C7AK - Permit Walkthrough Expansion

Resolutions - C7 AK

C7 AK A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND THE PERMIT WALKTHROUGH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE SMALL COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AND RETAIL SPACES, IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS, ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE, REDUCE TIME TO MARKET FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION IN THE CITY’S COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ROLL OUT THE EXPANDED PROGRAM ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2026; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE EXPANDED PROGRAM IN ADVANCE OF THE PROGRAM’S LAUNCH. Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Alex Fernandez.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying?

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

City Attorney

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Mayor Steven Meiner Commissioner David Suarez

Condensed Title

Expand Permit Walkthrough Program, Include Small Commercial/Retail Projects. (Fernandez/Meiner/Suarez) CA

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND THE PERMIT WALKTHROUGH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE SMALL COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AND RETAIL SPACES, IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS, ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE, REDUCE TIME TO MARKET FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION IN THE CITY’S COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTATION TO ROLL OUT THE EXPANDED PROGRAM ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2026; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE EXPANDED PROGRAM IN ADVANCE OF THE PROGRAM’S LAUNCH.

WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach currently offers a Permit Walkthrough Program that provides expedited, same-day plan review services for certain residential construction projects, allowing eligible applicants to obtain permits more efficiently and with greater predictability; and

WHEREAS, the Walkthrough Program has proven to be a valuable tool in improving the permitting experience for residents, reducing processing times, and enhancing transparency and accountability in the plan review process; and

WHEREAS, small commercial projects and retail spaces–particularly those involving interior buildouts, tenant improvements, or minor renovations–often face similar permitting

challenges, including delays that can significantly impact project timelines, leasing activity, and business openings; and

WHEREAS, time is a critical factor for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and delays in permitting can result in lost revenue, increased carrying costs, and missed market opportunities, particularly in competitive commercial corridors; and

WHEREAS, expanding the Permit Walkthrough Program to include qualifying small commercial and retail projects would provide these businesses with a more efficient and predictable permitting pathway, thereby reducing barriers to entry and supporting the City’s

broader economic development and small business support goals; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission is committed to fostering a business-friendly regulatory environment that supports local investment, encourages commercial revitalization, and promotes the adaptive reuse of existing retail and commercial spaces; and

WHEREAS, the expansion of the Walkthrough Program aligns with the City’s strategic priorities of improving customer service, streamlining internal processes, and enhancing the responsiveness of City departments to the needs of residents, businesses, and property owners;

and

WHEREAS, the City Administration is well-positioned to develop eligibility criteria, operational procedures, and staffing plans necessary to implement the expanded program in a manner that maintains the integrity of the plan review process while delivering meaningful benefits to the business community; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission desire that the Administration roll out the expanded program on or before January 1, 2026 and conduct a public awareness campaign to promote the expanded program in advance of the program’s launch.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby direct the City Administration to expand the Permit Walkthrough Program to include small commercial projects and retail spaces, and to develop and implement the necessary procedures, eligibility thresholds, and staffing resources to support this expansion, with the goal of streamlining the permitting process, enhancing customer service, and supporting local economic development, and directs the Administration to roll out the expanded program on or before January 1, 2026; and further, directs the Administration to implement a public awareness campaign to promote the expanded program in advance of the program’s launch.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this

ATTEST:

Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk

(Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez)

2025

day of

Steven Meiner, Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION

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Date