HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report and Business Impact StatementPlanning Department
Staff Report and Business Impact Statement
Podiums and Parking Structures
Purpose:
The proposed ordinance is a text amendment to the City of Miami Zoning Code of Ordinances.
The purpose of the ordinance is to update parking structure and podium design standards to
activate the public realm and mitigate the impacts on abutting properties. Specific amendments
include introducing incentives to provide liners within podiums, clarifications to the design
requirements for naturally and mechanically ventilated garages, introduction of definitions and
standards for parking screening, amendments to the upper floors' setback height measurements,
and clarifications to the allowable locations for vehicular entries.
Estimated Direct Economic Impact:
• The proposed amendments offer design flexibilities and allow for the development of
more efficient parking garages and podiums which may alleviate development costs for
new construction projects.
• The proposed amendments introduce incentives for new developments that line the
building with habitable uses to conceal parking. Specific incentives include additional
FLR, density, unit types, as well as parking reductions and flexible tower setbacks that will
provide the necessary relief to provide a habitable liner.
• No direct additional municipality regulatory costs, revenues or fees. Routine reviewing of
building permit applications and code compliance activities in respect of enforcing the
Miami 21 Zoning Code will continue to apply to projects.
Estimated Number of Businesses to be Impacted:
The Planning Department does not anticipate an impact on businesses within the City. The
proposed ordinance exclusively impacts the development of new buildings containing podiums
and parking garages.
Additional Information:
The character and appearance of the urban realm are influenced by the design of parking
garages and podiums. Well -designed parking garages and podiums present an opportunity to
contribute positively to the architectural character of the neighborhood, create visual interest,
and harmonize with the building design. Through the introduction and clarification of parking
garage and podium design flexibilities, this ordinance aims to improve the efficiency of new
developments while offering a high -quality urban realm.
Recommendation: Approval/ Denial
The Planning Department recommends Approval.