HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item Summary FormAGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORM
File ID: #19230
Date: 04/30/2026
Commission Meeting Date: 05/14/2026
Requesting Department: Department of
Building
Sponsored By: Damian Pardo
District Impacted: All
Type: Resolution
Subject: Establish - The Miami Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee
PURPOSE OF ITEM:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ESTABLISHING THE MIAMI TREE
ORDINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ("COMMITTEE") PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE XI, DIVISION 2, SECTION 2-883 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TO SERVE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY
REGARDING THE CITY'S CONSIDERATION OF REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE I
OF THE CITY CODE ("TREE ORDINANCE"); REQUIRING THE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP
AND PRESENT RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR THE
COMMITTEE'S PURPOSE, POWERS, DUTIES, COMPOSITION, MEMBERSHIP,
QUALIFICATIONS, ATTENDANCE, VACANCIES, MEETINGS, QUORUM, RULES OF
PROCEDURE, LEGAL AND STAFF SUPPORT, PUBLIC NOTICE, AND SUNSET; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Miami ("City") is considering possible amendments to the Code of the City of Miami,
Florida, as amended ("City Code"), regarding regulations governing the removal, relocation,
pruning, planting, and trimming of trees, as set forth in Chapter 17, Article I of the City Code
("Tree Ordinance").
Following extensive public discussion regarding possible amendments to the Tree Ordinance
and their implications for urban canopy preservation, the City Commission finds that a
structured public engagement and advisory process is in the best interest of the City.
Pursuant to Resolution No. R-25-0280, adopted on July 24, 2025, the City Commission
approved the engagement of Florida State University ("FSU"), through the Consensus Center at
FSU in collaboration with the Orthon Group, to provide public outreach services in support of the
City's consideration of Tree Ordinance revisions. That resolution also directed the City Manager
to establish a resident advisory committee to develop and present recommendations to the City
Commission.
This Resolution establishes the Miami Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee ("Committee"), a
ten -member body with two members appointed by each District Commissioner. The Committee
is charged with soliciting and evaluating community input, reviewing relevant data and materials,
and developing recommendations for the City Commission regarding possible revisions to the
Tree Ordinance and related tree canopy policy measures.
The Committee will sunset automatically upon presentation of its recommendations to the City
Commission. Chapter 2, Article XI, Division 2, Section 2-883 of the City Code authorizes the
creation of new boards by resolution.
The Committee's work will support the City's commitment to transparent, community -driven
policymaking while advancing the protection, maintenance, and equitable distribution of the
City's urban tree canopy.
Budget Impact Analysis
Item is NOT Related to Revenue
Item has NOT an Expenditure
Item is NOT funded by Bonds
Total Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Department of Building
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Management and Budget
City Manager's Office
City Manager's Office
Legislative Division
Office of the City Attorney
Office of the City Attorney
Office of the City Attorney
City Commission
Legislative Division
Office of the City Attorney
Office of the City Attorney
Office of the City Attorney
Office of the City Clerk
Reviewed B
Eduardo Santamaria
Fred Pericles
Marie Gouin
Asael Marrero
Natasha Colebrook -Williams
Valentin J Alvarez
Patricia Arias
Xavier Alban
George K. Wysong III
Maricarmen Lopez
Valentin J Alvarez
Patricia Arias
Xavier Alban
George K. Wysong III
City Clerk's Office
Department Head Review
Budget Analyst Review
Budget Review
Completed
Completed
Completed
Assistant City Manager Review Completed
Approved on behalf of the City Manager
Legislative Division Review Completed
ACA Review Completed
Deputy Attorney Review Completed
Approved Form and Correctness Completed
Meeting Completed
Legislative Division Review Completed
ACA Review Completed
Deputy Attorney Review Completed
Approved Form and Correctness with Modification(s)
Rendered Completed
04/30/2026 11:57 AM
05/01/2026 8:09 AM
05/04/2026 10:22 PM
05/05/2026 1:05 PM
Completed
05/05/2026 2:20 PM
05/05/2026 6:00 PM
05/05/2026 7:26 PM
05/05/2026 7:34 PM
05/14/2026 9:00 AM
05/28/2026 12:28 PM
06/05/2026 1:27 PM
06/22/2026 10:03 AM
Completed
06/22/2026 4:17 PM
City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
Enactment Number: R-26-0229
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 19230 Final Action Date:5/14/2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ESTABLISHING THE MIAMI
TREE ORDINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ("COMMITTEE") PURSUANT TO
CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XI, DIVISION 2, SECTION 2-883 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TO SERVE IN AN ADVISORY
CAPACITY REGARDING THE CITY'S CONSIDERATION OF REVISIONS TO
CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE I OF THE CITY CODE ("TREE ORDINANCE"); REQUIRING
THE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP AND PRESENT RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
CITY COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR THE COMMITTEE'S PURPOSE, POWERS,
DUTIES, COMPOSITION, MEMBERSHIP, QUALIFICATIONS, ATTENDANCE,
VACANCIES, MEETINGS, QUORUM, RULES OF PROCEDURE, LEGAL AND STAFF
SUPPORT, PUBLIC NOTICE, AND SUNSET; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") is considering possible amendments to the Code
of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended ("City Code"), regarding regulations governing the
removal, relocation, pruning, planting, and trimming of trees, as set forth in Chapter 17, Article I
of the City Code ("Tree Ordinance"); and
WHEREAS, following extensive public discussion regarding possible amendments to the
Tree Ordinance, the City Commission finds it is in the best interest of the City to provide for a
structured public engagement and advisory process; and
WHEREAS, the City further believes it is in its best interest to use Florida State
University ("FSU"), through the Consensus Center at FSU, in collaboration with the Orthon
Group, as an impartial third party to design and facilitate this process to ensure broad
participation and build community consensus; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. R-25-0280, adopted on July 24, 2025, the City
Commission approved the engagement of the Consensus Center at FSU, in collaboration with
the Orthon Group, to provide public outreach services in support of the City's consideration of
Tree Ordinance revisions, and further directed the City Manager to establish a resident advisory
committee to develop and present recommendations to the City Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds it important that the Committee include members
representing the City's various districts and diverse perspectives regarding tree protection,
urban canopy preservation, neighborhood character, resiliency, and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, an advisory committee will assist the City Commission and City
Administration in reviewing information, receiving public input, and developing
recommendations regarding potential Tree Ordinance revisions and related tree canopy
matters; and
WHEREAS, during the discussion, City Commission further directed the City Manager to
negotiate and execute an agreement with the University of Miami and Florida International
University to provide subject matter expertise to the herein established Miami Tree Ordinance
Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2, Article XI, Division 2, Section 2-883 of the City Code authorizes
the creation of new boards by ordinance or resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that adoption of this Resolution is in the best
interests of the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE 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. The City Commission hereby establishes the Miami Tree Ordinance Advisory
Committee ("Committee").
Section 3. Composition, Appointment, and Qualifications.
a. The Committee shall consist of ten (10) members. Each of the five (5) District
Commissioners shall appoint two (2) members who are residents in his or her
respective District. The City Commission shall have the power to waive any of
the requirements of this subsection by four -fifths vote of the members of the full
City Commission.
b. All members shall serve without compensation and shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 2-884 of the City Code.
c. No alternate members shall be appointed.
d. To the greatest extent practicable, the Committee shall reflect the diversity of the
City and the range of interests affected by potential Tree Ordinance revisions.
Section 4. Purpose; Powers; Duties.
The purpose, powers, and duties of the Committee shall be as follows:
a. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission and City Administration
regarding the City's consideration of possible Tree Ordinance revisions and
related urban tree canopy matters;
b. To review reports, materials, data, presentations, and other information relating
to the Tree Ordinance, tree preservation practices, urban forestry, canopy equity,
and related policy considerations;
c. To assist the City in soliciting, receiving, and evaluating community input from
residents, stakeholders, neighborhood groups, advocacy organizations, business
interests, and other interested persons, through the public outreach and
engagement process conducted by the Consensus Center at FSU, in
collaboration with the Orthon Group, regarding possible revisions to the Tree
Ordinance and related tree canopy issues;
d. To develop and present recommendations to the City Commission and City
Administration regarding possible Tree Ordinance revisions and related policy
measures for the protection, maintenance, and equitable distribution of the City's
tree canopy.
Section 5. Attendance; Removal; Vacancies.
a. Members are expected to attend each meeting.
b. Attendance requirements and removal shall be governed by Section 2-886 of the
City Code.
c. Vacancies shall be filled pursuant to Section 2-885(a)(3) of the City Code.
Section 6. Meetings and Quorum.
a. All meetings shall be publicly noticed and open to the public in accordance with
applicable law.
b. The public shall be encouraged to submit oral or written comments.
c. The initial meeting shall commence within thirty (30) days after a majority of
members have been appointed, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable.
d. The public shall be encouraged to submit oral or written comments via the public
outreach process to be overseen by the Committee or written comments directly
to the Committee.
e. A quorum shall consist of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the total number of
members then appointed.
f. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting at any
meeting shall be required for any action of the Committee, including transmission
of the final report containing the Committee's conclusions and recommendations.
Section 7. Rule of Procedure.
a. The Committee may seek to develop recommendations by consensus whenever
practicable. Any report or recommendation transmitted by the Committee may
identify areas of consensus, majority recommendations, alternative
recommendations, and minority viewpoints, as the Committee deems
appropriate.
b. The Committee may adopt its own rules of procedure, provided such rules are
not inconsistent with this Resolution or applicable law, and provided that such
rules are filed with the City Clerk.
c. The Committee shall comply with all requirements of Chapters 119 and 286,
Florida Statutes, including, without limitation, the Public Records Law and
Sunshine Law.
Minutes of each meeting shall be promptly prepared and made available for
public inspection. Copies of minutes of all Committee meetings shall be furnished
to the Mayor, City Commissioners, City Administration, City Attorney, and City
Manager.
Section 8. Legal Counsel.
The City Attorney's Office shall serve as legal counsel to the Committee and shall
provide legal advice on all matters considered by the Committee. The City Attorney or its
designee shall provide legal support to the Committee and attend meetings of the Committee as
needed.
Section 9. Assignment of Staff.
a. The City Manager shall provide sufficient administrative support to the
Committee, including a staff liaison and secretary, as well as personnel from
appropriate City departments and offices.
b. The liaison shall keep minutes, maintain Committee correspondence, post
meeting notices with the City Clerk, file reports, and perform all other necessary
support functions.
c. The City Manager and relevant City staff may participate in Committee
deliberations and provide technical, and policy advice as requested.
Section 10. Sunset.
The Committee shall automatically sunset and stand dissolved upon presentation of its
recommendations to the City Commission, unless otherwise extended by further action of the
City Commission.
Section 11. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
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