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File ID: #5814
Resolution
Sponsored by: Commissioner Manolo Reyes
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING A ONE (1) YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR LITTLE
COMMUNITY LIBRARIES FOR PRIVATE PROPERTIES ("LIBRARY") LOCATED IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY" TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT TEAM ("DEPARTMENT"); ESTABLISHING
CRITERIA FOR PERMITTED LOCATIONS, GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS,
FABRICATION, CONSTRUCTION, AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS;
ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR THE EVALUATION AND REVIEW OF
APPLICATIONS; REQUIRING EXECUTION OF AN APPLICATION AND COVENANT
AS A CONDITION PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
MAINTENANCE OF A LIBRARY; PROVIDING FOR AN APPLICATION FEE;
DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR EXECUTION OF PERMITS TO THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE; ESTABLISHING SUCH OTHER TERMS AND
CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO COVENANT AS DEEMED NECESSARY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
Enactment Number: R-19-0190
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 5814 Final Action Date:5/9/2019
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING A ONE (1) YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR LITTLE
COMMUNITY LIBRARIES FOR PRIVATE PROPERTIES ("LIBRARY") LOCATED IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY" TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT TEAM ("DEPARTMENT"); ESTABLISHING
CRITERIA FOR PERMITTED LOCATIONS, GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS,
FABRICATION, CONSTRUCTION, AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS;
ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR THE EVALUATION AND REVIEW OF
APPLICATIONS; REQUIRING EXECUTION OF AN APPLICATION AND COVENANT
AS A CONDITION PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
MAINTENANCE OF A LIBRARY; PROVIDING FOR AN APPLICATION FEE;
DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR EXECUTION OF PERMITS TO THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE; ESTABLISHING SUCH OTHER TERMS AND
CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO COVENANT AS DEEMED NECESSARY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, reading is an activity enjoyed by many residents of the City of Miami
("City"); and
WHEREAS, a study by Sussex University indicated that reading reduces stress by as
much as sixty-eight percent (68%); and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Education, in comparison to
other counties in Florida, Miami -Dade County has the lowest literacy rates by a margin of about
twenty percent (20%); and
WHEREAS, a movement to increase reading and literacy called "little libraries" has
become popular in many Florida cities like Orlando, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, St. Augustine,
Sunrise, and El Portal; and
WHEREAS, little libraries are small temporary structures, most commonly a small
wooden box, that contain books for any member of the public to take, return, or place new
books ("Little Community Library"); and
WHEREAS, the District 4 Commissioner desires to allow residents of the City to install
and maintain a Little Community Library on their properties ("Pilot Program"); and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that a Little Community Library is a new concept
of the City and it is in the best interest of the public to allow for the one (1) year Pilot Program
for residents of the City;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. There is hereby created, authorized,' and established a Pilot Program for
Little Community Libraries. The term of the Pilot Program shall be from July 1, 2019 to June 30,
2020. Applications for permitting a Little Community Library may be accepted and processed
immediately upon final passage of this Resolution. This Pilot Program is to be administered by
the Department of Neighborhood Enhancement Team ("Department").
Section 3. Eligible Locations. The locations of any Little Community Library shall be in
accordance with the following criteria:
a. Little Community Libraries are permitted only on private property that has an adjacent
sidewalk. Little Community Libraries are strictly prohibited in the public right-of-way or on a
sidewalk.
b. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as
amended ("City Code") or Ordinance No. 13114, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami,
Florida, as amended, Little Community Libraries shall be within one (1) foot of the sidewalk,
which will allow members of the public to access the Little Community Library without walking
on or crossing the private property line.
c. A maximum of one (1) Little Community Library per lot is authorized. Little Community
Libraries shall be limited to two (2) per City block on a first come, first serve basis.
Section 4. General Physical Requirements. The general physical requirements for Little
Community Libraries shall be in accordance with the following criteria:
a. Little Community Libraries shall be temporary structures.
b. Little Community Libraries shall be securely fastened to the ground or other major
object to ensure its stability, non -movement from any wind, and accessible to
members of the public. Little Community Libraries shall have a removable top that
shall be removed in the event of a declared State of Emergency (top shall mean the
compartment that holds the books, also known as the actual library). Little
Community Libraries shall be no taller than five (5) feet.
Section 5. Criteria for the fabrication, construction, and installation of Little Community
Libraries platform are set forth in Exhibit "A," attached and incorporated.
Section 6. The process by which applications for approval of Little Community Libraries
are to be made and administered by the Department, which shall include the following:
a. Application/Permit Form;
b. Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement;
c. Restrictive Covenant; and
d. Inspection and Application Approval.
1 The herein authorization is further subject to compliance with all requirements that may be imposed by
the City Attorney, including but not limited to, those prescribed by applicable City Charter and City Code
provisions.
Section 7. Each application must receive approval from the Department prior to the
operation and maintenance of a Little Community Library (i.e. placing books in the
compartment). Applications for Little Community Libraries shall only be considered if executed
by the owner of the property.
Section 8. Filing of an application for a Little Community Library shall be accompanied
by a non-refundable application fee of $35.00.
Section 9. The City Commission hereby delegates the authority to the City Manager, or
designee, to execute the applicable Permit and any amendments thereto.
Section 10. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and
signature of the Mayor.2
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
ndez, ity Attor ey 4/30/2019
2 This Ordinance shall become effective as specified herein unless vetoed by the Mayor within ten (10)
days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Ordinance, it shall become
effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission or upon the effective date stated
herein, whichever is later.