Support Our Community’s Effort to Preserve Established Zoning Protections and High Density Overdevelopment.

Our neighborhood is raising funds to continue participating in the zoning appeal process for the property at 7945 SW 24th Street. This effort is not about opposing a business or preventing reasonable improvements. Our goal is simply to ensure that long-standing zoning protections — in place for more than three decades — remain consistent, fair, and stable for everyone who lives and works here.

Why This Matters:

In 1991, Miami-Dade County adopted Resolution 4-ZAB-321-91, which created a clear framework for this block:

Properties would remain zoned RU-1 (single-family).

Professional office use would be allowed by special exception, ensuring compatibility with the adjacent residential neighborhood. For 34 years, every property along this corridor — including eight offices on this same block — has operated, remodeled, and conducted business successfully under that 1991 framework. No rezoning has ever been required.

At the recent zoning hearing, the County’s own zoning staff and attorney confirmed on the record that a business does not need a rezoning to remodel or operate on this site under the existing 1991 approval.

Why Residents Are Concerned:

The request to change this single lot from RU-1 to RU-5A would break a long-standing, uniform zoning pattern affecting 26 properties along this side of Coral Way.

Changing the zoning on just one undersized lot creates the risk of:

• Precedent for further rezoning requests

• Alteration of a stable corridor that has remained unchanged since 1991

• Inconsistency with nearby single-family homes

• Potential applicability of state-level programs such as the Live Local Act if multiple lots are assembled in the future

These concerns are documented in public testimony from the first hearing, including statements by the applicant’s representative regarding the potential eligibility for Live Local if parcels were combined. Residents are simply asking that any decisions remain consistent with the policies the County already put in place to protect this block.

Technical Concerns Identified in the Record:

• The current application includes several items noted during the hearing:

The parcel is 7,500 sq. ft., while RU-5A typically expects 10,000 sq. ft.

• Reduced side and rear setbacks were requested.

• The parking plan does not meet minimum requirements.

• The proposed intensity is not aligned with the established RU-1 neighborhood immediately behind the site.

These issues were part of the Community Zoning Appeals Board’s original decision to deny the application.

Why We Are Fundraising

The applicant has appealed that denial. To participate effectively in the appeal process, residents must raise funds to cover:

• Legal guidance

• Planning and zoning experts

• Required documentation, transcripts, and records

• Community outreach

Our goal is to present accurate information and ensure that the County has the full context of the 1991 resolution, current zoning standards, and the history of this block.

We support:

• Small businesses operating under the same rules that have worked for decades

• Property improvements consistent with existing zoning

• Fairness to all property owners who have followed the established process

Protection of the County’s 1991 zoning framework, which has proven effective for 34 years

• We are not opposing business activity.

• We are simply asking that zoning remain consistent, predictable, and compatible with the surrounding residential community.

How You Can Help

Your support — in any amount — will help our neighborhood participate responsibly in the appeal process and ensure that long-standing zoning protections are maintained.

If you believe in consistency, fairness, and preserving stable neighborhoods, please consider contributing and sharing this campaign.

Thank you for your support.