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 Miami - Dade County
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 18A. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LANDSCAPING ORDINANCE

  § 18A-7. Landscape plan review criteria.  

Latest version.

  • In the unincorporated area all landscape plans shall be reviewed by the Department of Planning and Zoning, and where existing trees or Natural Forest Communities or Environmentally Endangered Lands are involved, the Department of Environmental Resources Management. In the case of a municipality, landscape plans shall be approved by the department(s) or board(s) as deemed appropriate within the municipality. Landscape plans shall be reviewed in accordance with the following goals and objectives and the guidelines and illustrations provided in the Landscape Manual as well as the Guide to Florida-Friendly Landscaping provided by the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program:

    (A)

    Landscape design shall enhance architectural features; relate structure design to the site; visually screen dissimilar uses and unsightly views; reduce noise, glare and heat gain from paved areas, major roadways and incompatible uses; strengthen important vistas and reinforce neighboring site design and architecture.

    (B)

    Existing specimen trees, native vegetation (including canopy, understory, and ground cover) and Natural Forest Communities shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible and all requirements of Section 24-49 of the Code of Miami-Dade County shall be met. Preserved Natural Forest Community areas shall be deducted from the total area used to calculate minimum landscaping requirements. Native vegetation in these Natural Forest Community areas shall not be used to satisfy minimum landscape requirements.

    (C)

    In order to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and promote plant health, plant species shall be selected and installed based on their water needs, growth rate and size, and resource inputs. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped in hydrozones. Adequate growth area, including rooting space, based on natural mature shape and size shall be provided for all plant materials.

    (D)

    The plan shall include the use of native plant species in order to reestablish an aesthetic regional quality and take advantage of the unique diversity and adaptability of native species to the environmental conditions of South Florida. Where feasible, the re-establishment of native habitats shall be incorporated into the landscape plan.

    (E)

    Trees and shrubs shall be planted in the energy conservation zone where feasible, in order to reduce energy consumption by shading buildings and shall be used to reduce heat island effects by shading paved surfaces.

    (F)

    Street trees shall be used to shade roadways and provide visual order. Where feasible, selected species shall be used to establish a road hierarchy by defining different road types.

    (G)

    Special attention shall be given to the use of appropriate species located under, or adjacent to overhead power lines, and near native plant communities and near underground utility lines. Adequate growth area shall be provided for all plant materials.

    (H)

    Landscaping shall be designed in such a way as to provide safe and unobstructed views at intersections of roadways, driveways, recreational paths and sidewalks in accordance with Section 33-11 of the Code.

    (I)

    Historic landscapes and landscape features designated by local, State or federal governments shall be preserved.

(Ord. No. 95-222, § 2, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 98-13, § 1, 1-13-98; Ord. No. 98-125, § 36, 9-3-98; Ord. No. 09-35, § 5, 5-5-09)