P&Z Minutes 9-17-15 _unbound
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING
10050 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33037-2304
www.miamishoresvillage.com
Main Number: 305-795-2207 Fax Number: 305-756-8972
David A. Dacquisto AICP, CFM, Director
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Village Hall Council Chambers
10050 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores
September 17, 2015
THURSDAY, 7:00 P.M.
In attendance:
Mr. David Dacquisto, Director, Planning and Zoning
Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
Mariana Gracia, Clerk
I) ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Mac Glinn, Mr. John Busta, Mr. Sid Reese, Mr. Robert
Abramitis, Mr. Richard Fernandez.
II) BOARD MEMBER DISCLOSURES Mr. Busta disclosed the properties he had
visited.
III) MINUTES
1) July 23, 2015
Mr. Busta Motion to approve minutes as amended. Seconded by Mr. Reese.
Approved Unanimously.
IV) SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES
1) SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES BY VILLAGE ATTORNEY:
“Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to
give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
V) TABLED ITEMS TO A TIME CERTAIN
1) None
VI) NEW ITEMS:
1) PZ-09-15-2015209: 8900 Biscayne Boulevard, (Owner) John Militana, (Applicant)
Same, (Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A Zoning,
Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations, Sec. 504. (g) (2) and Sec. 600. Site plan
review and approval required. Signs, pylon.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a 15
foot tall pole sign. The sign is within the signage allocation for the area. Staff is
recommending approval with conditions that are attached in the Staff Report. Mr.
John Militana 8801 Biscayne Blvd. was present and wished to present. The Board
asked questions about the sign. Mr. Dacquisto answered that the old sign was a
pole sign and this is a pylon sign. Mr. Militana said that there has not been a pole
sign nor a pylon sign approved since he’s been here. The Board asked questions.
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Mr. Sarafan explained that Mr. Benton and he had extensive conversations regarding
this issue with this Applicant; the Administration does support this application. Mr.
Militana says that the pole sign is basically the only option for this property. Mr.
Militana provided the Board more details about the property. Previously there was a
pole sign there. Mr. Militana explained that his only option is a pole sign because of
the sign that the Village will be replacing. If he was to put a monument sign in the
back of the Miami Shores sign would be in conflict. The sign that he is proposing is
aesthetically pleasing. It has a skirt on it, because it becomes more beautiful with it
on. It is harmonious with the building and the other buildings in the area. Mr.
Militana mentioned the other pole signs in the areas around where he is proposing.
He mentioned that a monument sign is not feasible being that Miami Shores will
have theirs approximately 6’ in front of it. Because of the unique characteristics of
the property he is asking the Board to consider approval of the pole sign. The Board
asked questions. Mr. Busta made a Motion to approve subject to Staff
recommendations. Mr. Reese seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor of the Motion.
2) PZ-07-15-2015210: 137 NE 105th Street, (Owner) Judith King, (Applicant) Same,
(Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A Zoning, Sec. 400
Schedule of Regulations and Sec. 600. Site plan review and approval required.
Garage conversion.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
garage conversion. The Applicant is proposing to convert an existing garage into
an exercise and laundry room. Staff is recommending approval with the
conditions specified in the Staff Report. Judith King of 137 NE 105 Street was
present and wished testify. Ms. King proceeded to mention that because they
have a small house they would like to convert their garage into living space.
Their washer and dryer are currently there. Ms. King said that they do have
parking for two cars. Mr. Abramitis made a Motion to approve subject to Staff
recommendations. Mr. Reese seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor of the Motion.
3) PZ-09-15-2015211: 103 NE 99th Street, (Owner) George Fishman, (Applicant)
Same, (Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A Zoning,
Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations and Sec. 600. Site plan review and approval
required. Garage conversion.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
garage conversion. The garage was constructed in 1950. The Applicant is
proposing to convert the garage into an exercise studio. There is sufficient space
to provide two legal parking outside. Mr. Dacquisto said that Staff is
recommending approval with the conditions he read into the record. George
Fishman and Ms. Fishman of 103 NE 99th Street were present and wished to
present. The Board asked questions. Ms. Fishman pointed out that the garage
is wasted space not being used except for storage and the like. She said is also
not in good condition. They would like to turn it into an exercise recreation
space. Mr. Sarafan asked the Applicant if they understood the conditions set by
Staff. Mr. and Ms. Fishman responded that yes they understood and had no
problem with it. The Board asked questions. Mr. Busta made a Motion to
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approve subject to Staff recommendations. Mr. Glinn seconded the Motion and
the vote was unanimous in favor of the Motion.
4) PZ-09-15-2015212: 9490 NW 1st Avenue, (Owner) Eddie Lewis, (Applicant)
Same, (Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A Zoning,
Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations, Sec. 523.1(6)e and Sec. 600. Site plan review
and approval required. Metal roof.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
metal roof. The residence currently has a tile roof. The metal roof is similar in
color to the existing white tile roof. The color of the metal roof is bone white which
is less reflective. It has a reflective rating as R67. It has a flat finish on it so it will
reduce the reflectivity. Staff is recommending approval with the conditions as
indicated in the staff report. Eddie Lewis of 9490 NW 1st Avenue was present
and wished to present. Mr. Lewis said that he had visited some cities which have
metal roofs and he was very impressed. Mr. Lewis said that his roof is due for a
replacement. Preferably something that will last another 50 years. The Board
made comments. Mr. Reese made a Motion to approve subject to Staff
recommendations. Mr. Glinn seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor of the Motion.
5) PZ-09-15-2015213: 9055 Biscayne Boulevard, (Owner) Shore Square
Properties, (Applicant) Dollar Tree, (Agent) Joseph Ware; Pursuant to Articles IV,
V and VI of Appendix A Zoning, Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations, Sec. 504. (g)
(2) and Sec. 600. Site plan review and approval required. Signs.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application for a sign on the
Dollar Store. The Village has a master sign agreement with Shore Square
Properties. Red Channel letters is what is authorized under the master plan in
the original agreement with the owners of the mall. It is specified on the original
contract that if one of the Tenants wants a different color they need to come in
front of the Board. The Applicant is proposing a green sign with their corporate
identifier above it. Staff is recommending approval with conditions as attached.
The Board asked questions. Joe Ware of 12010 Lucas Street, Ft. Myers, FL was
present and wished to testify. Mr. Ware said that Family Dollar and Dollar Tree
are starting to merge. Mr. Abramitis asked Mr. Dacquisto is there any Shores
Square monument sign up front that are non-conforming with the master sign
agreement. Mr. Dacquisto responds yes and gave some examples of these
signs. Mr. Ware points out about the different color signs in the area. Mr. Ware
proposed to keep the red on the monument sign and go green on the building
signage. The Board asked questions. Mr. Abramitis made a Motion to approve
subject to Staff recommendations with the added requirement that the monument
sign comply with the master sign agreement which will be red or white. Mr. Glinn
seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the Motion.
6) PZ-09-15-2015214: 13 NW 108th St, (Owner) Read Holdings LLC, (Applicant)
Same, (Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A Zoning,
Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations and Sec. 600. Site plan review and approval
required. Garage conversion.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
garage conversion into a game room, bathroom and laundry room. The game
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room is accessible from the rear yard. There is sufficient parking for two
vehicles. They have met the conditions for two legal parking on site. Staff is
recommending approval with the conditions as shown on the staff report.
Orlando Cordoves of 1553 Sunny Isles Avenue, Coral Gables, FL was present
and wished to testify. Mr. Ralph Diaz of 5741 SW 84 Street, South Miami, FL
was also present. Mr. Cordoves testified that they are remodeling the entire
interior of the property. They would like to add a bathroom in the garage. Mr.
Busta made a Motion to approve subject to Staff recommendations. Mr. Reese
seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the Motion.
7) PZ-09-15-2015215: 440 Grand Concourse, (Owner) Ximena & Edwardo Calle,
(Applicant) Same, (Agent) Kevin Smith; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of
Appendix A Zoning, Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations and Sec. 600. Site plan
review and approval required. One story addition.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
one story addition. The Applicant is proposing to add a 600 square foot addition
in the NE corner of the residence. The addition is to create a master bedroom
suite which will also be accessible through the rear yard. The addition will have
white barrel tile roof to match the existing roof. The design of the architecture
matches the existing 1940’s residence. Staff is recommending approval with the
conditions as attached. Mr. Kevin Smith of 3280 NE 16th Avenue, Fort
Lauderdale, FL said that this is a typical 600 square foot addition with the existing
roof to match the new roof. The Board asked questions. Mr. Glinn made a
Motion to approve subject to Staff recommendations. Mr. Reese seconded the
Motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the Motion.
8) PZ-09-15-2015216: 11004 NW 2 Avenue, (Owner) LSP Homes LLC, (Applicant)
Kenny Paris, (Agent) None; Pursuant to Articles IV, V and VI of Appendix A
Zoning, Sec. 400 Schedule of Regulations and Sec. 600. Site plan review and
approval required. New residence.
Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to the application which includes a
new residence. The Applicant decided that rather than renovating the residence
they would go ahead and tear it down and build a new residence and start fresh.
The Applicant is going to construct a 4 bedrooms 3 baths residence. Mr.
Dacquisto read into the record the staff report. The Applicant does have parking
on site. Mr. Dacquisto noted that on the site plan there is one thing that is a little
deceptive it looks like the circular driveway actually enters at the intersection.
But he was out at the site and it actually enters further down from the
intersection, hopefully it won’t be of conflict with traffic. Staff is recommending
approval with the conditions as attached. The Board asked questions relating to
the circular driveway. Mr. Dacquisto responds that if you look at the actual site
plan and go by the actual dimensions everything is fine. The way the Architect
drew it makes it look like is right off the intersection. It doesn’t really matter
because we are going to go by the survey and the site plan and that is going to
be accurate. Based on the survey and the site plan there would be no dispute in
the future. Mr. Kenny Paris testifies that they are going to build a new residence
as mentioned by Mr. Dacquisto. Mr. Paris said that the way they were doing the
construction was not good and the house actually caved in. Mr. Paris said that
they thought it was actually better to tear it down and build it new. The Board
asked questions. Mr. Busta made a Motion to approve subject to Staff
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recommendations. Mr. Reese seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor of the Motion.
VII) ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARING
1) Village Council request review and recommendation: Recommend to the Village
Council that the proposed changes to Appendix A Zoning permitting liquor sales
in restaurants and allowing for wine cafés be adopted; or that the proposed
changes be adopted as amended; or recommend that no changes be adopted.
Public hearing is now open.
Mr. Fernandez presents the first item in front of the Board which was requested
by Village Council for changes to Appendix A in zoning basically dealing with
alcohol. Mr. Dacquisto provided information relating to Appendix A in zoning.
Mr. Dacquisto said that the Village Council asked the Board to look into allowing
hard liquor sale in restaurants and what he originally called wine bars. Since
then the Board has discussed it Mr. Dacquisto said he had done some
amendments. One of the things to be noted is that he has changed wine bars to
wine café. This is something that has been done in other jurisdictions. Mr.
Dacquisto said is really trying to fit it under food establishments. It does have
limited food sales. In zoning if you look at some other codes wine bars don’t
actually have any food requirements. In the Miami Shores code that he is
proposing it requires that they have food sales. It does not say what percentage
must be food sales as opposed to the liquor sales. Simply put they have to have
a menu; they have to have food available at all times when they are open. There
are two components to this zoning code. One is Appendix A which this Board
has more authority over and also chapter 4 of the code of ordinances which is
strictly by Council. Mr. Dacquisto said he has two sets of ordinances one of them
deals with the zoning code with the entire requirements that we have to put in
place in order to implement chapter 4. One of the things in chapter 4 I’ve taken
all of Sec. 610 which said that all Council has the authority to allow special
permission for the sale of beer and wine and for restaurants. Mr. Dacquisto took
that out of the zoning code section and moved it over to the liquor ordinance. He
is trying to keep as much of the liquor regulation as he can in chapter 4 which is
alcoholic beverages. From that one section he created 3 sections; one is that the
Village Manager may give special approval to restaurants for beer and wine sale.
The second one that the Village Manager may give special approval for a
restaurant to have hard liquor, beer and wine sales. Then the third one is for a
wine café to have beer and wine sales. Mr. Dacquisto wants to start with the
zoning code. In order to implement the liquor ordinance you actually have to list
wine café under permitted uses. He was trying to see how he can make a few
changes as possible in order to implement the changes that are required. Mr.
Dacquisto said that what he decided to do is under the B1 and B2. He read that
into the record. Mr. Dacquisto said that he added the language “except for
restaurants and wine cafés shall be established except in accordance with the
site plan approval by the Planning Board and no building shall be erected. Mr.
Dacquisto said that what that means is that a change of use to a restaurant or
wine bar itself would not trigger Planning and Zoning Board approval or review,
only a brand new building, because the building itself would have to come in front
of this Board for approval or an addition a significant addition to the building that
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would have to come in front of the Planning and Zoning Board for approval as do
all building additions. The other change Mr. Dacquisto made is under permitted
uses. Under food operation we already had restaurants but he added language
after restaurants for food operations permitted use restaurants he added “such to
chapter 4 alcoholic beverages and section 4-2 special approval is required if
applicable” A restaurant is allowed if you want to have liquor in the restaurant
then you have to flip to chapter 4 alcoholic beverages you have to meet all of
those requirements. Under permitted use and operation he added wine cafés
and again subject to chapter 4 alcoholic beverages in section 4-2 special
approval required if applicable. So that gives a framework to allow restaurants
and wine cafés that were not listed previously. Under B2 adding the language
“no use of any kind except for restaurants and wine café shall be established
except in accordance with the site plan. Also under permitted uses any food
operations restaurant subject to chapter 4 etc. so it basically mirrors what we
have in B1. This would then apply to the B1 and B2 no other district. There is
another change made to section 501 it was basically outdated and it had to be
changed no matter what we did. Because it references an S2 district which we
don’t even have. 501 has changed to number 2 the sale of alcohol and
beverages as the same as defined in Florida Statutes 55 etc. Mr. Fernandez
asked is that a dog track. Mr. Dacquisto affirms yes. He read chapter 4 into the
record as provided to the Board regarding alcoholic beverages. Mr. Dacquisto
explained what he tried to do by taking the information out of zoning and putting
into chapter 4 alcoholic beverages. He goes on to talk about schedule of on
street parking. Explaining the requirements of 1 car space per 100 square feet
this is not doable downtown. He poses the situation of existing building vs new
construction. Then he read the material provided to the Board. He mentioned he
had gone down to section 610 and explained what this was. Mr. Dacquisto says
that what he is suggesting is to delete the language in 610 and add the term
reserved afterwards. That way we retain the sequence in our code. He
explained that the next thing he did was not under the jurisdiction of P&Z Board.
Defining restaurants beer and wine sale you are having the total sales 51% from
food some jurisdictions call that a bona fide restaurant. Also, create another kind
of restaurant which could permit liquor beer and wine not allowing them to sell
bottles for takeout. The third category would be wine café where there is no
specific requirement for food but in his lists of conditions he is granting he
provides they have to have a menu they have to have food on premises. One
thing that is different about wine café is that we are allowing sale by bottle for off
premise consumption. Mr. Dacquisto mentioned section 4.1 and spoke briefly
about it and provided it to the Board. He spoke about the powers granted to the
Village Manager which should be reviewed by Village Council. There is a
$500.00 fee for an application. Under this code provision there is no annual
renewal. He went over what information the Applicant should provide which is
stated in 4.4 of the document provided to the Board. Also, the Village should
advertise 14 days in advance before is granted giving the public notice. Miami
Shores Village Police is granted the authority to do an investigation of the
Applicant. This information will be turned over to the Village Manager. There is
an evaluation criteria including the report from the Police Department. Mr.
Dacquisto read in his report as provided to the Board. He mentioned the
proximity from these establishments to the residential area. There is no distance
requirement that he can put in the code that would allow this activity. Mr.
Dacquisto said that one of the requirements is that the establishments are not
allowed to have seating outside in the rear because that would be directly in front
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of the residential property. Also prohibited is outdoor seating on the side streets.
Outdoor seating is limited to NE 2 Avenue frontage in the B1. No outdoor sound
system is permitted. No live entertainment allowed. Requiring a detail security
plan and Mr. Dacquisto read into the record the remaining requirements. Mr.
Glinn read again the portion where it says that the licensee’s gross revenue from
the sale of food equals or exceeds 51% of the gross revenue from the sale of
liquor wine and beer for the most recent 12 month period. Mr. Sarafan clarifies
that it should be 51% of all gross sales. Mr. Dacquisto said that is correct he will
change it. Mr. Dacquisto proceeded to read in the document provided. He read
in a few conditions under revocation. Mr. Dacquisto read in from the document
provided the remaining facts and conditions for wine café. He went over the
hours of operation for the different establishments in 4-5. He said he added
another section 4-6 and he read the contents for the record. Mr. Fernandez
invited the public to make comments if they wished to. Ms. Kim Flower of 245
NE 99 Street asked a question. The Chairman clarifies this is a time for
comment not necessarily questions. Ms. Flower states that her preference would
be for the sale of wine and beer to be allowed. She mentioned establishments
that now allow this to happen. Thank you. No other public comment. The Board
commented on the material covered by Mr. Dacquisto. The Board commented
that if a restaurant opened in an existing building there would be no parking
requirement. Mr. Dacquisto confirms this to be true. Mr. Fernandez posed
different scenarios and the parking requirements by each. Mr. Abramitis asked
Mr. Dacquisto if there is a way to craft this ordinance so that we don’t end up with
a strip of fast food on 2nd Avenue that we did not intend and all else that goes
with it. Mr. Abramitis expresses that we may get something that we did not
anticipate to make his point. Can you fix it? Mr. Dacquisto says that there are
certain ways that you can carve out an exemption and he gave some examples.
Mr. Dacquisto poses the issue of restaurants with take out and the ones that
don’t. Mr. Fernandez takes a look at the issue from a broader prospective. He
mentioned that in looking at it he can see there are a lot of issues that are
addressed in the documents provided. Mr. Fernandez is pleased to see the 51%
provision. He expressed concern about carving out a provision for restaurants
and wine café were no parking is required. He can foresee a lot of cars requiring
parking. Is there a traffic plan for the past or in the future seems totally
inequitable. Mr. Fernandez spoke about the hours of operation for certain
facilities. He asked about restricting the hours of. Mr. Fernandez spoke about
the distances between the establishments and the parking area. He believes
that operating time should be cutback in the B1 areas. He mentioned that the
Country Club and the University are ok. Mr. Fernandez asked Mr. Dacquisto
about certificate of occupancy. If someone comes in for a remodel don’t they
issue a CO for a remodeling? Mr. Fernandez turned to the provisions provided
by Mr. Dacquisto and read it, then asked if a CO would be issued for remodeling.
Mr. Dacquisto responds if it is 50% of the value or more. Mr. Dacquisto said that
Mr. Sarafan and he can draft the legal language that will get us to where you
want to go. Mr. Fernandez expressed concern about the remodeling of these
places. Mr. Dacquisto offered to read the intent and said that he can work with
Mr. Sarafan regarding the legal language. Mr. Dacquisto explained when a CO
would be needed. Mr. Glinn says that he understands the language in the Staff
report provided. Mr. Fernandez clarifies additions to be another building. Mr.
Dacquisto says that an addition is that you are adding on to another building. Mr.
Fernandez offered an example of an addition. Mr. Dacquisto explains how the
improvement works. Mr. Fernandez bring in the example of a 10,000 square
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building and you are putting up a 600 square foot addition does the entire thing
have to come up. Mr. Dacquisto says no, not unless is 50% of the value.
Regarding Metrix Mr. Fernandez asked a question about the Police Chief
ordering an investigation on the Applicant. Mr. Sarafan talks about the
delegation from Village Council to the Village Manager of its decision making
authority that will only pass legal scrutiny if the delegation is accompanied by
objective standards. They meaning the Village Council cannot delegate
discretion. Mr. Sarafan gives an example of what the Board can say related to
Metrix. He mentioned there is a tension in the Council about the validity or the
legality of delegating these Metrix. Mr. Sarafan gave an example of the things
that can be considered when doing these investigations. Mr. Fernandez asked
what the appeal process is. Mr. Sarafan says that his recommendation to the
Council will be not to delegate. Standards for sidewalk café are very standard
and very specific. Mr. Sarafan says that he will get from Council what they are
looking for over and beyond the liquor license. Mr. Fernandez spoke about his
experience with the liquor law and expressed concern. Mr. Glinn says he
understands the concerns but he does not see it as catastrophic from his
prospective. Mr. Fernandez says that there is certain fragility as far as NE 2
Avenue. He is in favor of the proposal but there are certain parts that remain a
problem. He gives an example of an investor coming in and investing on 2nd
Avenue. The investor has every good intention of keeping the law then an unruly
group comes in and repeatedly misconduct. Then the Council has to revoke their
license. Does anybody see any liability here? It is not that easy to draw this
back. Mr. Sarafan says that there is a reason why the Code is the way it is. The
Board asked questions to Mr. Dacquisto. Mr. Dacquisto responds that parking
requirement is one of the reasons why we don’t have more of these
establishments, and DERM is the other reason because of the septic system.
Mr. Abramitis discussed the parking spaces available and his concern with what
is available. He mentioned the tools available to do so. Mr. Fernandez says if
we are going to have parking requirement for some places why we are not
having it for everyone else. He gave some examples of where parking is
available. We have to have some parking resolution. Mr. Glinn says first of all
there is the parking issue. One of the requirements is that there will be a parking
plan. Although we are waiving the parking spaces under the code one of the
requirements for approval in this ordinance is that there will be a parking plan.
Then he spoke about some establishments that would love to have any
restaurant that would need parking to find a way to better utilize some of those
spots. Those are alternative to be considered by the Village Manager. Mr. Glinn
suggested the Council should consider some alternative like a table service,
prohibit window service, menu boards. He mentioned that due to his experience
none of these fast food places would consider opening in these areas.
Furthermore, we can limit that interest that is there by the policy makers by
requiring table service, getting rid of menu boards, drive through windows adding
those as components of the ordinance. Mr. Glinn prefers the closing time to be
mid night. The streets adjacent to 2nd Avenue should have a resident’s only
parking zone created to keep people off their lawn. Mr. Fernandez asked Mr.
Sarafan about taking this discussion and suspending it until our next workshop.
Mr. Sarafan expressed that there is no impediment to suspending this discussion
and having it another day. However, be aware that most of what you are
discussing here is what is in chapter 4. Mr. Sarafan says that the Board would
authorize subject to chapter 4. To know what you are doing you need to know
what is in chapter 4. Mr. Fernandez expressed that there are a lot of things up in
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the air. There is a lot of technicality here before us. Mr. Abramitis asked the
question why not just require the parking plan before approval. Mr. Glinn refers
to Mr. Dacquisto about this and goes on to say that the issue is to create a
maximum parking solution. By creating a rigid set of standards that would apply
to the number of spots that are required for the number of uses it is quickly to
amend those to accommodate the constant evolving nature of the neighborhood.
Mr. Fernandez brings up Mr. Glinn’s suggestion of residents only parking. Mr.
Glinn final comment on this is that I think there are a lot of ideas offered at the
Council my own personal opinion is that the purview of the Board is to evaluate
the changes to the zoning code. We are doing redundant work to the work that
the Council is already doing. That the Council’s purview is to deal with the nuts
and bolts, that we have a pretty good idea of what the Council is proposing. Mr.
Glinn says that in his opinion it is appropriate to evaluate the changes to the
zoning code. Mr. Fernandez made some clarifications as far as to what this
Board does. Mr. Sarafan says that the Council will be next addressing this issue
at the October meeting. He then asked who is up for re appointment. Mr.
Fernandez responds, Mr. Busta, Mr. Abramitis and me. Mr. Sarafan and the
Board discussed having a formal meeting to discuss the issue further. Mr.
Dacquisto asked for some direction from the Board. Mr. Fernandez expressed
concern about having received the revisions today. Mr. Sarafan says there is a
consensus in favor of amending the zoning code to allow these types of uses as
always there needs to be more details. Mr. Fernadez says he agrees. Mr.
Abramitis says he would like to knock out the fast food problem. He adds he is
all for the maximum flexibility of urban planning to solve problems, now how do
we prevent it from becoming a problem. Flexibility is how do we account for the
parking, rather than getting into the ability to give to the Village Manager I prefer
to see if Mr. Dacquisto could put it into the ordinance. Give them any flexibility
they want anything that is available under the so called parking plan. Mr. Glinn
thinks than an objective standard would make sense in that context. Mr.
Fernandez gave an example of the parking and what is not available. Mr.
Dacquisto says that is already in the code and explains that if you leave the
parking requirement in people will have to secure offsite parking. Mr. Dacquisto
asked the Board for direction regarding this. Mr. Sarafan says that in addition to
the sewer issue the other issue is there is no parking or such a shortage of
currently available parking. Mr. Abramitis turns to Mr. Dacquisto for more
guidance regarding parking. He asked why we can’t amend the zoning code to
require a parking plan before we approve a use. Mr. Sarafan says what you are
saying is we keep the parking requirement and you have to show how you are
going to show it with all of these tools at your disposal. Mr. Dacquisto says it is
exactly what you have today, you don’t change anything. Mr. Sarafan says the
difference is, I guess, it’s an intermediate step you can make these uses lawful.
You can have the sewer put on and see if it works if it doesn’t we can always
lessen the parking requirements later on. But rather than do it now that might be
an intermediate step. Mr. Dacquisto mentioned another option would be not to
provide parking. Mr. Dacquisto said what our code says is there is only a parking
requirement for incremental difference in the use of a parking. So, retail to retail
there is no change. Retail to doctor there is a change of intensity according to
our zoning code. If you make it equivalent to our retail then there is no parking
requirement. Mr. Abramitis says that does not solve the problem of not enough
parking. Mr. Busta, two things the parking plan and the fast foods, if we address
the parking plan he thinks it cuts back the fast food. Mr. Busta mentioned a few
fast foods places that had opened and then closed. He expressed concern about
Miami Shores Village, Planning Board Meeting
Minutes – September 17, 2015
10
the availability of parking. He is concerned with the residents around 2nd Avenue.
Mr. Fernandez asked Mr. Dacquisto what direction he would like the Board to
give him. Mr. Dacquisto explains what a zoning code does. He points out that
parking is one the most pressing issue. Hours are actually on the other section
of this code and it won’t be voted on by this Board. Mr. Dacquisto says that the
Board can make a recommendation. The list of permitted uses becomes an
issue. Section 501 as drafted is more a technicality than anything can it go
forward. Removal of section 610 that is a technicality and again can be tied in
with section 4. Mr.Glinn expresses that it looks like the Board is in consensus in
all these pieces. Mr. Fernandez proposes to knock out 610 in approving its
removal. All agreed. 2. Dealing with closing time, 12:00 PM? All Board
members approve with the exception of Mr. Busta. Mr. Abramitis speaks about
Mr. Glinn’s approach about restaurants and fast food places. Mr. Glinn inputs
that take out window we don’t want. Mr. Sarafan mentions DERM and that lack
of sewer. The Board discusses having a separate meeting to discuss the parking
plan. Mr. Glinn there is a consensus by the Board members that they want the
wine bars or wine café in NE 2nd Avenue. The Board discusses B1 and B2 uses.
Mr. Fernandez requests for a special meeting to be set up two weeks from now
to discuss further. Mr. Abramitis says that zoning is written is such a way that
parking is accounted for before it gets approval. A parking plan using every
available tool like Mr. Glinn said. Mr. Abramitis believes we do have to have
parking accounted for. Come up with a Metrix plan the can be approved the
Village Manager or someone else. Mr. Dacquisto says that regarding parking 1
per 100 square feet it’s not a lot. The Board asked questions. Mr. Dacquisto
responds that every 45 feet its 3 people. Mr. Dacquisto says that what the Board
has to do is create an exception in chapter 4. He said that we could just say that
we can provide valet parking. Mr. Fernandez requests to take a look at how that
would fit in in Mr. Glinn’s parking plan Mr. Glinn says he would support relaxing
requirements at a minimum. Mr. Fernandez disagrees with Mr. Glinn and
explains why. The Board discusses the allotment of parking on 2nd Avenue. Mr.
Fernandez would like to take a look at a valet parking license. There is a
consensus to move on the parking issue at the special meeting. There is a
Motion to set a special meeting at a certain date and time by Mr. Reese.
Seconded by Mr. Glinn and the vote were unanimous in favor of the Motion.
2) Discuss amending the code to allow alternative materials between driveway pads
and ribbons.
Mr. Fernandez asked the public if they were here for this item. Public answers yes.
Mr. Johnny Hernandez of 77 NW 101 Street was present and wants to testify. He is
more interested on the artificial turf than rocks. He wants to speak in favor of
amending the code to allow artificial turf. He pointed out the benefits of artificial turf.
Mr. Hernandez points out that the Board can request samples before someone puts
in an artificial turf for quality control. He mentioned other cities that allow artificial
turf.
Mauricio Cruz of 150 NE 103rd Street advocates putting rocks between the driveway
spaces. He would like to put something that looks good and its low maintenance.
Mr. Cruz added that his irrigation system is from a well and the water stains. He
wants to put rocks that are at least 1” so that it can hold down. Public comment now
closed. Mr. Fernandez spoke about the way we notify the public of these meetings.
Miami Shores Village, Planning Board Meeting
Minutes – September 17, 2015
11
3) Provide an interpretation of the zoning code regarding the approved location of
decks and applicable setbacks. Discuss amending the code as necessary.
Mr. Dacquisto discussed the decks setbacks and its requirements per his Staff
report. He discussed what the building official said regarding the setbacks. If it
is a detached deck it’s supposed to be 15’ from the back. Mr. Dacquisto says he
thinks that we have to eliminate the 15’ separation. Mr. Fernandez says that
there is no right to a deck. Mr. Fernandez expressed that they wish to make this
Board more lenient on the issue of the decks. The Board discussed the different
things that a home owner can build in their back yard.
VIII) DISCUSSION
1) None
IX) NEXT WORKSHOP – TBA
X) NEXT REGULAR HEARING – October 8, 2015. The second Thursday of October.
XI) ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to Chapter 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if person decides to appeal any
matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he may need to ensure that a
verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony
and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Miami Shores Village complies with the provisions of the American with Disability
Act. If you are a disabled person requiring any accommodations or assistance,
including materials in accessible format, a sign language interpreter (5 days’
notice required), or information, please notify the Village Clerk’s office of such
need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.