Miami-Dade BCC CDMP & Zoning Meeting - November 20, 2025

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners held a Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) and Zoning meeting on November 20, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM. The meeting addressed several deferred items, new zoning applications, and appeals. Key actions included unanimous denial of a zoning appeal, approval of two school-related projects with scholarship conditions, and deferral of a large-scale development after significant public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar; all items were taken up individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 8B1 (ARC Property Holdings): 14 residents spoke in strong opposition, arguing the rezoning from RU1 to RU5A was unnecessary, would set a dangerous precedent for higher density via the Live Local Act, and violated the 1991 zoning framework that allowed professional offices without rezoning. Several noted the applicant could already operate under existing variance. One neighborhood attorney argued the proposal constituted illegal spot zoning.
• Item 3B/8C2 (Lennar Homes/Citinet Aventura): Multiple speakers expressed opposition citing environmental contamination (arsenic, chromium, copper), protected pine rockland habitat, traffic impacts on narrow roads, flooding, and lack of sewer capacity. Supporters (3 speakers) emphasized the need for more single-family homes, businesses, and amenities like a dog park. The applicant requested and received a deferral to December 18, 2025.
• Item 8A3 (Miami Country Day School): Two speakers (a student and a parent) spoke in favor, highlighting the need for a new high school building to improve learning and community space.
• Item 8A4 (UBC Miami): No public speakers.

Discussion Items

• Item 8A3 (Miami Country Day School): District 3 Commissioner supported the project, noting the school's existing scholarship programs for District 3 residents. An additional covenant language was added to encourage scholarship programs for local students. The item was approved unanimously.
• Item 8A4 (UBC Miami): District 3 Commissioner praised the project for beautifying the area and providing collegiate scholarship opportunities. The applicant agreed to a 30-day condition to finalize a $100,000 scholarship covenant. Approved unanimously.
• Item 8B1 (ARC Property Holdings): Chairman Rodriguez (District 10) moved to deny, citing the applicant's ability to achieve their goals under the existing 1991 variance, lack of community support, and “spidey senses” about future plans. Other commissioners expressed concerns about the potential for future Live Local Act applications overriding any covenant. The motion to deny passed 12-0.
• Item 3B/8C2 (Lennar Homes/Citinet Aventura): District 8 Commissioner voiced dissatisfaction with the proposed density, calling it too high for the agricultural area. After discussion, the applicant requested a deferral to further collaborate with neighbors. The deferral was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8B1 (ARC Property Holdings): Motion to deny passed 12-0. The appeal was denied, upholding the Zoning Appeals Board decision.
• Item 8A3 (Miami Country Day School): Approved with conditions (30-day covenant submission for scholarship programs) by a vote of 12-0.
• Item 8A4 (UBC Miami): Approved with conditions (30-day submission of $100,000 scholarship covenant) by a vote of 12-0.
• Item 3B, 3B Supplement, 3B1, and 8C2 (Lennar Homes/Citinet Aventura): Deferred to December 18, 2025, by a vote of 11-0 (following public hearing).
• Item 3A, 3A Supplement, 3A1, and 8A1 (RRPVII BBI Biscayne): Deferred to December 18, 2025, by unanimous vote.
• Item 8A2 (1201 Brickell Bay, LLC): Deferred to December 18, 2025, by unanimous vote (Commissioner Lopez requested deferral for review).
• Item 8A5 (Garden Place Development): Deferred to December 18, 2025, by unanimous vote.
• Item 8C1 (18440 Ojus LLC): Deferred to December 18, 2025, by unanimous vote.
• Item 8C2 (covered under 3B deferral) – deferred as noted above.