The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board designates individual cultural monuments under Miami Code Sec. 23-4. Designation triggers full Certificate of Appropriateness review and unlocks state historic tax credits and federal Section 106 protections.
Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB), established under Code Ch. 23, evaluates individual properties for cultural-monument designation using Sec. 23-4 criteria: significant historical events, association with notable persons, distinctive architecture, or yielding archaeological information. Examples include Freedom Tower, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Olympia Theater, and the Miami Marine Stadium. After staff research, the HEPB holds a public hearing. Owners may consent or contest. The City Commission ratifies the designation by ordinance. Designated landmarks face full COA review for any exterior alteration and a 180-day demolition delay. Federal listing on the National Register adds Section 106 review for federally funded actions and IRS rehabilitation tax credits up to 20 percent.
Unauthorized alteration triggers Sec. 23-13 fines up to $10,000 daily and reconstruction orders. Demolition without consent can trigger criminal mischief charges and Dade Heritage Trust lawsuits. Federal tax-credit claims become void. Owners must object within 30 days.
See how Miami's historic-cultural monuments rules stack up against other locations.
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