Title
An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for a text amendment to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code by amending Article 1, “General Provisions” Section 1-109, “Construction Rules” to clarify that where the provisions of this Zoning Code vary from the applicable requirements of any law, statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, or code, the most restrictive provisions which shall be deemed to be the higher standard of zoning shall govern, including provisions of zoning within the Miami-Dade County Rapid Transit Zone; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date.
(Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mena)
(Sponsored by Commissioner Fors)
Body
Section 6.02 of the Miami-Dade County Charter provides municipalities with the authority to exercise all powers relating to local affairs that are not inconsistent with the County Charter. Under this Charter provision, each municipality may provide for higher standards of zoning, service, and regulation than those provided by Miami-Dade County (“County”), so that municipalities can preserve their individual characters and standards for the benefit of municipal residents.
There are many examples of the City of Coral Gables (“City”) imposing higher standards of zoning, service, and regulation than the County in areas generally regulated by the County. This Zoning Code amendment clarifies a basic but important legal principal that the City has applied consistently for decades.