R5T - Require One-way Trap Door Prior to Demolition

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “BUILDING REGULATIONS,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “PERMITS APPLIED FOR ON OR AFTER MARCH 1, 2002,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “DEMOLITION,” BY AMENDING SECTION 14-421 THEREOF, ENTITLED “NOTICE OF DEMOLITION TO AFFECTED PERSONS,” AND BY CREATING SECTION 14-422 THEREOF, ENTITLED “ONE-WAY TRAP DOOR INSTALLATION PRIOR TO DEMOLITION”; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  

December 17, 2025
Sponsors
City Attorney
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Detailed Information

Cached: 11 minutes ago

Ordinances - R5 T

R5 T AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “BUILDING REGULATIONS,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “PERMITS APPLIED FOR ON OR AFTER MARCH 1, 2002,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “DEMOLITION,” BY AMENDING SECTION 14-421 THEREOF, ENTITLED “NOTICE OF DEMOLITION TO AFFECTED PERSONS,” AND BY CREATING SECTION 14-422 THEREOF, ENTITLED “ONE-WAY TRAP DOOR INSTALLATION PRIOR TO DEMOLITION”; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:
City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico

DATE:

DATE: December 17, 2025 11:05 a.m. First Reading Public Hearing
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “BUILDING REGULATIONS,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “PERMITS APPLIED FOR ON OR AFTER MARCH 1, 2002,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “DEMOLITION,” BY AMENDING SECTION 14-421 THEREOF, ENTITLED “NOTICE OF DEMOLITION TO AFFECTED PERSONS,” AND BY CREATING SECTION 14-422 THEREOF, ENTITLED “ONE-WAY TRAP DOOR INSTALLATION PRIOR TO DEMOLITION”; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

This ordinance is presented on first reading at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Laura Dominguez.

The ordinance was requested by motion of the Animal Welfare Committee at its September 23, 2025 meeting.

There has been a significant increase in the number of demolitions in recent years. The City regulates the pre-demolition process in order protect the health, welfare, and safety of City residents.

The demolition of buildings, facilities and structures may endanger pets and other animals trapped in the crawl space beneath the building unless a one-way trap door is installed at the entry point of every crawl space at least fourteen (14) days prior to any demolition to allow trapped animals to escape.

If adopted, the proposed ordinance would adjust the fine schedule for Sec. 14-421 to bring the fines into compliance with Florida state law; and would create new section 14-422 to require the installation of a one-way trap door at the entry point of every crawl space at least fourteen (14) days prior to any demolition of any building, facility and/or structure in order to allow trapped animals to escape unharmed prior to any demolition. The new section 14-422 would also include the maximum fine schedule allowed pursuant to Florida state law.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? No (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

Is this a “Residents Right to Know” item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?

Is this item related to a G.O. Bond Project?

No

No

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

City Attorney

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

11:05 a.m. 1st Rdg PH, Trap Door to Protect Animals During Demolition. (Dominguez) CA

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