Miami approves nation’s largest form-based code

On its second try, the Miami City Commission on Sept. 4 approved the “Miami 21” zoning code, which would place South Florida’s biggest city under a form-based code. The new code would be “the largest form-based code adopted anywhere,” says Marina Khoury, project leader for Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co., which helped the municipality tailor a Transect-based regulatory framework to Miami’s needs. If the code wins final adoption in a second vote this fall, development in Miami will become much more pedestrian-oriented than it was during the automobile-dominated 20th century. “New projects along the city’s principal corridors would mix shops and homes — an urban template more like that of Manhattan, Chicago or San Francisco than the strip-mall model of the Sunbelt,” The Miami Herald observed. The new code “replaces the city’s existing zoning in its entirety,” the Herald said. After deadlocking on the proposal in August, the City Commission approved it by a vote of 4-1 in September —a resounding victory for outgoing mayor Manny Diaz, who made rezoning a centerpiece of his administration (see Sept. 2009 New Urban News). The Commission approved amendments to the Miami 21 proposal. Those must undergo review by the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The hope is that the state agency will review the changes in less than 30 days — allowing the Commission to take a final vote before the Nov. 3 municipal elections. The world economic crisis has brought real estate projects in South Florida almost to a standstill. Khoury believes the low level of real estate activity could work to the city’s advantage. With only a small volume of projects to be considered, regulators will be able to gradually accustom themselves to a form-based code. “Many on both sides praised the work by lead consultant Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, who incorporated dozens of changes proposed by residents, architects, developers and property owners,” said the Herald.