A FLOOR AREA OF TEN THOUSAND (10,000) SQUARE FEET OR LESS, except when site is within 500 feet of T3." Please vote for this exception. The future of Miami's urban neighborhoods depends on it. rol Batw V1�e President of Government Affairs