C4A - Historic Plaque Program

Committee Referrals - C4 A

C4 A REFERRAL TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD - DISCUSS AND PROVIDE A RECOMMENDATION ON A PLAQUE PROGRAM FOR HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED HOMES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH. Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) refer a discussion item to the Historic Preservation Board for review and recommendation of the proposed plaque program for designated structures.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On June 25, 2025, at the request of former Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, the City Commission adopted a resolution (C7 BD) directing the Administration to develop a plaque program for historically designated homes and public buildings within the City, similar to the program of the City of Coral Gables, and to bring the program back to the City Commission for approval and potential funding.

On November 18, 2025, Commissioners Laura Dominguez, Tanya K. Bhatt, and Alex Fernandez, agreed to sponsor the proposal.

ANALYSIS

The City of Coral Gables provides a small ceramic plaque, at no cost, to owners of properties designated as an historic landmark. The standard design and cost-effective material allow multiple plaques to be produced at a single time, keeping costs minimal.

For an efficient and cost-effective program, the Administration recommends eligibility for a Miami Beach plaque program be limited to individually designated single-family homes and individually designated public buildings. Currently, the City has thirty-one (31) individually designated historic single-family homes and five (5) individually designated historic public buildings.

The Planning Department has developed the attached preliminary design options, featuring a six- inch round medallion featuring the City’s seal, which could be easily produced by the City’s in- house sign manufacturing facility within the Parking Department. The total cost of the program, for up to 36 plaques, is anticipated to be less than $1,000.00.

Prior to City Commission action directing the applicable departments, including Parking, Facilities Management and Planning, to implement the plaque program, it is recommended that the proposal be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board (HPB). Once the HPB provides a recommendation, the Administration will bring the proposal back to the City Commission for authorization.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

No Fiscal Impact Expected

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

Not Applicable

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends that the City Commission refer the discussion item to the Historic Preservation Board for review and recommendation of the proposed plaque program for designated structures.

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? No

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

Department

Planning

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Ref: HPB - Plaque Program for Historically Designated Homes/Public Bldgs in MB. (LD/TB/AF) PL