Miami Considers Building Height Increase Incentives to Address Parking Shortage

The City of Miami is proposing measures to alleviate the parking shortage in the Biscayne Boulevard historic district. This involves considering an increase in building height allowances as an incentive for developers. Currently, the city is set to discuss the first reading of an ordinance that would permit new building projects to exceed the maximum height limit by 20 feet, specifically in the Miami Modern (MiMo)/Biscayne Boulevard historic district. To qualify for this height increase, developers must invest a minimum of $6 million in infrastructure improvements within the area.

Historical Context and Present Challenges
The construction of Biscayne Boulevard, initiated in 1925 during a real estate boom, marked the beginning of development in the area. However, rapid development outpaced infrastructure growth, leading to present-day challenges. Now, nearing its centenary, the MiMo/Biscayne Boulevard neighborhood faces a critical shortage of parking spaces. Designated a historic district in 2006, the area is renowned for its collection of 1950s-era motels.

Geographical Scope and Traffic Study
The affected area spans both sides of Biscayne Boulevard between Northeast 50th and 77th streets. To assess potential solutions, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted a traffic study along the Biscayne corridor, specifically between Northeast 63rd and 75th streets. The study revealed that implementing on-street parking would necessitate improvements to existing bicycle corridors along alternative routes. Additionally, it highlighted the adverse impact of the parking shortage on the adjacent Palm Grove Historic District.

Legislative Proposal and Public Benefits
In response to these findings, Miami commissioners are contemplating an amendment to city code that would grant additional building height allowances in exchange for public benefits. This proposed legislation, sponsored by Chairwoman Christine King, targets new developments within the historic district. Under this proposal, a single project on a contiguous lot of at least one acre could be granted an extra height allowance of up to 20 feet, totaling 55 feet. Public benefits, as defined by the legislation, include infrastructure enhancements such as public parking, sustainability measures, streetscape improvements, and alternative transportation services, with a minimum value of $6 million.