Development News for Aventura, Florida

City Adopts New Fee Adjustment Policy for Building Permits to Comply with State Law

An ordinance was considered to amend Section 14-91 of the city code, which pertains to fees for permits, inspections, certificates, and related services. The amendment authorizes these fees to be adjusted annually by administrative policy, in compliance with new Florida House Bill 803. This law imposes restrictions on how municipalities calculate and collect permit-related fees, requiring inspection fees to be based on actual costs and mandating fee reductions when private providers are used. The ordinance allows the City Manager's administrative policy to set fees annually, providing flexibility while ensuring compliance with state law.

Contractor Registration Moves Online to Modernize City Services

The City Commission considered an ordinance to amend Chapter 14 of the city code to eliminate the in-person requirement for contractor registration. This change allows contractors to register online, aligning with modernization efforts for the building department. The ordinance was well-received by the public and contractors. The motion to approve the ordinance passed.

City Commission Considers Establishing Hospitals as Conditional Use in B2 Zoning District

The City Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, considered a zoning change to amend Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations, to establish hospitals as a conditional use within the B2 Community Business district. This change, initiated by Mount Sinai, would apply broadly to the B2 zoning district, not just to Mount Sinai's specific property. Staff recommended approval, finding it met the five criteria in the land development regulations. The applicant's representative, Mickey Morero, explained that the existing Mount Sinai facility is a legally non-conforming use and cannot expand under current zoning, and this change would allow it to become a conforming use and expand.

Aventura Approves High-Density Mixed-Use Project with Increased Height and Units

The City Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, granted conditional use approval for a project at 20801-20807 Biscayne Boulevard. The approval allows for a density of 69 dwelling units per acre (up from 25), heights up to 32 stories/367 ft (up from 10 stories/100 ft), and 1556 parking spaces (compared to 255 required). Revisions include increased open space, increased public contributions to infrastructure, a new design changing massing and facade, an additional 56 feet of height, 45 more units, and increased shared parking percentage. Staff supported the project, citing its mixed uses essential for town center designation, support for transit, proximity to retail and transit, and provision of hero housing. Conditions were updated to clarify payment schedules for contributions, specify hero housing unit mix and location, and address potential traffic backups at the entrance.