Urban Design

The Urban Design Division is responsible for developing and implementing a visionary and cohesive plan for the future development of the City based on smart growth principles such as pedestrian-friendliness, compact building design, mixed-use and environmental sensibility. The division prepares master plans that include high standards for architecture, landscape and urban design, and seeks to enhance the form and quality of our urban environment. 

Division Lead Contact

Graham Jones
(305) 416-1453
gjones@miamigov.com

Neighborhood Revitalization Districts

A Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD) is an overlay zoning district that is intended to revitalize unique and distinctive neighborhoods that exhibit a certain defined character worthy of enhancements, such as distinct physical features, unique design characteristics, or recognized cultural identity.

Special Area Plans (SAPs)

See list of featured Planning Special Area Plans (SAP). A Special Area Plan (SAP) allows a property, nine (9) acres or more, to be master planned, which contributes to public improvements and Infrastructure like roads, parks, and other public services. An SAP creates greater flexibility for higher or specialized quality building and streetscape design.

Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs)

What are NCDs?

The NCDs are zoning overlays. A zoning overlay is defined by the American Planning Association as “a zoning district which is applied over one or more previously established zoning districts, establishing additional or stricter standards and criteria for covered properties in addition to those of the underlying zoning district” (Peroperty Topics and Concepts, 2017).

Master Plans

A master plan is a long term planning document that guides future growth and development of a specific area. taking into consideration the connection of all aspects of a neighborhood.

Permitting Forms & Documents

NOTE: These are not applications, all applications are digital. This forms library includes checklists and forms necessary to include in the applications for certain permitting projects.

Underline

The Underline is a public-private partnership between the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Department and Friends of The Underline.

Guidelines & Resources

CITY CODES

City of Miami Code of Ordinances

Miami 21: You can now view the Miami 21 Code of Ordinances on Codehub, which can be divided by article & appendix, searched, or bookmarked. The Miami 21 Code establishes standards and procedures for new development or redevelopment in the City. It also adopts the Miami 21 Atlas, which acts as the official Zoning Atlas of the City and is filed in the City Clerk’s office. The Miami 21 Atlas designates a Transect Zone for all lands within the City.

FORMS & CHECKLISTS

Permitting Forms and Documents 

Special Permits Checklist

GUIDELINES

Historic Design Guideline

Non-Historic Guidelines

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

Planning Resource Guide  has a list of outside entities and resources that we frequently consult in our day to day work. They may be helpful for you in understanding more about Planning concepts. 

Urban Design Review Board

The Urban Design Review Board recommends whether the design of developments and/or improvements pursuant to Miami 21 the zoning ordinance of the city, as amended or superseded, are in conformance with city guides and standards.

Learn more about the Urban Development Review Board

 

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