Some social media posts during the past few weeks have obscured the importance of the “Permitting Ordinance” that will come up for second reading before the Miami Lakes Town Council on October 4.
Prior to the incorporation of Miami Lakes inn 2000, the Miami-Dade County code, and many other municipalities in the county, permitted the beginning of construction for new developments prior to final recording of plat with the County Clerk’s Office with some restrictions, including, but not limited to, no issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy until the final recording is complete.
This procedure allowed development companies to begin construction of infrastructure and commercial and residential structures during the period of waiting for final plat recording - sometimes as long as 6 months or longer.
When the Town of Miami Lakes adopted the Miami-Dade County Building Code, certain modifications were made including prohibiting any work to be done on a new development pending recording of the final plat.
The proposed “Permitting Ordinance” would eliminate that prohibition and be in line with existing Miami-Dade County code.
Approval of the ordinance is important for several reasons, not the least of which is sound economic development practices.
Several opponents to the proposed ordinance have suggested, during the current political season, that it is designed for the benefit of the Lennar Corporation which is the new owner and developer of a large tract of land on the western fringes of Miami Lakes – even suggesting that council members may have accepted contributions for their campaigns to guarantee its approval.
But the plat recording time restraints have also detrimentally affected The Graham Companies, Miami Lakes original developer and largest land owner, whereas in proposing requests for build-to-suit commercial buildings, the firm has to take in account the six month to a year waiting period in the development timetable. This has resulted in prospective tenants choosing less restraints in nearby Broward County or elsewhere.
In addition, the sooner a project can have a Certificate of Occupancy, the sooner it comes on the Miami Lakes property tax roll which is a benefit to all residents.
The Miami Laker recommends approval of the “Permitting Ordinance” on second reading at the October 4 Town Council meeting.