§ 33-223.5.1. Site plan review.

(a)

Required; purpose. The Department shall, prior to issuance of any permits, review plans for compliance with zoning regulations and for compliance with the site plan review criteria. The purpose of the site plan review is to encourage logic, imagination, innovation and variety in the design process and ensure the congruity of the proposed development and its compatibility with the surrounding area. If requested approval is denied, proposed project may be appealed to the appropriate Community Zoning Appeals Board, in accordance with regulations as provided in Chapter 33 of the Code of Miami-Dade County governing appeals from administrative decisions.

(b)

Required exhibits. The following exhibits shall be prepared by design professionals such as architects and landscape architects and submitted to the Department:

(1)

Site plan, including the following information:

a.

Lot lines and setbacks.

b.

Location, shape, size and height of existing and proposed buildings, decorative walls and entrance features.

c.

Landscaping and sprinkler systems in accordance with Chapter 18A of this Code.

d.

Location of off-street parking, loading facilities, and space for storage and collection of solid waste and recyclable materials.

e.

Indication of exterior graphics.

f.

Indication of any design methods used to conserve energy.

(2)

Floor plans and elevations of all structures, including total gross quare foot area of each floor.

(3)

Figures indicating the following:

a.

Gross and net acreage.

b.

The total building coverage.

c.

The proposed F.A.R. in square feet.

d.

The total square feet of residential uses.

e.

The total square feet of office uses.

f.

Total square feet of snack bar facility if proposed.

g.

Amount of landscaped open space in square feet required and provided.

h.

Amount of building coverage at ground level in square feet.

i.

Total trees required and provided in accordance with Chapter 18A of this Code.

j.

Parking required and provided.

k.

Total amount of paved area in square feet.

l.

Indication of the design of exterior graphics and signage.

m.

Such other design data as may be needed to evaluate the project.

(c)

Plan review standards. The following criteria shall be utilized in the plan review process:

(1)

Planning studies. Design, planning studies or neighborhood area studies accepted or approved by the Board of County Commissioners that include development patterns or environmental design criteria which would apply to the development proposal under review shall be utilized in the plan review process.

(2)

Landscape. Landscape shall be preserved in its natural state insofar as is practicable by minimizing tree removal. Landscape shall be used to shade and cool, direct wind movements, enhance architectural features, relate structure design to site, visually screen noncompatible uses and block noise generated by the major roadways and intense-use areas.

(3)

Buffers. Buffering elements in the form of architectural design and landscape design that provide a logical transition to adjoining existing or permitted uses shall be provided.

(4)

Scale. Scale of proposed structures shall be compatible with surrounding proposed or existing uses or shall be made compatible by the use of buffering elements.

(5)

Circulation. Pedestrian and auto circulation shall be separated insofar as is practicable, and all circulation systems shall adequately serve the needs of the development and be compatible and functional with circulation systems outside the development.

(6)

Energy conservation. Design methods to reduce energy consumption shall be encouraged. Energy conservation methods may include, but not be limited to, natural ventilation of structures, siting of structures in relation to prevailing breezes and sun angles, insulation of structures, use of landscape materials for shade and transpiration, and orientation of breezes.

(7)

Parking areas. Building wall extensions, planting, berms or other innovative methods shall be used as a means of minimizing the adverse effect of the visual impact of parking areas. This requirement is in addition to the requirements of the landscape regulations of the Code of Miami-Dade County.

(8)

Open space. Open space shall relate to any natural characteristics in such a way as to preserve and enhance their scenic and functional qualities to the fullest extent possible.

(9)

Subtropic architectural characteristics. Architecture and site development should incorporate consideration of the subtropical characteristics of the area. The provision of sun-control devices, shaded areas, vegetation, roof terraces and similar features characteristic of subtropical design shall be encouraged

(10)

Outdoor furniture and graphics. All outdoor furniture and graphics shall be designed as an integral part of the overall design of the project.

(11)

Art display. Permanent interior and exterior art displays and water features should be encouraged in the overall design of the project.

(12)

Visual screening for decorative walls: In an effort to prevent graffiti vandalism, the following options shall be utilized for walls abutting zoned or dedicated rights-of-way:

(a)

Wall with landscaping. The wall shall be setback two and one-half (2½) feet from the right-of-way line and the resulting setback area shall contain a continuous extensively landscaped buffer which must be maintained in a good healthy condition by the property owner, or where applicable, by the condominium, homeowners or similar association. The landscape buffer shall contain one (1) or more of the following planting materials:

(1)

Shrubs. Shrubs shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in height when measured immediately after planting and shall be planted and maintained to form a continuous, unbroken, solid, visual screen within one (1) year after time of planting.

(2)

Hedges. Hedges shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in height when measured immediately after planting and shall be planted and maintained to form a continuous, unbroken, solid, visual screen within one (1) year after time of planting.

(3)

Vines. Climbing vines shall be a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches in height immediately after planting.

(b)

Metal picket fence. Where a metal picket fence abutting a zoned or dedicated right-of-way is constructed in lieu of a decorative wall, landscaping shall not be required.

(Ord. No. 83-37, § 1, 6-7-83; Ord. No. 95-19, § 7, 2-7-95; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 95-223, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 96-127, § 12, 9-4-96; Ord. No. 99-38, § 8, 4-27-99; Ord. No. 18-134, § 10, 11-8-18)