How Miramar Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Miramar maintains 135 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Miramar falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Miramar requires a Tree Removal/Relocation Permit before cutting down, relocating or encroaching on the dripline of any tree two inches or larger in caliper anywhere in the city. Section 506.14.5 limits when the Community Development Department can issue one, and approved permits under Section 506.14.6 are valid for only 90 days.

Key details: Permit threshold: Any tree 2 inches or larger in caliper. Permit issuer: Community Development Department. Permit validity: 90 days, extendable for progress. Survey requirement: Trees over 3 inches caliper must be surveyed. Hazard exemption: Certified arborist documentation, residential only.

Cutting down, relocating or encroaching on a protected tree's dripline without an issued TRP violates Section 506.14 and is punishable under Section 506.19.3 by a $500 fine per tree plus the cost of replacement, investigation and prosecution. The property owner is strictly liable unless the damage is proven to result from an act of God, an act of war, permitted development activity, or vandalism reported to police with reasonable security measures in place.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Miramar actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Composting

Compost piles at any Miramar community garden, urban garden or urban farm must sit at least 10 feet from adjacent property and be screened from view with hedges or shrubs, under Land Development Code § 405.3.3's operating standards, to control odor and prevent runoff onto neighboring land.

Key details: Minimum setback from property line: 10 feet. Screening required: hedges or shrubs. Applies to: community gardens, urban gardens, urban farms. Soil testing required: yes, before establishment.

Storing compost closer than 10 feet to an adjacent property line, leaving it unscreened from neighboring view, or allowing odor, infestation or stormwater runoff to cross onto adjacent property violates § 405.3.3 and is enforceable through the city's code compliance process against the garden's owner or coordinator.

Tree Trimming

Miramar's Land Development Code makes every property owner responsible for keeping trees and hedges trimmed clear of street lighting, sight lines and sidewalks. Section 506.12.1 caps shrub height at three feet near driveways and intersections, requires removal of low branches obstructing streetlights, and mandates root barriers where roots are lifting a public sidewalk.

Key details: Shrub height at intersections: Max. 3 feet near driveways/intersections. Grass height limit: 6 inches maximum. Root barrier trigger: Roots lifting a public sidewalk. Pruning standard: ANSI A-300 and Z-133 required. Pruner licensing: Valid Broward County tree trimmer license.

Pruning that doesn't follow ANSI A-300 and Z-133 standards is enforceable as tree abuse under Section 506.13.1, and if abusive pruning forces a tree's removal, the property owner needs a tree removal permit under Section 506.19 and can face fines. The city can also ask Broward County to revoke a tree maintenance provider's local business tax receipt under Section 506.13.2 for repeated noncompliance with the chapter's standards.

Weed Ordinances

Miramar caps weeds, brush and grass at 6 inches on any lot with a structure and 12 inches on vacant land within 300 feet of a residential zone or improved right-of-way, under City Code § 10-92. Miss the cutoff and the city can mow the lot itself and bill the owner.

Key details: Improved lot limit: 6 inches (§ 10-92). Vacant lot limit: 12 inches within 300 ft of residential zone. RL/E/RS1 zones: Flat 12-inch limit regardless of structure. City cure notice: 10 days after certified letter (§ 10-93). Unpaid mowing bill: 8% annual interest lien.

Beyond the general § 1-13 penalty (up to $500 and 60 days), an unmowed lot becomes a city-billed special assessment lien under § 10-93: unpaid mowing costs draw 8 percent annual interest and can be foreclosed under Fla. Stat. ch. 86 or ch. 173, ranking superior to most other liens and encumbrances on the property.

Water Restrictions

Miramar bans all landscape irrigation citywide between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. every day under City Code § 21-62(a). Existing landscaping at even-numbered addresses may water only Thursdays and/or Sundays; odd-numbered addresses only Wednesdays and/or Saturdays, implementing the South Florida Water Management District's year-round conservation rules.

Key details: No-watering hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Even addresses water: Thursdays and/or Sundays. Odd addresses water: Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. First violation: Warning. Repeat violation fine: Up to $500 per day.

A first violation of the irrigation schedule draws a warning; a second draws a fine of $50.00; a third and any subsequent violation draws a fine of up to $500.00, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense under § 21-66. Enforcement runs through citation, summons, or civil injunctive action by any law enforcement official, and notice of an alleged violation goes to the property owner by certified mail or posting.

Rainwater Harvesting

Legal under FL Statute 373.62. No city permit for rain barrels. HOAs cannot ban. Use for irrigation/non-potable. Prevent mosquito breeding.

Key details: Legal: Yes (FL §373.62). Permit: Not required for rain barrels. HOA Ban: Prohibited. Use: Irrigation, non-potable. Mosquitoes: Must prevent standing water.

No violations for properly maintained systems. Standing water: health code issue.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Miramar lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Miramar's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Miramar is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Miramar's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.