Specific Plans Overview: Miami Beach vs Miami
How do specific plans overview rules compare between Miami Beach, FL and Miami, FL?
Miami Beach and Miami have similar restriction levels.
Miami Beach, FL
Miami-Dade County
The Miami-Dade Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) sets long-range land use, infrastructure, and growth policy for unincorporated areas, guiding zoning decisions and amendments under Chapter 33.
View full Miami Beach rules →Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami 21 is one of the first major US form-based zoning codes, organizing the city into Transect Zones T1 through T6 plus Districts and Civic Spaces. Special Area Plans allow large parcels nine acres or more to negotiate custom regulating plans.
View full Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami Beach | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | FL Statute 163.3177 | - |
| Local code | Chapter 33 | - |
| Amendment cycle | Twice yearly | - |
| Approval | Board of County Commissioners | - |
| Adopted | - | 2010, ongoing amendments |
| Code type | - | Form-based SmartCode |
| Transects | - | T1-T6 plus D1-D3 |
| SAP threshold | - | 9+ contiguous acres |
| Approvals | - | Planning, Zoning, Commission |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami Beach FAQ
Can I rezone my property?
Yes, but if your request conflicts with the CDMP Future Land Use Map you must apply for a plan amendment and a zoning change, both with public hearings.
How do I see my CDMP designation?
Use the Miami-Dade Property Search and Zoning Information tools online to view future land use, current zoning, and overlay designations for any parcel.
Miami FAQ
What transect is my Miami property in?
Look up the parcel on the Miami 21 atlas at miami21.org or the city iMap. Each lot shows its transect, frontage, and any overlay districts. Title companies and architects routinely confirm before design work begins.
Can a small lot owner request a Special Area Plan?
No. SAPs require nine or more contiguous acres under common control. Smaller lots use rezoning, variance, or warrant procedures under Articles 4 and 7 of Miami 21 to seek deviations from base transect rules.
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