HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubstitution Memo from Planning DepartmentCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Arthur Noriega V
City Manager
DATE: 1.6.2026
SUBJECT: Substitution of PZ.4 (ID #18258)
Zoning Text - Personal Wireless
Services Facility
FROM: David Snow
Director, Planning Department ENCLOSURES: Updated Legislation
The purpose of this Substitution Memorandum is to provide updated legislation for Item PZ.4
on the January 8, 2025 City Commission Agenda, which relates to a Miami 21 Zoning Code
text amendment regarding Personal Wireless Services Facilities. The updates are
necessary to:
1. Modify the new monopole process from an Exception to a Warrant when specified
criteria is met; and eliminate City Commission approval of the Exception when criteria
is not met — having the Exception approved by the Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board and appealable to the City Commission.
2. Standardize the allowable height of a new monopole within the T5 and T6 Transect
Zones by process of Warrant.
3. Provide additional screening options for equipment located on the ground floor.
4. More align with Federal Law regarding additional 'non substantial' height By Right
when co -locating equipment on existing towers and monopoles.
Upon approval, the updated legislation for the above -referenced Miami 21 Zoning Code Text
Amendment will be provided to the City Clerk's Office for distribution to the Mayor and all
Commissioners.
Approved:
�DocuSipned by:
QvlG.ur tibviu�a
868Cf8C272DD12A...
Arthur Noriega V, City Manager
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Q d SS t�Afias -1-(0ri Anni n_3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, TITLED "DEFINITIONS," TO CLARIFY DEFINITIONS RELATING TO PERSONAL
WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES ("PWSF") AND ARTICLE 6, TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS,"
TO STREAMLINE PWSF ENTITLEMENT PROCESSES AND UPDATE ASSOCIATED DESIGN CRITERIA;
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2009, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 13114, the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, which has been amended from time to time ("Miami 21 Code"); and
WHEREAS, the Office of the City Manager appointed a Steering Committee to evaluate existing Miami
21 Code entitlements with the intent of identifying opportunities for process improvements and recommending
legislative amendments ("Entitlement Reform Program"); and
WHEREAS, the regulations confirm procedures and timelines for review, replacement, modification,
and approval of Personal Wireless Service Facilities ("PWSF") applications, in accordance with state and
federal requirements, to facilitate deployment while maintaining neighborhood character and mitigating impacts
on neighboring properties; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") aims to establish standards for the siting, placement, and design
of PWSF to ensure they are compatible with State regulations, support investment and implementation of new
technologies and services, and provide protections for surrounding land uses; and
WHEREAS, PWSF standards promote collocation on existing structures such as rooftops, utility poles,
and other non-traditional mounts, while discouraging unnecessary new towers and requiring visual screening,
camouflage, and mitigation measures to reduce visual impacts; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2025, at a duly notice public meeting, the Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board ("PZAB") considered this text amendment to the Miami 21 Code, Item PZAB.15, and passed PZAB-R-
25-065, recommending approval, by a vote of seven to one (7-1); and
WHEREAS, consideration has been given to the relationship of this proposed amendment to the goals,
objectives and policies of the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan ("MCNP"), with appropriate
consideration as to whether the proposed change will further the goals, objectives and policies of the MCNP;
the Miami 21 Code; and other City regulations; and
WHEREAS, consideration has been given to the need and justification for the proposed change,
including changed or changing conditions that make the passage of the proposed change necessary; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission after careful consideration of this matter, deems it in the best interest
of the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants to approve this Miami 21 Code text amendment as
hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Ordinance are adopted -and
incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
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VERSION 1.01-6-26 2
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Section 2. Article 1 of the Miami 21 Code is hereby amended in the following particulars:1
"ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
1.2 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
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Carrier: A company licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides wireless
services. A tower builder or owner is not a carrier unless licensed to provide personal wireless services.
Lattice Tower: A type of mount that consists of multiple legs and cross -bracing of structural steel.
Monopole: One type of self-supporting mount consisting of a single shaft of wood, steel or concrete and
antennas at the top or along the shaft.
Mount: The Structure or surface to which antennas are attached.
Personal Wireless Service Facility (PWSF): A facility for the provision of personal wireless services, as
defined by Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. A PWSF is a facility for the transmission or
reception of personal wireless services, which may consist of an antenna array, transmission cables,
equipment shelter or Building, access road, mount, and/or a quv system. Such facilities may include Monopole
or Lattice Tower structures.
Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer: A specialized type of electrical engineer who studies, designs, develops,
tests, and/or maintains systems that transmit radio waves.
Short Mounts: Alternatives to monopoles or lattice towers, such as masts or poles. For example, two (2) poles
or three (3) masts might be an alternative to one lattice tower.
1 Words and/or figures stricken through shall be deleted. Underscored words and/or figures shall be added. The remaining provisions
are now in effect and remain unchanged. Asterisks indicate omitted and unchanged material. The added and updated definitions shall
be alphabetized.
VERSION 1.0 1-6-26 3
Tower: a vertical mount constructed for the purpose of supporting antennas and other PWSF components.
Section 3. Article 6 of the Miami 21 Code is hereby amended in the following particulars:1
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"ARTICLE 6. SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS
6.4 INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
6.4.1 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF)
,ash ;
1. Colleeation
„
be attached• and
exieting-towers,
existingy-towers,
overall height of the modified er replaced tower is not increased
GO
N
VERSION 1.01-6-26 4
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• The resulting PWSF is not readily diccemibly different in size, type and appearance when viewed from
ground-level-frorn-sufrougding-propertiesTor
• The replaoement or modifioation of eguipment is not visible from surrounding properties.
3,New-Rlacement-and-Substantial-Meetifisations
MONOPOLE OR TOWER DEVICES
ROOFTOP OR
ANCHORED
DEVICES
T3
gy-E-xeeption-subject-te-GeRditieRS-aflel-limitations,
lily-Exoeptien-subjeot
to-eonditions-and
T-4
AL
OTHER
lay-Exoeption-sobjoot-te-oonelitions-and-limitations,
By-Warrnt-subjest4o
conditions -and
• istance requirement from any T3 or T4 designated Zonc measured from
nearest property line of PWSF site to thc property line of the nearest parcel
zoned as T3 or T4.
By Warrant subject t
conditions and
MAXIMUM DEVICE
HEIGHT
MINIMUM
SETBACK
REQUIRED
STRUCTURAL
HEIGHT
MAXIMUM DEVICE
HEIGHT ABOVE
ROOF
T3
35 feet
20 feet
35 feet
13 feet
T4
60-feet
20 feet
35 feet
13 feet
ALL OTHER
100 feet I carri
125-feet-multip
-
20
feet
35 feet
13 feet
•--All--freestandag-monopole-Gf-teWef
faoilities-shall-be-designed-to-incluete
suffiderit-Iandsoape-as-to-soreen-the
proposed-faoility-from-any-adjacent
right-ef-ways,Suffioient-larretseape
shall4nolude-treesalf-14196-ancl-grounct
Gover-ill-a-tiefed-oonfigwation,
.—All-freestaneting-menopele-or-tower
asoommodate-up-to-three-oo-looatioRs
ef-ether-antermas-by-futuce-oarriers,
My-apiAisant ef-new4evke-shall-show
preof-that-oe-looatien-to-existing
devices-sepiing-the-area-is-Ret
availaWe.
The mount sh-all not be '&131 from
the-grounel-from-a-distanoe-ef-694
feetSoreening-from-ground-view
may-be-previded-by-a-parapet-OF
some-otheEtype-wall-or-Soreening,
.—No-part-of-the-mount-shall-be
located closer than eight (8) feet to
any-power-line7
.-0.4ounts4nay-Rot-exceed-three-(3)
separate-areas-per-roeftep
STAN-DARDS
In the event that a specific facility cannot compy with thestandards s tforth above, an
application for modificationc as to cuch ctandards shall only be permiccible by Exception.
Such applications thall be accepted upon compliance with the foliowing:
-he applicant for each such facility shall submit a justification report prepared by an
engineor gualified in the technological aspectc (cuch ac a "radio freguency [RF]
engineer") ac to why the facility muet be modifiod in terme of height or Iocation;
cuch report chall be accompanied with a review fee as cet forth in Chapter 62 of
the City Code.
VERSION 1.01-6-26
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sight that depiGt the thFee dimensional view Of SUGh faGility fFGFA
studie6
mentages shall be Gon6ide.Fed an aGGeptable fQFM a
_adjaGent right of ways; photo
______
_ of _=_st, -daps
The feF AGludas of the appliGati
appliGant eaGh --- --'~ shall_ . .aFt
shall be iR Gemp! A-e- with tll�p
all aeqaGent Fight of ways; surah mitigation plan
feFthappliGatiens the Felief being
GFituRless
-_- _- ------' set
T3,
. __,--__-'y-_'-,F-,_---_--_-__--_'-,F-,-y-_'--
eF
~~^~~^'~^g~~' ~~p~~~ ~~^r'~r~~~~ '~~^'~y' '' Possible, -,---- ---,-- -
the impact larger structure.
ooasboreduce negative visual ofapossible
0.4.1.1 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PVVSF)Procedures
PROCEDURES
An is deemed submitted the date it is received bythe City.
application submitted or Ire on
A. shall be OF deFiiedm later than 4 5 bu6iRe66 days afteF the
Gh,61ildkiq PeFFnit granted
0 OtheF shall be OF denied Fie lateF than 90 business days afteF the
appliGatiGIRS gFanted
the the facility, forth inF38S5.172(12)/d).un|aso:
proceed with placement ofoaset
6.4.1.2Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PVV8F)Omfinidono
OEF|yV|T|ON
Gamauflage designing installiRg MOURtqRg a PWSF that Mates the
shall mean a way of OF and
effect that the PVVSF is of its surroundings.
part
Carrier licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
shall mean a company
wireless services.
provide personal
Design mean the their
ahoU nppoanonua ofPVV8F such as materials, color and shape.
Disguise shall mean to desigR a PWSF to appeaF tG be something etheF than a PAIRF
land use and o right to nniUQebe the of one use on
public of way, which acts soften or effects
another. It can be considered form
o of camouflage.
LattiGe T-Gwer shall PAeaR a type MOURt that GGIRSiStS multiple legs and GFOGS bFaGing Gf
Of of
structural steel.
VERSION 1l)1-6-26
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MitigatieR-ghall-meaci-the-Fedti-stien-er-elimiaation-ef-vieu-akimpa-ste-by-the-uee-ef-ORe-Of -mere
methedc including nd adieguice
+ concealmen4 rcamouflage
,
4 nencr nd nt nn at the ton nr aleng Oho shaft
�eel��et�--c,,,�-amer��s-
A-PWSF-is-any-faeility-fer-the-tfansmissien-or-reeeptieR-ef-peFsenakvireless-seFvieesr%vh4eh
r ,
u n u
+
/tourer\" ctr„ct„rec.
, , ,
.
For two three be to one lattice tower.
example, (2) poles or (3) masts might an alternative
PWSF components.
other
6.4.1.1 On the Roof of a Building.
6.4.1.1.1 New placement, replacement, modification, or collocated PWSF on the Roof of a Building
shall be By Right, when all the following criteria are met:
a. The PWSF equipment, mount and/or screening shall not interfere or inhibit the functions
of emergency services telecommunications equipment; and
b. Located on a building that is thirty-five feet (35') or more in height; and
c. Maximum device height above the roof shall not exceed thirteen feet (13'); and
d. Mounts and antennas are visually concealed from ground -level and lateral views by
parapets or screens.
6.4.1.1.2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Warrant, except when
located in a T3 Transect Zone in which case approval may be by process of Exception.
6.4.1.2 On a Facade or Elevation of a Building.
6.4.1.2.1 New placement, replacement, modification, or collocated PWSF on the Facade or Elevation
of a Building shall be By Right, when all the following criteria is met:
VERSION 1.01-6-26
a. The PWSF equipment, mount and/or screening shall not interfere or inhibit the functions
of emergency services telecommunications equipment; and
b. Placed on a building that is thirty-five (35 ft) feet or more in height; and
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c. The PWSF equipment is placed at a height of thirty-five (35 ft) feet or more on the
facade or elevation; and
-<� d. Cover no more than thirty six (36) sq ft of each facade or elevation; and
e. Flush mounted and not extending more than twelve (12) inches from the facade or
elevation; and
f. Painted to match the wall surface that it is mounted on or be designed as an ornamental
feature; and
Integrated into the architectural composition of the Facade or Elevation; and
Ancillary cables shall be hidden.
h.
6.4.1.2:2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Warrant, except when
located in a T3 Transect Zone in which case approval may be by process of Exception.
6.4.1.3 New Monopoles and Tower Devices
6.4.1.3.1 New Monopoles and Tower Devices may be approved by process of €xseption Warrant,
when all the following criteria is met:
a. Applicants shall demonstrate that co -location on an existing Monopole or Tower Device
serving the area is not available.
b. Minimum Setback of Twenty (20) Feet from all Property Lines.
c. Maximum Height:
a. T3 Transect Zone; Thirty-five (35) Feet
b. T4 Transect Zone; Sixty (60) Feet
c. All Other Transect Zones;
One Hundred and Twenty Five (125) Feet
d. All equipment at the ground level shall be &Greened concealed by a
buffer streetscreen of a minimum height necessary to
conceal -and mitigate any ambient impacts.
maximum c. ,nn of twenty five feet (25.')
f. Designed to accommodate up-te three or more co -locations of other antennas by future
carriers.
6.4.1.3.2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Exception wit -City
6.4.1.4 Colocation on Monopoles and Tower Devices
6.4.1.4.1 Collocation of antennae, equipment enclosures, and ancillary facilities ("Facilities") on
existing towers as specified on FS 365.172 (13)(a)1.a., or on other structures as specified in FS
365.172(13)(a)1.b, shall be allowed By Right, when all the following criteria are met:
a. Does not increase the height of the tower or monopole to the extent that it would constitute a
`substantial change', as defined under Federal law under Section 6409 of the Spectrum Act;
and
b. All -additional Any new equipment at the ground level shall be &Greened concealed by a
buffer streetscreen of a minimum height necessary of (6) feet and
suf icient-depth to conceal -and mitigate any ambient impacts; and
c. Complies with the land development regulations currently in effect or effective at the time of
the initial PWSF placement approval.
VERSION 1.01-6-26 8
6.4.1.4.2 To allow colocation, the replacement or modification of an existing tower or monopole shall
be allowed By Right, when the following criteria are met:
increased
overall height is net innreaced
N W
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65 �L the structural modification or replacement does not increase the overall height to the
extent that it would constitute a 'substantial change', as defined under Federal law under
Section 6409 of the Spectrum Act; and
co the replacement is designed to have a similar or improved contextual outcome.
:.4. When the above criteria are not met, process of approval shall follow that of a new
,gyp loniadoie or Tower Devices.
6.4.1.5 Warrant and Exception Review Criteria
6.4.1.5.1 Warrants and Exceptions may be approved upon review and compliance with the following
requirements:
a. Explanation prepared by an engineer qualified in the technological aspects (such as a "radio
frequency FRF1 engineer") justifying why this facility is required, at this location, and at the
proposed height;
b. Line of sight studies depicting ground -level and lateral views of the facility;
c. Mitigation plan that demonstrates buffering, screening, camouflaging and/or other measures
taken to ensure negligible impact on the surrounding context;
d. Mounts and Antennas on the roof that are visible from the Ground or Lateral views shall not
exceed three (3) separate areas; and
TimpaGt Gf a larger c ructure where ocsible
6.4.1.6 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF) Procedures
6.4.1.6.1 Review Timelines
1. An application is deemed submitted or re -submitted on the date it is received by the City:
i. If the submission, or re -submission, of an application is not completed in
compliance with the City's regulations, the City shall notify the applicant in writing
within 20 business days of any deficiencies in the required documents or
deficiencies in the content of the required documents which, if cured, make the
application properly completed.
2. Colocation Applications:
i. For colocation applications that meet the following criteria, the City shall grant or
deny such no later than 45 business days after the date the application is
determined to be properly completed:
1. The colocation does not increase the height of the tower to which the
antennas are to be attached;
VERSION 1.01-6-26 9
2. The colocation does not increase the ground space area approved in the
site plan for equipment enclosures and ancillary facilities; and
3. The colocation consists of antennas, equipment enclosures, and ancillary
facilities that are of a design and configuration consistent with all
applicable regulations, restrictions, or conditions applied to the initial
facilities.
3. Other wireless facility applications:
i. Other applications shall be granted or denied no later than 90 business days
after the date the application is determined to be properly completed.
6.4.1.6.2 Failure to Comply with Timelines
1. If a properly completed application is not granted or denied within the timeframe set
forth above, the application shall be deemed automatically approved and the applicant
may proceed with the placement of the facility, as set forth in FS 365.172(13)(d),
unless:
i. the timeframe is voluntarily extended by the applicant; or
ii. the City's procedures generally applicable to all other similar types of
applications require City Commission action, in which case the City Commission
must act on the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting; or
iii. an extension is required because of a declared local, state of federal emergency
that directly affects administration of all permitting activities.
Section 4. If any section, part of a section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is
declared invalid, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance shall not be affected.
Section 5. It is the intention of the City Commission that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become
and be made a part of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, which provisions may be
renumbered or relettered and that the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section", "article", Or other
appropriate word to accomplish such intention.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall become effective ten (10) days upon adoption.2
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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.
VERSION 1.01-6-26 10
City of Miami
Ordinance
Legislation
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 18258 Final Action Date:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
4 a FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1,
TITLED "DEFINITIONS," TO CLARIFY DEFINITIONS RELATING TO
`J PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES ("PWSF") AND ARTICLE 6,
TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," TO STREAMLINE PWSF
c, ENTITLEMENT PROCESSES AND UPDATE ASSOCIATED DESIGN
OtITERIA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Ralph "Rafael" Rosado
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2009, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 13114,
the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, which has been amended from time to time
("Miami 21 Code"); and
WHEREAS, the Office of the City Manager appointed a Steering Committee to evaluate
existing Miami 21 Code entitlements with the intent of identifying opportunities for process
improvements and recommending legislative amendments ("Entitlement Reform Program"); and
WHEREAS, the regulations confirm procedures and timelines for review, replacement,
modification, and approval of Personal Wireless Service Facilities ("PWSF") applications, in
accordance with state and federal requirements, to facilitate deployment while maintaining
neighborhood character and mitigating impacts on neighboring properties; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") aims to establish standards for the siting,
placement, and design of PWSF to ensure they are compatible with State regulations, support
investment and implementation of new technologies and services, and provide protections for
surrounding land uses; and
WHEREAS, PWSF standards promote collocation on existing structures such as
rooftops, utility poles, and other non-traditional mounts, while discouraging unnecessary new
towers and requiring visual screening, camouflage, and mitigation measures to reduce visual
impacts; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2025, at a duly notice public meeting, the Planning, Zoning
and Appeals Board ("PZAB") considered this text amendment to the Miami 21 Code, Item
PZAB.15, and passed PZAB-R-25-065, recommending approval, by a vote of seven to one (7-
1); and
WHEREAS, consideration has been given to the relationship of this proposed
amendment to the goals, objectives and policies of the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood
Plan ("MCNP"), with appropriate consideration as to whether the proposed change will further
City of Miami Page 1 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed On: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258 Enactment Number:
the goals, objectives and policies of the MCNP; the Miami 21 Code; and other City regulations;
and
WHEREAS, consideration has been given to the need and justification for the proposed
change, including changed or changing conditions that make the passage of the proposed
change necessary; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission after careful consideration of this matter, deems it in
the best interest of the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants to approve this Miami 21
Code text amendment as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Ordinance are
adopted and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. Article 1 of the Miami 21 Code is hereby amended in the following particulars:1
"ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS _ i —
I
c.)
1.2 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
r--
cx:
Carrier: A company licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides
wireless services. A tower builder or owner is not a carrier unless licensed to provide personal
wireless services.
Lattice Tower: A type of mount that consists of multiple legs and cross -bracing of structural
steel.
Monopole: One type of self-supporting mount consisting of a single shaft of wood, steel or
concrete and antennas at the top or along the shaft.
Mount: The Structure or surface to which antennas are attached.
1 Words and/or figures stricken through shall be deleted. Underscored words and/or figures shall be added. The
remaining provisions are now in effect and remain unchanged. Asterisks indicate omitted and unchanged material.
The added and updated definitions shall be alphabetized.
City of Miami Page 2 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed on: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258 Enactment Number:
Personal Wireless Service Facility (PWSF): A facility for the provision of personal wireless
services, as defined by Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. A PWSF is a facility
for the transmission or reception of personal wireless services, which may consist of an antenna
array, transmission cables, equipment shelter or Building, access road, mount, and/or a guy
system. Such facilities may include Monopole or Lattice Tower structures.
Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer: A specialized type of electrical engineer who studies,
designs, develops, tests, and/or maintains systems that transmit radio waves. c-,m
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Short Mounts: Alternatives to monopoles or lattice towers, such as masts or poles. Fair =
example, two (2) poles or three (3) masts might be an alternative to one lattice tower. .<
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Tower: a vertical mount constructed for the purpose of supporting antennas and other PWSF
components.
Section 3. Article 6 of the Miami 21 Code is hereby amended in the following
particulars:1
"ARTICLE 6. SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS
* * *
6.4 INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
6.4.1 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF)
PWSF are to:
1. Collocation
City of Miami Page 3 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed on: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258 Enactment Number:
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allows —subject to a Warrant or Exceptionapplicable Further +HEP approval shall be
t
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t
MONOPOLE OR TOWER DEVICES
ROOFTOP OR
DEVICES
T3
By Exception subject
T4
By Exception cubjeot to c nrlitionc and limitations
li+ itatione.
AL
OTHER
property line of the nearest parcel zoned as T3 or T4
By-subjeot
limitatlene.
HEIGHT
MINIMUM
SETBACK
REQUIRED
STRUCTURAL
HEIGHT
MAXIMUM
DEVICE
HEIGHT ABOVE
35 feet
20 feet
35 feet
13 feet
T4
60 feet
20 feet
35 feet
13 feet
ALL OTHER
100 feet single
carrier
20 feet
feet
13 feet
City of Miami Page 4 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed on: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258
Enactment Number:
125 feet m„ ltiple
ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS
All freectandino monopole or
seen.
tower facilities shall be
serving the of
available
wall-GF-SereeRing,
feet to any power line
rooftop
c-3
C4
STANDARDS
il-nn tthoevent thataa cpe ific facility cannot comply with the ctandardc set
`"' ff'' �-irrcrurav- zcr
Cede-
,
6A.1.1 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF) Procedure&
An application is deemed submitted or re submitted on the date it is received
by the City.
PROCEDURES
City of Miami
Page 5 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed on: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258
Enactment Number:
sempleted,
completed,
eet forth in FS 365.172( 12) (d), unless:
meetidsfror
6.1.1.2 Personal Wirclecc Service Facilities (PWSF) Definitions
DEFINITIONS
that creates the effect that the PWSF is part of its surroundings.
saffiefs-
it
Design shall mean the appearance of PWSF such as their materials, color and
shape.
Disguise s4l ean-to-9 design a PWSF to appear to be ethic other than a
PWSF.
Lattice Tower shall mean a type of mo„nt that consists of m„ltiple Ions and
cross bracing of structural steel.
Mitigation -shalt meaR4he-Feduetion-GF-etimi-nation-ef-visti-aljimpasts-by-the-use-ef
provision of personal wireless services as defined by Section 70 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. A PWSF is any facility for the transmiccion or
reception of personal wireless services, which may consist of an antenna array,
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File ID: 18258
Enactment Number:
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transmission Building,
cables, equipment shelter or access road, mount, and a
structures.
Radio Frequency background in
(RF) engineer shall men someone wi#h a
radio frequencies.
Structure or „se from another by fencing wally berms or densely planter!
mastsr pnolles. For example two (2) poles or three (3) masts m ght be an
alternative to one lattice tower
Standards shall mean measures it -this ce€tien by which
guidelines or primed
and safety Thic come generally regt dates these facilities on three levels- location
antennas and PWSF
other components.
with Scale, form, texture, or color of the existing natural or man made
landscape.
6.4.1.1 On the Roof of a Building.
6.4.1.1.1 New placement, replacement, modification, or collocated PWSF on the Roof
of a Building shall be By Right, when all the following criteria are met:
a. The PWSF equipment, mount and/or screening shall not interfere or
inhibit the functions of emergency services telecommunications
equipment; and
b. Located on a building that is thirty-five feet (35') or more in height; and
c. Maximum device height above the roof shall not exceed thirteen feet
(13');. and
d. Mounts and antennas are visually concealed from ground -level and
lateral views by parapets or screens.
6.4.1.1.2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Warrant,
except when located in a T3 Transect Zone in which case approval may be by process
of Exception.
6.4.1.2 On a Facade or Elevation of a Building.
6.4.1.2.1 New placement, replacement, modification, or collocated PWSF on the
Facade or Elevation of a Building shall be By Right, when all the following
criteria is met:
a. The PWSF equipment, mount and/or screening shall not interfere or
inhibit the functions of emergency services telecommunications
equipment; and
b. Placed on a building that is thirty-five (35 ft) feet or more in height; and
c. The PWSF equipment is placed at a height of thirty-five (35 ft) feet or
more on the facade or elevation; and
City of Miami Page 7 of 10 File ID: 18258 (Revision:) Printed on: 1/8/2026
File ID: 18258 Enactment Number:
d. Cover no more than thirty six (36) sq ft of each facade or elevation; and
e. Flush mounted and not extending more than twelve (12) inches from the
facade or elevation; and
f. Painted to match the wall surface that it is mounted on or be designed as
an ornamental feature; and
Integrated into the architectural composition of the Facade or Elevation;
and
h. Ancillary cables shall be hidden.
6.4.1.2.2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Warrant,
except when located in a T3 Transect Zone in which case approval may be by process
of Exception.
6.4.1.3 New Monopoles and Tower Devices
cv
6.4.1.3.1 New Monopoles and Tower Devices may be approved by process of
Exception, when all the following criteria is met:
a. Applicants shall demonstrate that co -location on an existing Monopole or
Tower Device serving the area is not available.
b. Minimum Setback of Twenty (20) Feet from all Property Lines.
c. Maximum Height:
a. T3 Transect Zone; Thirty-five (35) Feet
b. T4 Transect Zone; Sixty (60) Feet
- = c. All Other Transect Zones; Single Carrier One Hundred (100) Feet;
Multiple Carriers One Hundred and Twenty Five (125) Feet
`'- d. All equipment at the ground level shall be screened by a perimeter landscape
-�" buffer of a minimum height of six (6) feet and sufficient depth to conceal and
mitigate any ambient impacts.
Li`) e. In addition to the landscape buffer, trees shall be provided along the
perimeter at a maximum spacing of twenty-five feet (25').
f. Designed to accommodate up to three co -locations of other antennas by
future carriers.
6.4.1.3.2 When the above criteria are not met, approval may be by process of Exception
with City Commission approval.
6.4.1.4 Colocation on Monopoles and Tower Devices
6.4.1.4.1 Collocation of antennae, equipment enclosures, and ancillary facilities
("Facilities") on existing towers as specified on FS 365.172 (13)(a)1.a., or on other
structures as specified in FS 365.172(13)(a)1.b, shall be allowed By Right, when all the
following criteria are met:
a. Does not increase the height of the tower or monopole; and
b. All additional equipment at the ground level shall be screened by a perimeter
landscape Buffer of a minimum height of six (6) feet and sufficient depth to
conceal and mitigate any ambient impacts.
c. Complies with the land development regulations currently in effect or effective
at the time of the initial PWSF placement approval.
6.4.1.4.2 To allow colocation, the replacement or modification of an existing tower or
monopole shall be allowed By Right, when the following criteria are met:
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File ID: 18258 Enactment Number:
a. structurally modified or replaced with a monopole tower if the overall height
is not increased.
b. replaced with another camouflaged tower of a similar or improved outcome
and if the overall height is not increased.
6.4.1.3.3 When the above criteria are not met, process of approval shall follow that of a
new Monopole or Tower Devices.
6.4.1.5 Warrant and Exception Review Criteria
6.4.1.5.1 Warrants and Exceptions may be approved upon review and compliance with
the following requirements:
a. Explanation prepared by an engineer qualified in the technological aspects
(such as a "radio frequency fRF1 engineer") iustifyinq why this facility is
required, at this location, and at the proposed height;
b. Line of sight studies depicting ground -level and lateral views of the facility;
c. Mitigation plan that demonstrates buffering, screening, camouflaging and/or
other measures taken to ensure negligible impact on the surrounding context;
d. Mounts and Antennas on the roof that are visible from the Ground or Lateral
views shall not exceed three (3) separate areas; and
e. The proposal shall include the replacement of monopoles and towers
structures with a series of short mounts that are camouflaged within the area
to reduce the negative visual impact of a larger structure, where possible.
6.4.1.6 Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF) Procedures
6.4.1.6.1 Review Timelines
1. An application is deemed submitted or re -submitted on the date it is
received by the City:
i. If the submission, or re -submission, of an application is not
completed in compliance with the City's regulations, the City shall
notify the applicant in writing within 20 business days of any
deficiencies in the required documents or deficiencies in the
content of the required documents which, if cured, make the
application properly completed.
2. Colocation Applications:
- ii. For colocation applications that meet the following criteria, the City
J J shall grant or deny such no later than 45 business days after the
•- -- date the application is determined to be properly completed:
•0 1. The colocation does not increase the height of the tower to
which the antennas are to be attached;
co v- 2. The colocation does not increase the ground space area
approved in the site plan for equipment enclosures and
ancillary facilities; and
3. The colocation consists of antennas, equipment
c,
enclosures, and ancillary facilities that are of a design and
configuration consistent with all applicable regulations,
restrictions, or conditions applied to the initial facilities.
3. Other wireless facility applications:
iii. Other applications shall be granted or denied no later than 90
business days after the date the application is determined to be
properly completed.
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6.4.1.6.2 Failure to Comply with Timelines
1. If a properly completed application is not granted or denied within the
timeframe set forth above, the application shall be deemed automatically
approved and the applicant may proceed with the placement of the
facility, as set forth in FS 365.172(13)(d), unless:
i. the timeframe is voluntarily extended by the applicant; or
ii. the Citv's procedures generally applicable to all other similar types
of applications require City Commission action, in which case the
City Commission must act on the application at its next regularly
scheduled meeting; or
iii. an extension is required because of a declared local, state of
federal emergency that directly affects administration of all
permitting activities.
* *„
Section 4. If any section, part of a section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this
Ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance shall not be affected.
Section 5. It is the intention of the City Commission that the provisions of this Ordinance
shall become and be made a part of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, which
provisions may be renumbered or relettered and that the word "ordinance" may be changed to
"section", "article", or other appropriate word to accomplish such intention.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall become effective ten (10) daysy upon adoption.2
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
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.
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