The following minimum standards shall be required for construction:

1. Wall studs. Minimum bearing or non-bearing interior partition studding shall be two (2) by four (4) inches with greater dimension perpendicular to the wall surface provided, however, that studs on non-bearing interior partition within a room may be placed parallel to the wall surface.
2. Wall construction. All portions of exterior walls, including interior walls of garages, rooms exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in area which lie within a garage, recessed areas above or below normal tie beams as in carports or recessed porches, entries or on limited areas, such as gable roof ends, shall be of the same type construction as the main walls of the building and properly topped with tie beam or rakes, unless the building is located within a designated flood hazard area whereby specially designed blow-out panels are required by local, county, state or federal regulations. Wall construction within a designated flood hazard area where specially designed blow-out panels are required shall be designed with a safe loading resistance of not less than ten (10) and no more than twenty (20) pounds per square foot. Designs in excess of twenty (20) pounds per square foot may be utilized if designed and certified by a Professional Engineer and approved by both the Board of Architects and the City's Structural Engineer. But in no case shall the design load be in excess of one hundred (100) pounds per square foot. Such enclosed space shall be useable solely for the parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. The use of fill for any reason is prohibited within these spaces. Said blow-out or break-away walls shall be constructed of materials as the Board of Architects and Structural Engineer shall deem suitable.
3. Beams. All structural supporting beams, including beams on external walls of porches, carports, loggias, and similar areas shall be of reinforced concrete or structural steel, provided, however, that pressure treated wood structural members, so stamped and certified will be permitted on entries, loggias and porticos which are not enclosed or intended to be enclosed or screened and where enclosed walls are to be used as vehicular cover.
4. Floor elevations for residential. Minimum floor elevations of residential, duplex, or multiple-family structures, except as otherwise noted herein, shall be not less than sixteen (16) inches above the established grade as determined and established by the Zoning Department, pursuant to this Code and a current survey showing elevations, but in no case shall be less than eight (8) feet above M. L. W. USED Bay Datum. Open or enclosed porches and Florida rooms may be eight (8) inches lower than required for the main structure, except in high flood hazard zones.
5. Floor elevations for commercial. Minimum floor elevations of commercial, industrial structures, private or public garages, cabanas, utility rooms, storage rooms and similar structures shall be not less than six (6) inches above the established grade as determined and established by the Development Services Department, pursuant to this Code and a current survey showing elevations, and in no case shall be less than six and one-half (6½) feet above M. L. W. USED Bay Datum. The elevation of floors where alley rights-of-way exist shall be elevated near the alley to a point of six (6) inches higher than the highest point of the alley paving abutting the property. Where alleys or streets have not been improved, design grades as furnished by the Public Works Department shall apply.
6. Floor elevations for existing buildings. Floor elevations for improvements to existing buildings shall meet the requirements above, but in no case shall be less than the floor elevation of the existing structure where such existing floor does not meet the above minimum elevations and provided that the cost of the improvements are less than fifty (50%) percent of the assessed value of the structure either (1) before the improvements are started, or (2) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored.
7. Yard elevations. Where ground elevations are raised above that of adjoining lots or lots graded to shed water onto adjoining property, a retaining wall or curb and/or drainage ditch or well, subject to the approval of the Building Official, shall be installed to protect said adjoining property.
8. Foundations. Foundations of buildings may project on public property, provided such projection shall not exceed six (6) inches into an alley, and provided that the top of the foundation is not less than twelve (12) inches below the established grade of a sidewalk nor less than forty-two (42) inches below the grade of an alley.
9. Foundations in special locations.
   1. All structures lying within the shaded area shown on Appendix B: Special Locations Requiring Pile Foundations, must be supported by pile foundations designed by a professional engineer. Construction of the foundations shall be under the inspection control of a special inspector as set forth in the Florida Building Code.
   2. Exception. Structures within the area that do not lie in a V-zone (HFH) classification may be founded on spread footings provided that the footings bear on a natural undisturbed sound rock formation that is at least five (5) feet thick and that the bottom of the footings are at least six (6) inches below the top of the natural sound rock formation.

1. The purpose of these design review standards is to:
   1. Provide standards and criteria for review of applications for development approval within the City;
   2. Promote innovative design with regard to the aesthetics, architectural design, appearances, safety, and function of the built environment in relation to the site, adjacent structure and surrounding community;
   3. Promote orderly and harmonious development of the City;
   4. Enhance the desirability of residences or investment in the City;
   5. Encourage the attainment of the most desirable use of land and improvements;
   6. Enhance the desirability of living conditions upon the immediate site or in adjacent areas;
   7. Promote visual environments which are of high aesthetic quality and variety and which, at the same time, are considerate of each other;
   8. Establish identity, diversity and focus to promote a pedestrian friendly environment; and
   9. Encourage the utilization of a variety of architectural attributes and street level amenities to create a sense of place, including the spatial relationship of buildings and the characteristics created to ensure attractive and functional areas.
2. The standards in this Article shall be applicable to applications for development approval within all zoning districts, except as otherwise provided herein.

1. The Board of Architects shall determine if an application satisfies the following design review standards:
   1. Whether the color, design, finishes, fenestration, texture, selection of architectural elements of exterior surfaces of the structure are compatible and the relationships of these items in comparison to building base, middle and top with the hierarchy of importance being the base, top and middle.
   2. Whether the planning and siting of the various function and structures on-site provides the following:
      1. Creates an intrinsic sense of order between buildings, streets and pedestrian movements and activities.
      2. Provides a desirable environment for occupants, visitors and the general community.
   3. Whether adjacent existing historic features, natural features and street level pedestrian view corridors are appropriately integrated or otherwise protected.
   4. Whether the amount and arrangement of open/green space [including urban open space (e.g. plazas) or unimproved areas (e.g. open lawns)] are appropriate to the design, function and location in relationship to the function of the structures and surrounding properties.
   5. Whether sufficient buffering (including hard and softscape) is provided when non-compatible uses abut or adjoin one another.
   6. Whether the proposed lighting provides for the safe movement of persons and vehicles, provides security, and minimizes glare and reflection on adjacent properties.
   7. Whether access to the property and circulation is safe and convenient for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, and is designed to interfere as little as possible with traffic flow on these roads and to permit vehicles a prompt and safe ingress/egress to the site.
   8. Whether waste disposal facilities adversely affect adjacent properties.
   9. Whether the application provides improvements, public open space, pedestrian amenities which benefit the public.
   10. Whether the proposed application is in conformity with provisions of this Article.
2. In applying the standards set forth in Section 5-102, the Board of Architects shall review each of the following items of an application:
   1. Aesthetics.
   2. Architectural compatibility with neighboring properties and uses.
   3. Architecture.
   4. Building and building components including
      1. Accessory structures including garages, sheds, utility facilities and waste receptacles;
      2. Arcades, loggias, porte-cocheres, passages and similar covered areas;
      3. Building appendages including the following: balconies, penthouses, loading docks, awnings, louvers, or any visible devices for deflecting, filtering or shielding the structure or interior from the elements, flues, chimneys, exhaust fans, air-conditioning equipment, elevator equipment, fans, cooling towers, antennae or similar structures placed upon the roof or the exterior of the building;
      4. Building entrances/exits for pedestrians and vehicles;
      5. Building height;
      6. Building materials, texture, fenestration and surfaces;
      7. Building openings;
      8. Building scale and mass;
      9. Building façade step-backs;
      10. Building rooflines;
      11. Design;
      12. Lighting;
      13. Parking and paved surfaces;
      14. Signage;
      15. Stairs, ramps, escalators, moving sidewalks, elevators or downspouts on the exterior buildings; and
      16. Window coverage, casings/depth and proportion.
   5. Colors.
3. If the Board finds that an application is not consistent with the above standards, the Board of Architects may require changes of an application and its specifications to promote and maintain the purpose of these standards.

1. Except as provided for in Section 5-103.I. all buildings hereinafter constructed or reconstructed, shall be designed in a specific architectural style such as including Colonial, Venetian, Mediterranean, Italian, French, Bahamian or other identifiable architectural style. All buildings hereinafter altered or added to shall conform to the architectural design of the existing building provided, however, that if the architectural style of the building is being altered then the building shall be designed in a specific architectural style such as including Colonial, Venetian, Mediterranean, Italian, French, Bahamian or other identifiable architectural style. The Architect shall include a page or pages in the plan which defines the architectural style with text and photographs and provide a statement on how the proposed building complies with the style. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Board of Architects to determine in each and every case whether or not the submitted plans comply with the type and scale of architecture set forth hereinabove and require from the designing architect such changes as would bring the design into conformity. The Board of Architects shall require such changes in the design of the structure so as to preserve traditional aesthetic treatments and promote design excellence in the community. In considering the design of the building, the Board of Architects shall consider and render a decision as to the adequacy of the following elements in the design concept.
   1. Awnings and canopies.
   2. Colors.
   3. Decorative lighting (height, location and style).
   4. Doors.
   5. Height of building.
   6. Impact on adjacent properties of continuous two (2) story walls that are in excess of forty (40%) percent of the site depth.
   7. Location of exposed piping, conduits and rainwater leaders.
   8. Location of structure on site.
   9. Planters.
   10. Roofs including materials, color, slope and overhang.
   11. Shutters.
   12. Site circulation in regard to pedestrian travel, parking, services, grades and landscaping.
   13. Texture of surface.
   14. Trim.
   15. Walls, height, location, materials, and design.
   16. Window boxes.
   17. Windows (Fenestration).
2. The architectural style for a given location, unless specified to the contrary, shall be in harmony with the architecture of its particular neighborhood. The Board of Architects shall review a new building or structure or a substantial addition to an existing building or structure that is to be constructed in context within an area that includes both sides of the street, on the block where it is located and surrounding properties. The Board of Architects shall require that photographs of both sides of the street, on the block where a new building or structure or a substantial addition to an existing building or structure is to be constructed and surrounding properties, is submitted for their review.
3. The architectural context of an area includes the height, scale, massing, separation between buildings, and style, in regard to how buildings and structures relate to each other within a specified area. Architectural context allows for differences in height, scale, massing, and separation between building and style, when such differences contribute to the overall harmony and character of the area. The Board of Architects shall not take into consideration existing buildings and structures that are out of context with the area when considering whether a new building or structure or a substantial addition to an existing building or structure is in context with both sides of the street on the block where it is located and surrounding properties. The Board of Architects shall review the building or structure in the context of that area in which the site is located when a new building or structure or a substantial addition to an existing building or structure is located on a building site that is on the border of two areas that have different character or context.
4. Additions and alterations to buildings, which have been designated by the provisions within the Zoning Ordinance as an Historic Landmark, shall conform to the Secretary of the Interiors Standards.
5. Duplication of elevations and/or exterior architectural design. No duplication of elevations and/or exterior architectural design or any similar designs as to massing, scale, and architectural features shall be permitted in any residential area. It is the intent of this section that the design of single-family residences be a unique and original design and that the design or similarly designed single-family residences not be repeated within the residential neighborhoods of the City. This section does not prohibit repetitive styles of architecture in the residential neighborhoods of the City, just a repetitiveness of design. Architects submitting plans for consideration by the Board of Architects shall, as part of said plan, and as a prerequisite to approval thereof, sign a certificate reading as follows:

“To the best of my knowledge and belief, the within plans and specifications do not duplicate the elevations and/or exterior architectural design or are similar in design as to the massing, scale, and architectural features of any buildings in the residential area of the City of Coral Gables, previously submitted by me or by my office. Furthermore, that to the best of my knowledge and belief these plans and specifications are a unique and original design and not a duplication of elevations and/or exterior architectural design or similar design as to the massing, scale, and architectural features of any building constructed, or for which a permit has been issued, in the City of Coral Gables; I further certify that I am fully familiar with the ordinance and regulations under which this certificate is required. (Seal)”

6. Architects who have been found by the Code Enforcement Board to have violated the provisions of this section shall be reported to the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for disciplinary action, in addition to the other penalties provided by this Code.
7. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply, however, in the following cases:
   1. In the units of a single-housing project, which shall be deemed and which hereby is defined as not more than three (3) multiple family units constructed on a lot or on contiguous lots so as to be an architectural entity; and
   2. To the interior design or floor plan of any structure.
8. Specific standards. The designs shall enhance the overall architectural character of the city, neighborhood and street. Building systems and finishes should be consistent with the use and character of the natural material. Exterior materials shall have final approval by the Board of Architects. All new buildings, alterations, additions or changes to the facade in any nature shall conform to the following regulations:
   1. Marked stucco to simulate shutters, flanking window openings and indiscriminate use of stucco scoring or cut lines, unless they perform a function in the design, shall not be permitted.
   2. Where particular treatment such as scoring, slump brick or other architectural motifs is employed, these shall return on the abutting elevation.
   3. Excessive use of slump or other brick shall not be permitted.
   4. Where wood or metal columns are used, the same shall be well proportioned.
   5. Shutters shall be architecturally designed to enhance the structure and all tracts and housings shall be concealed from view to the maximum extent practicable when not in use.
      1. Plans for all new construction shall incorporate or make provisions for hurricane shutters.
      2. Storm panels with removable horizontal tracks shall be permitted on all structures without Board of Architects review and approval.
      3. The Board of Architects may approve a hurricane shutter type or system for multi-unit buildings (residential and commercial) as a whole, thereby allowing individual owners or tenants to install pre-approved hurricane shutters without additional Board of Architects review and approval.
      4. No shutter shall be placed on a structure so that it will alter or conceal architectural features or details of a structure.
      5. Shutters shall not be installed in such a way as to prevent the intended or normal operation of any window or door.
      6. In every area of a structure required by the Florida Building Code to have egress, there shall be at least one (1) manually operable (non-electric) method of egress when completely enclosed by hurricane shutters.
   6. Rooftop equipment such as that used in air conditioning and any other type of mechanical or service equipment shall be screened from view, as required by, Section 5-600 Sanitation and Equipment Screening.
   7. Air-cooled condensing and/or compressors equipment, water-cooling towers and any other type of mechanical equipment or apparatus installed on the premises shall be screened from view from the street, waterway, bay or golf course by a wall or landscaping.
   8. Exposed concrete or masonry block shall not be permitted. With the exception of slump, red or other brick, crab orchard or other stone and architecturally formed and detailed concrete, all masonry surfaces shall be stuccoed.
   9. If metal garage doors are used, they shall be painted in accordance with the palette of colors approved by the Board of Architects and on file with the Development Services Department.
   10. No exposed air-conditioning ductwork or exposed solar tanks shall be permitted.
   11. The approval, materials, slope, construction, location and design of awnings and canopies shall be as set forth under Section 5-303, Awnings and Canopies.
   12. Windows shall be designed in accordance to the guidelines set forth in the Best Practices manual and appropriately to the style of the structure, as determined by the Board of Architects or the Development Review Official.
       1. Windows shall be oriented and proportioned in ways consistent with the architectural style of the structure.
       2. The glass color shall be clear or lightly-tinted, non-reflective, and allowed by the Florida Energy Efficiency Conservation Code.
       3. Window materials may include painted or stained solid wood, metal clad, or metal.
       4. Based on compatibility with the neighborhood, the Board of Architects may require casement windows to be placed on every façade of a single-family residence that faces a street.
   13. All interior walls of garages and carports shall be stucco.
9. Architectural type, specific locations. The type of architecture for specific locations in the City shall be as follows:
   1. In the Design & Innovation District, MacFarlane Homestead, and Golden Gate Subdivision, any architectural style shall be permitted as shall be approved by the Board of Architects as being compatible with the immediate neighborhood.
   2. Where otherwise required by the terms of existing restrictions in deeds conveying lots or lands, or as specifically provided for therein.
   3. In the Mixed-Use (MX) Districts, such types of architecture shall be permitted as shall be approved by the Board of Architects as being compatible with the immediate neighborhood.

The Coral Gables Mediterranean style design standards incorporate basic required standards ( Prerequisites ), and two additional levels of standards ( Bonus Levels 1 and 2 ) of Section 5-202.

A. Purpose and applicability.

1. Purpose.

a. Reinforce the value of the City’s origins and its distinctive identity as a place of timeless beauty.

b. Provide bonuses to incentivize “Coral Gables Mediterranean Architecture” design to continue to support George Merrick’s vision consistent with the thematic established historic building fabric of the City as referenced in the Best Practices Manual on file at the Development Services Department / Planning Division and at www.coralgables.com/MediterraneanDesign.


c. Provide bonuses / incentives to property owners to encourage and expand the use of the Mediterranean architectural styles in association with promoting public realm improvements.


d. Provide for a two level bonus program that requires amenities and features of Mediterranean Style buildings.


e. Promote an assortment of street level public realm and pedestrian amenities in exchange for increases in building height, residential density, and floor area ratio granted via a discretionary review process.


f. Encourage landmark opportunities, including physically defined squares; plazas; urban passageways; parks; public open spaces; and, places of public assembly and social activity for social, cultural and religious activities.


g. Provide a strong emphasis on aesthetics and architectural design with these regulations and the planned mixing of uses to establish identity, diversity and focus to promote a pedestrian friendly environment. This can be accomplished by the following:


i. Promote and require architectural and design elements focused on a pedestrian scale.


ii. Utilization of a variety of architectural attributes and street level amenities to create a sense of place, including the spatial relationship of buildings and the characteristics created to ensure attractive and functional areas.


iii. Integration of street level plazas, courtyards, opens space and public gathering areas including the creation and preservation of corridors, vistas and landmark features.

2. Zoning district applicability. These regulations are available for new construction, additions, restorations or renovations of existing buildings using Coral Gables Mediterranean architectural style as described herein provided such property is located within the Multi-Family-2 (MF2), Multi-Family-3 (MF3), Multi-Family-4 (MF4), Mixed-Use-1 (MX1), Mixed-Use-2 (MX2), Mixed-Use-3 (MX3), except as otherwise provided herein.

3. Site Specific Zoning Regulations and Mediterranean Bonus. Coral Gables Mediterranean Style Design Standards bonuses / incentives as provided for in this Section may be awarded as supplemental (additional) intensity/density or the reduction of existing limitations as assigned in “Appendix A Site Specific Zoning Regulations.” These supplemental (additional) bonuses / incentives or both shall be evaluated pursuant to the applicable development standards included in the Prerequisites, and Bonus Levels 1 and 2 of Section 5-20 2.

4. In the MF3 and MF4 Districts, all development shall comply with the provisions for residential uses which are set out in the Prerequisites and Bonus Level 1, and five (5) of twelve (12) of the standards in Bonus Level 2; however, the bonus heights shall not apply to MF3.

5. Coral Gables Mediterranean Architectural Design. Applications for new construction and additions, restorations, or renovations of existing buildings, as Coral Gables Mediterranean Architecture may secure bonuses as provided herein.

6. Review and authority.

a. Conceptual Mediterranean Review by the Board of Architects. The proposed building design shall undergo a conceptual review by the Board of Architects prior to the Board of Architects preliminary review and approval. The conceptual review shall include a review by the Board of Architects to review that a proposed building meets the intent of Mediterranean style architecture. There shall be no determination by the Board of Architects at the Conceptual Mediterranean Review.

b. Preliminary Board of Architects Review. The Board of Architects shall be the responsible City review Board on this Section. The Board of Architects may grant approval of all the provisions of this Section unless noted otherwise within these provisions. The Board of Architects shall review all applications for compliance of the provisions of Section 5-102 and this Section and if the Board of Architects deems an application does not satisfy the provisions the Board shall not award the bonuses. The Board of Architects in its review shall act on either of the following:

i. Approve the application;

ii. Approve the application with modifications;

iii. Defer the application and request the applicant redesign the application and resubmit the application to satisfy the provisions of this Section; or

iv. Deny the application.

c. Staff review. The City Architect shall review and provide a recommendation to the Board of Architects advising of compliance of all provisions contained within this Section.

d. New construction applications. The Board of Architects shall not grant any development bonus for new construction unless the application satisfies the provisions in the Prerequisites of Section 5-202.A. The Board of Architects may grant the development bonuses provided in this Section provided that the Board of Architects in its discretion determines that the application complies with all the standards for the development bonus or bonuses.

e. Additions, restorations and/or renovations of existing buildings. The Board of Architects may grant a development bonus for the Coral Gables Mediterranean Style Design as an addition, restoration and/or renovation of an existing building provided that the Board of Architects in its discretion determines that the application satisfies the standards. The City Architect shall provide a recommendation to the Board of Architects whether to grant bonuses for the entire building or only the proposed area of the addition, restoration and/or renovation. The Board of Architects shall have final determination as to the amount of bonus granted. No building permit for an addition, restoration and/or renovations of an existing building shall be granted by the Development Services Department unless the Board of Architects in its discretion determines that the building(s) will continue to satisfy all previously approved conditions of approval granting that bonus and the provisions of this Section.

7. Special location site plan review. Properties in the MF2, MF3, MF4, MX1, MX2 and MX3 Districts, which are adjacent to or across public rights-of-way or waterways from a SFR District or MF1 District, shall require special location site plan review. These properties shall comply with the following requirements to secure bonuses:

a. Height limitations. Limited to a maximum height of forty-five (45) feet.

b. Review process. The review process shall require Conditional Use review and approval as follows:

i. Submit for Conceptual Mediterranean Review by the Board of Architects.

ii. Submit an application and secure Board of Architects preliminary review and approval.

iii. Submit an application with the Planning and Zoning Division for special location site plan review.

iv. Secure special location site plan review and recommendation for approval from the Planning and Zoning Board and approval from the City Commission.

v. Secure Board of Architects final review and approval for architecture prior to issuance of a building permit.

c. Review criterion. Applications considered pursuant to these regulations must demonstrate that they have satisfied all of the criteria listed below . The Planning and Zoning Division shall evaluate the application with reference to each of the below criteria and provide a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission. The Planning and Zoning Division, Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission, after notice in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 shall make specific findings of fact that all of the criteria listed below are satisfied. The criteria is as follows:

i. The extent to which the proposed plan departs from the zoning and subdivision regulations otherwise applicable to the subject property, including but not limited to density, size, area, bulk and use, and the reasons why such departures are or are not deemed to be in the public interest.

ii. The physical design of the site plan and the manner in which said design does or does not make adequate provision for public services, parking, provide adequate control over vehicular traffic, provide for and protect designated public open space areas, and further the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment.

iii. The compatibility of the proposed building with reference to building height, bulk, and mass with the contiguous and adjacent properties.

iv. The conformity of the proposed site plan with the Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan (CP).

v. That the site plan and associated improvements provides public realm improvements, public open space, and pedestrian amenities for the public benefit.

vi. Those actions, designs, construction or other solutions of the site plan if not literally in accord with these special regulations, satisfy public purposes and provide a public benefit to at least an equivalent degree.

d. Approval. Approval if granted by the City Commission shall be in Resolution form.

8. Additional Requirements.

a. Designated historic landmarks. Pursuant to Section 8-100, all plans affecting designated historic landmarks must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board prior to submittal to the Board of Architects. Bonuses shall not be awarded for development on property that is historically designated where a Certificate of Appropriateness has been denied.

b. Supplemental approval provisions. Applicants, property owners, successors or assigns may be required to provide agreements, covenants, contracts, deed restrictions or sureties as a part of the approval granted which may include the following:

i. Undertaking of all conditions in accordance with the approved application.

ii. Bind all development successors or assigns in title to any conditions and commitments made of these provisions and approved application.

iii. Provide for the financial responsibility to continuing the operation and maintenance of the public open space areas, public realm, pedestrian amenities, functions and facilities that are provided, at the expense of the designated property owner, property owners association, or other ownership type, as applicable.

c. Any proposed substantial architectural change to the Board of Architects-approved design shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Architects, Development Services Director, or designee, and City Architect for compliance with the original approval by the Board of Architects. The building permit, Certificate or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued unless the proposed change(s) is approved.

(Or. No. 2025-01, 01/28/2025)

Two levels of bonuses, Level 1 and Level 2, for height, intensity, and density are available for building designs that fulfill the requirements designated for each level. The Prerequisites Table, Section 5-202.A, set the minimum standards that allow an application to request bonuses. To apply for the Level 1 bonus, building designs shall fulfill the requirements of Section 5-202.A The Prerequisites Table and Section 5-202.B Bonus Level 1 Table. To apply for the Level 2 bonus, building designs shall fulfill the requirements in Section 5-202.A The Prerequisites Table, Section 5-202.B Bonus Level 1 Table, and Section 5-202.C Bonus Level 2 Table. Bonuses may be granted for only Level 1, or cumulatively for Level 1 and Level 2.

A. Prerequisites. Building designs shall be required to satisfy all of the requirements of Articles 2 and 3 and in Section 5-202.A Prerequisites, in order to secure bonuses based upon the applicable MF and MX districts designations.

A. Coral Gables Mediterranean Architecture Design. All applications for development approval shall be required to satisfy all of the following:

1. Include the proportional systems, as defined in the Best Practices Manuals, and design elements of any of the following buildings:

a. H. George Fink Offices, 2506 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
b. The Colonnade Building, 169 Miracle Mile.
c. Douglas Entrance, 800 Douglas Road.
d. Coral Gables Elementary School, 105 Minorca Avenue.
e. Antilla Hotel, 1111 Ponce de Leon Boulevard (demolished).
f. La Palma, 116 Alhambra Circle.
g. Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way.
h. Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue.
i. Flora Apartment Building, 1656 Polk Street, Hollywood.
j. Hotel Place St. Michel, 162 Alcazar.
k. Miami Senior High School, 2450 SW 1st Street.
l. Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Boulevard.
m. U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, 100-118 NE 1st Avenue.
n. Miami Beach City Hall, 1130 Washington Avenue.
o. Breakers Hotel, 1 South County Road, Palm Beach.
p. Comber Hall, Church of Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail.
q. Office Building, 2312 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
r. Merrick Mansion, 832 South Greenway.
s. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue.
t. Villa de Leon, 16 Davis Boulevard, Tampa.
u. Everglades Club, 356 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach.
v. Palm Beach Town Hall, 360 South County Road, Palm Beach.
w. The Vineta Hotel, 260 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach.
x. Nuestro Paradiso, South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach.
y. Villa Mizner, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach.
z. C’ d’Zan, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
aa. Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara.
bb. Adamson House, 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.
cc. Villa Juanita, Tuxedo Road and West Paces Ferry, Atlanta.
dd. Generalife Gardens, Granada, Spain.
ee. Palacio de la Equitativa (Banco Espanol de Credito), Madrid, Spain.
ff. Quisisana (Tenerife), Canary Islands, Spain.
gg. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France.
hh. Le Bristol, Paris, France.

2. Include the following specific Coral Gables Mediterranean character-defining features as incorporated in the listed buildings above:

a. Asymmetry (may have secondary masses of symmetry)
b. Projecting and recessed bays
c. Articulation by stepping back and recessing walls to divide the overall mass into smaller masses
d. Textured stucco accented by smooth stucco or stone details
e. Prominent, ornate entrance
f. Tower(s)
g. Varied roof types, heights, and pitches
h. Two-piece barrel tile roof(s)
i. Varied window and door types and configurations in symmetrical rhythms comprised mostly with double casement windows and French doors
j. Combination of arched and rectilinear openings
k. Coral rock or cast stone elements
l. Terracotta details (e.g. tile vents and other decorative details)
m. Cast-iron work
n. Cast ornament (e.g. wing walls, crests, medallions, parapets, and other types of ornamentation)
o. Colorful awnings (may be striped or patterned)
p. Vibrant Mediterranean paint color or tile work
q. Patio areas with large native trees, balconies, and azoteas (i.e. rooftop decks)
r. Other Mediterranean architectural design elements (e.g. Solomonic columns, exposed rafter tails, pecky cypress accents, balconies, balustrades, chimney/bell tower, engravings, coping, loggia/arcade, and other Mediterranean style elements)

B. Multi-family residential density bonus for Mediterranean Architectural Design buildings. A twenty-five (25%) percent residential density bonus may be awarded to the permitted residential density if the proposed building is designed as Coral Gables Mediterranean Architectural Design as provided for in this Section and Section 5-202, and satisfies all other provisions of this Article.

C. Exclusion from height. The following shall be excluded from computation of building height in MX Districts: Air-conditioning equipment room; Elevator shafts; Elevator mechanical equipment rooms; Parapets; and Architectural features used only for ornamental and aesthetic purposes not exceeding a combined area of twenty-five (25%) percent of the floor area immediately below. The design and height of such exclusion shall be subject to the Board of Architects, based on the building proportions and provided precedents.

(Ord. No. 2025 -01, 01/28/2025)

All exterior walls of all buildings shall be constructed of concrete, glass block, poured concrete, stone, hollow tile, coral rock or clay brick provided, however, that in the MX Districts porcelain enamel panels, metal panels, pebble-faced block, pebble-faced panels, pre-cast panels and architectural concrete may also be used for exterior walls of buildings designed and used for commercial purposes with the express condition that such materials are approved by the Board of Architects, the Building Official and Structural Engineer. All exterior masonry surfaces shall be stuccoed and painted except those of coral rock, stone, glass, clay brick, slump brick, pebble-faced block, pebble-faced panels, pre-cast panels, and architectural concrete. Sunscreens on commercial buildings may be constructed of masonry, metal, glass or plastic where such materials are located in a metal or masonry frame providing that such sunscreens shall be subject to approval by the Board of Architects for architectural design. All exterior coloring shall be approved by the Board of Architects, if different from the Board of Architects approved palette of colors.

1. Wood facings. Wood facings shall be permitted on the exterior walls of single-family residences in that area of Coral Gables lying south of the Coral Gables Deep Waterway and east of Old Cutler Road, subject to the following:
   1. That the exterior walls are constructed of masonry.
   2. That the walls are furred to provide natural air space and moisture control.
   3. That the wood utilized for such wood facings shall be those conducive to salt-sea atmosphere and shall be limited and restricted to the following species:
      1. Solid select heart cypress.
      2. Solid heart mahogany.
      3. Solid heart teak.
      4. Solid heart cedar.
      5. Clear vertical grain heart redwood.
      6. Other types/species of wood may be permitted subject to the review and approval by the City Architect and the entire Board of Architects.
   4. That where wood facings over masonry walls are approved, the exterior face of all masonry shall be completely and thoroughly covered with one application of black asphaltum waterproofing.
   5. That all blocking and furring strips shall be pressure treated.
   6. That all wood facings shall be secured to furring and/or blocking with stain resistant nails.
   7. That the wood facing material shall have a minimum thickness of three-fourth (¾) inches and shall not be wider than twelve (12) inches.
   8. That stains applied to the wood shall be specifically for exterior use and shall be limited to colors approved by the Board of Architects.
2. Stonehenge. Stonehenge may be used as a facing material for commercial buildings.
3. Dryvit system. The dryvit system may be used as a facing material on exterior walls of commercial buildings, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
   1. That the dryvit system may be used as a facing material on the exterior masonry walls of nonresidential buildings, provided, that such buildings have a minimum of one-hour fire resistive construction.
   2. That the dryvit system shall be used only above the first floor.
   3. That the color of the exterior surface shall comply with the palette of colors approved by the Board of Architects.
   4. That the building shall have a twenty (20) foot distance separation from all structures and lot lines, as required by the Miami-Dade County Products Control Division.
   5. That the method of attaching the dryvit system to the masonry wall shall be subject to approval by the Building Department.
4. New products. New products not specifically identified in this section may be permitted subject to review and approval by the City Architect and the entire Board of Architects. Presentation of new products for consideration shall be made by a product representative and shall include ample documentation of the material(s), methods of installation and photographic documentation of existing use. Criteria for granting approval of new materials/products shall be evaluated based upon all of the following:
   1. Aesthetic considerations.
   2. Good structural principles.
   3. Compliance with applicable standards of the Florida Building Code.

The City Architect and the entire Board of Architects may revoke the use of the new product upon good cause that the product does not satisfy the above criteria.

The use of redwood, cedar or cypress wood on single-family and duplex-residence buildings fastened to a continuous metal support shall be permitted as the top handrail only of railings on exterior balconies. Except as provided above, the use of wood for railings or any part of railings on exterior balconies is hereby prohibited.

The use of wood framed dormer windows shall be permitted on single-family, townhouse and duplex-residence buildings subject to the approval of the Board of Architects and the Structural Engineer.

Wind break panels consisting of soft pliable vinyl material installed in extruded vertical sliding frames may be attached to screened enclosure panels and screened porch panels, provided that the supporting members of the screened enclosure, screened porch and wind break panels are designed to meet and comply with the wind load and structural requirements of the Florida Building Code and provided further, that when the wind break panels are in an open position the area of the panels shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the area of the screened walls of which they are a part.

The color of the vinyl material shall be in accordance with a palette approved by the Board of Architects.

Prefabricated fireplace chimneys constructed of steel angle frame and a stucco finish may be installed on duplexes and single-family residences only when the fireplace addition is proposed on an existing structure and is located on an interior wall. Fireplace chimney additions on exterior walls (outside of existing building footprint) may not be prefabricated. All prefabricated fireplace chimneys shall be subject to Board of Architects review and approval, and must be designed to meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements, and be approved by the City Structural Engineer.

A structure whose openings are composed of screening shall be permitted as an accessory use in connection with a residential or special use district, provided a major portion of one (1) wall of the screened enclosure shall be a part of the main building or of a permitted accessory building located on the premises, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

1. Street elevation: In all cases where an elevation of a screened enclosure is visible from a street, such elevation shall be constructed of a minimum three (3) foot high masonry stub wall which may be either solid, louvered, pierced, open brick, decorative block or ornamental block with screening above and shall be in architectural harmony with the main building.
2. Height:
   1. Where a screened enclosure is to be attached to a one (1) story building, the height of the screened enclosure shall not exceed the height of the eave line of the affected elevations providing, however, that where the design and/or features of such building and screened enclosure justify a greater height such additional height may be approved.
   2. Where a screened enclosure is to be attached to a two (2) story building the height of such enclosure shall not exceed ten (10) feet providing, however, that where the design and/or other attendant and connected circumstances and features of such building and screened enclosure justify a greater height, such additional height may be approved.
3. Maximum ground area coverage: In no case shall the main building or structure exceed thirty-five (35%) percent of the lot or lots composing the building site, and the total ground area permitted to be occupied by the main building or structure and permitted accessory structures shall not exceed forty-five (45%) percent of the site upon which the structures are located, provided however, that in no case shall a screened enclosure be permitted to exceed two-thirds (⅔) of the ground area of the main building on the premises.
4. Location:
   1. On inside lots, screened enclosures may be located within an L or U of the building facing upon a front street.
   2. On corner lots, screened enclosures may be located within a U of the building facing upon either the front or side streets.
   3. On corner lots, screened enclosures may be located within an L of the building providing that such L is not visible in both the front and side street elevation.
   4. In no case shall a screened enclosure be located closer to the front or side street of a lot or building site than the main or principal building.

Trellises may be permitted as an accessory use subject to review and approval by the City Architect or the assigned Development Review Official and the following:

1. Trellises may be constructed of the following materials:
   1. All wood members shall be constructed of one of the following approved materials:
      1. Solid select heart cypress.
      2. Solid heart mahogany.
      3. Solid heart teak.
      4. Solid heart cedar.
      5. Clear vertical grain redwood.
      6. Pressure treated pine or fir except creosote pressure treated wood.
      7. Similar type or quality of wood to those noted above, as approved by the City Architect or Development Review Official (DRO). All other wood members may be constructed of all the above materials including creosote pressure treated wood.
   2. Composite materials.
   3. Metal.
2. All supporting members for wood trellises shall be anchored to a concrete foundation with approved metal clips used in such a manner as to prohibit the wood from touching the concrete.
3. Fastening clips, hurricane clips, and other mechanisms, used in the construction of the trellis shall be concealed from view with moldings, cover boards, or other architectural features.
4. No materials such as, but not limited to, fiberglass screening, glass, plastic panels or aluminum panels shall be placed upon or attached to the trellis.
5. The height of the trellis shall be subject to approval by the City Architect.
6. The setbacks for trellises shall be governed by the same minimum setbacks as required for the main or principal building, except as noted otherwise herein.
7. The color of a trellis shall be compatible with the main or principal building.
8. All trellises shall be maintained and kept in good order and repair.

Wood decks shall be permitted as an accessory use in a single-family residential district or to a duplex subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. The foundation for wood decks shall be constructed of concrete.
2. The decking may be constructed of two (2) inch thick material to be one of the following:
   1. Solid select heart cypress.
   2. Solid heart mahogany.
   3. Solid heart teak.
   4. Solid heart cedar.
   5. Clear vertical grain redwood.
   6. Pressure treated pine or fir except creosote pressure treated wood.
   7. Similar type or quality of wood to those noted above, as approved by the City Architect. All other wood members may be constructed of all the above materials including creosote pressure treated wood.
3. All supporting members shall be anchored to the concrete footing with approved metal clips used in such a manner as to prohibit the wood from touching the concrete.
4. A facia or skirt shall be constructed on the perimeter of the wood deck to conceal from view the ends of the deck planking, the joists supporting the deck and the clips, angles and other metal anchors and devices. The skirting material shall be one of the seven (7) approved woods as set forth under Section 5-114(B) above.
5. The height of the wood deck shall not exceed the height of the first floor elevation, except in case where the floor slab of the residence or duplex is constructed at grade, in which case the height of the wood deck shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet above the floor slab.
6. The setback for the wood decks shall be governed by the same minimum setbacks as required for the main or principal building, provided, however, that on waterfront property no rear setback shall be required for such wood decks and in no case shall a wood deck project over the waterway or extend beyond the property line.
7. The surface of all exterior wood members shall be stained or painted to be harmonious with the color of the main or principal building.

Walkways shall be permitted in the required setback area, but shall only be used for the function of a walkway. A walkway is an aggregated width of pavers, stones, wood, or other permeable hardscape not exceeding five (5) feet in width in a setback area. In all cases a minimum of eighteen (18) inches shall be provided between a walkway and the driveway, patio, or property line.

Fountains and reflecting pools are permitted as an accessory use within all setback areas in any zoning district subject to City Architect approval. Maximum permitted depth is eighteen (18) inches.

Planters are permitted as an accessory use within all setback areas in any zoning district subject to City Architect approval.

1. Window and hurricane shutters, which are visible from the right-of-way, may be closed during the six-month Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30, for the purpose of protecting property from potential hurricane events.
2. Properties with closed windows or hurricane shutters outside of the Atlantic hurricane season will be given a 30-day warning before any further enforcement action, including but not limited to fines pursuant to Section 1-7 of the City Code.
3. The closure of windows or hurricane shutters that are not visible from the street are permitted year-round.
4. Shutters shall be in good working order and properly maintained.
5. Exceptions to this regulation may be granted by the City Manager or designee in cases where unique circumstances or emergencies necessitate the closure of window and hurricane shutters outside the hurricane season.

1. Walls may be constructed of the following materials:
   1. Coral rock.
   2. Concrete block stuccoed on both sides with concrete cap.
   3. Slump or adobe brick.
   4. Precast concrete.
   5. Used red brick, limed red brick or cement brick painted white.
2. Wire fences may be constructed of the following materials:
   1. Aluminum chain link.
   2. Galvanized steel chain link.
   3. Vinyl coated galvanized steel chain link in the following colors only: black, dark green, forest green, turf green and aqua.
   4. Aluminum or galvanized steel single or double looped ornamental type fence. The construction of such wire fences shall meet the following specifications:
      1. The wire used in construction of such fences shall be of not less than eleven (11) gauge or equal, except that one (1) inch chain link fences may be twelve and one-half (12½) gauge.
      2. Terminal posts shall be aluminum or galvanized steel pipe of not less than two (2) inches outside diameter or reinforced masonry columns of not less than four (4) inches square.
      3. Aluminum or galvanized steel angles may be used as intermediate supports.
      4. All terminal posts and intermediate supports shall be set in concrete, and all terminal posts shall be properly braced when installing any ornamental type fence.
      5. Top rail, if used, shall be aluminum or galvanized steel pipe not less than one and three-eighths (1⅜) inches outside diameter and where a top rail is not used, terminal posts shall be properly braced with aluminum or galvanized steel pipe.
3. Ornamental wrought iron, ornamental aluminum cast iron or cast aluminum fences shall be permitted, provided that masonry pilasters are located at the corners of the lot and periodically along the fence.
4. Wood picket fences shall be permitted on Santa Maria Street and residential lots in Golden Gate, MacFarlane Homestead, and Coconut Grove Warehouse Subdivision, subject to the following conditions:
   1. Such fences shall be no more than four (4) feet high and of cedar, cypress, or redwood, with four (4) inch by four (4) inch terminal posts, two (2) inch by four (4) inch intermediate posts, wood rails and pickets one (1) inch thick. Pickets shall be placed so as to provide a space between of not less than one-half (½) the width of the picket. These specifications do not apply if the fence is a re-creation of a historic fence that was demolished.
   2. All such fences shall be painted on each side with an appropriate and harmonious color, and shall be maintained and kept in repair by replacing all rotting wood. Construction and painting shall be completed within a reasonable time after issuance of permit therefore, to be determined by the Building Official.

F. The finished side of a fence shall be facing the neighboring lot.

1. All types of masonry or coral rock walls may be erected anywhere upon any premises, and in certain cases must be erected along property lines.
2. The following fence types are permitted in the following locations:
   1. Wire fences:
      1. Any residential or Special Use District in accordance with the provisions of this subsection;
      2. In the Design & Innovation District Overlay provided that such wire fences are not located closer than one-hundred (100) feet to Bird Road, LeJeune Road or Ponce De Leon Boulevard;
      3. Along rear property line or within the rear setback;
      4. Along the side property line to the front line of a building extended to the nearest point on the side property line provided that a coral rock or masonry wall connects the building with the wire fences;
      5. Along the side property line to the rear corner of the building closest to the side lot line; or
      6. On corner lots, along rear or side yards or within such rear and side property lines, provided, however, that such wire fence shall not be erected in any yard area which abuts a street and provided that if such wire fence extends further toward the street than the side or rear corner of the building closest to the side or rear lot line, a masonry or coral rock wall extending from the building to the rear or side lot line shall be connected to such fence.
   2. No wire fences may be erected in any MX District.
   3. All types of masonry or coral rock walls are permitted anywhere upon any premises.

Walls or fences shall not exceed four (4) feet in height from the established grade or the actual ground level at such wall or fence, whichever is more restrictive, unless granted by the Board of Architects to maximum of twelve (12) inches to account for topography, except in the following cases:

1. Wing walls, hereby defined as a wall or walls which extend parallel from a building to or toward the property line, parallel to and in line with the front of said building, may exceed four (4) feet in height in residential districts, as approved by the Board of Architects. Gates may be incorporated into the wing wall.
2. The courtyard or patio of a residence, duplex or multi-family dwellings may exceed four (4) feet in height in residential districts.
3. Walls used for screened enclosures in residential districts may exceed four (4) feet in height, provided such walls meet the setback requirements for screened enclosures, and provided that the enclosed ground area, the accessory buildings and the main buildings does not exceed forty-five (45%) percent of the enclosed area of the site.
4. Ornamental wrought iron picket, cast iron picket and/or aluminum picket fences may be erected between masonry columns to a maximum height six (6) feet, subject to the Board of Architects approval for the location and design.
5. Subject to the approval of the Board of Architects, ornamental wrought iron picket, cast iron picket and/or aluminum picket fences may be erected on top of a masonry wall or between masonry columns provided that the height of the masonry wall shall not exceed four (4) feet and the maximum height of the wrought iron, cast iron, aluminum and masonry wall or column shall not exceed six (6) feet.
6. Columns in connection with a fence and wall may include a cap or architectural feature as a vertical extension of the column up to a maximum of four (4) inches above the maximum permitted fence orwall height.
7. Where residential and commercial districts adjoin each other, a six (6) foot high wall shall be constructed along the property line between the commercial and residential properties. The wall shall be constructed and maintained by the commercial property owner; however, the abutting residential property owner may construct and maintain the wall.
8. On buildings sites with less than seventy-five (75) feet of street frontage, solid walls located in the rear yard may exceed four (4) feet in height to a maximum of six (6) feet for increased privacy.
9. Subject to the approval of the Board of Architects or Development Review Official, wall motifs and other architectural details may exceed the wall height.
10. Access to rear yard garbage and recycling shall be accessible for authorized personnel.

Every permit for the erection of a wall or fence in any public utility easement of record shall provide that it is subject to revocation. Each such wall or fence shall be constructed subject to the conditions that the said wall or fence shall be removed by the owner at any time on request of utility company requiring the use of the space for utility purposes, and that if the owner of such property fails to so remove such wall or fence after request and notice, the utility company or the City may remove such wall or fence at the property owner's expense.

Except as provided for in this Section, all roofs for single-family residences, townhouses, duplexes, overnight accommodations and uses in a Special Use District shall be constructed of tile, coral rock slabs, slate or copper in its natural state and allowed to oxidize and patina.

Except on Lots 1 through 18, inclusive, Block 89, Lots 20 through 36, inclusive, Block 91, Riviera Section Part Three and Lots 1, 2, 3 and Lots 5 through 12, inclusive, Block 4 and Lots 11 through 16, Block 6, French Village, flat roofs without a parapet shall be permitted upon buildings subject to the following restrictions noted hereinafter.

1. Above porch or room additions within the L, T or U of a residential building having all tile roofs provided:
   1. A tile roof is not practical, as shall be determined by the Board of Architects.
   2. The flat roof portion shall not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the ground area of the building.
   3. The flat roof portion is not visible from the front elevation of the building on an inside lot, or is not visible from the front or side street elevations on a corner lot.
2. Above one-story rooms in the rear of a two-story residence, duplex or apartment on inside lots, or over one-story rooms in the rear of a two-story residence, duplex or apartment where the room is not visible from the front or side street elevation on corner lots, providing in all cases some type of metal or masonry railing, as shall be approved by the Board of Architects is installed upon such flat roof.
3. The Design & Innovation District Overlay where the roof is constructed entirely of non-combustible materials.
4. On boathouses, provided some ornamental railing, design or other treatment, as shall be approved by the Board of Architects, is placed upon such flat roof.
5. Above meter rooms, elevator towers, elevator machinery and equipment rooms, stair towers, and air-conditioning rooms in MX Districts where the roof is constructed entirely of non-combustible materials.
6. Above one (1) story areas of a two (2) story building, or as a balcony, tower or other feature used to enhance the architecture of a building (as with the Colonial or Mediterranean style), provided that if located on an elevation visible to the street, the flat roof portions visible to the street shall not constitute more than twenty (20%) percent of the building's total roof area and a metal or masonry railing is installed on such flat roof.
7. Above two (2) story areas of a two (2) story building, or as a balcony, tower or other feature used to enhance the architecture of a building (as with the Colonial or Mediterranean style), provided that if located on an elevation visible to the street, the flat roof portions visible to the street shall not constitute more than twenty (20%) percent of the building’s total roof area and that said flat roof shall not exceed the maximum allowable height above established grade.

Except on Lots 1 through 18, inclusive, Block 89, Lots 20 through 36, inclusive, Block 91, Riviera Section Part Three, and Lots 1, 2, 3 and Lots 5 through 12, inclusive, Block 4 and Lots 11 through 16, Block 6, French Village, flat roofs with a parapet (minimum eight (8) inches thick) shall be permitted upon single-family residences and accessory buildings and structures subject to restrictions noted hereinafter:

1. The residence has a flat roof with a parapet and with a pitched roof area that is lesser in size and proportion to the flat roof area. The roof deck of the flat roof with a maximum thirty (30) inch high parapet shall not exceed twenty four (24) feet above established grade and the top of the parapet shall not exceed twenty six (26) feet and six (6) inches above established grade. For residences in flood hazard districts with a maximum height of thirty nine (39) feet above established grade, the roof deck of the flat roof with a maximum thirty (30) inch high parapet shall not exceed thirty four (34) feet above established grade and the top of the parapet shall not exceed thirty six (36) feet and six (6) inches above established grade. The roof shall be pitched in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Building Code.
2. The residence has a flat roof with a parapet with and a pitched roof area that is greater in size and proportion to the flat roof area. The roof deck of the flat roof with a maximum thirty (30) inch high parapet shall not exceed twenty four (24) feet above established grade and the top of the parapet shall not exceed twenty six (26) feet and six (6) inches above established grade. For residences in flood hazard districts with a maximum height of thirty nine (39) feet above established grade, the roof deck of the flat roof with a maximum thirty (30) inch high parapet shall not exceed thirty four (34) feet above established grade and the top of the parapet shall not exceed thirty six (36) feet and six (6) inches above established grade. The roof shall be pitched in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Building Code.
3. Over boat houses.
4. Upon buildings designed and devoted to MF2, MFSA, C, and I Districts.

Except for motels, and mixed use buildings shall be permitted to have flat roofs with a parapet (minimum eight (8) inches thick and eighteen (18) inches above the roof at all points, provided, however, that where the height of the building and other attendant and connected circumstances and features of said building justify a lesser height, such parapet wall may be as low as six (6) inches at any point above the roof) where the roof is constructed entirely of non-combustible materials.

Pitched roofs shall be constructed of:

1. Vitrified clay tile.
2. White concrete tile. The finished surface for white concrete tile shall be a mixture of one (1) part Portland white cement to three (3) parts white silica sand, together with a waterproofing and plasticizer ad-mix. These ingredients shall be mixed with water to a consistency equal to that of a finishing coat of plaster. The mix thus obtained shall be pressure troweled onto the surface of the freshly extruded tile at the time of manufacture.
3. Colored cement tile, provided the tile is color saturated with the same color intensity throughout and the color is not surface applied, and provided the color meets with approval of the Board of Architects, taken in conjunction with the surrounding areas. Such colored cement tile roofs, which have been installed according to approved plans may be painted or repainted a different color from the original color of the installed tile subject to approval of the application and the paint specifications by the Board of Architects.
4. Coral rock slabs laid shingle fashion.
5. Thick butt variegated colored slate as approved by the Board of Architects.
6. White Bermuda roof, with a minimum pitch of not less than five (5) inches in twelve (12) inches.
7. Where there exists a pitched roof of other material that was permitted at the time of the original construction, additions to or replacements to said building may use the same material.
8. Roofs on accessory buildings shall conform to the roof requirements for the principal building provided, that bomb shelters and/or fallout shelters may be constructed with a flat roof that the maximum height of such shall not exceed four (4) feet above grade.
9. Roof tiles with surfaces applied glaze under the manufacturer’s process, provided, that the color meets with the approval of the Board of Architects taken in conjunction with the surrounding area and provided further that the tile shall not be painted or repainted.
10. Copper in its natural state and allowed to oxidize and patina may be used as a roofing material for residential uses subject to approval of design, manner of installation, and conformity with the architectural design, style and composition of the proposed residential structure as shall be approved by the Board of Architects. An approved copper roof must remain in its natural state as a metal, thereby prohibiting painting, coating, surface application, or any other fabrication or manufacturing process that alters its natural metallic state.
11. Barrel Tile, provided that the tile is three (3) inches in depth and fire clay material.
12. Standing seam metal may be used on single-family homes with the approval of the full Board of Architects as deemed appropriate for the architectural style and neighborhood character. Metal roofs are prohibited within Historic Districts and shall require the additional approval from the Historic Preservation Board for locally designated and historically significant homes (as determined by the Historic Preservation Officer). Metal roofs shall not imitate other materials and not be painted after installation.
13. Specific exceptions include: Golden Gate, MacFarlane Homestead and St. Alban's Park, Coconut Grove Warehouse Center, the Design & Innovation District Overlay and/or Mixed-Use District abutting South Dixie Highway, and where plastic or glass translucent material is used as permitted elsewhere in this article.

(Ord. No. 2022-58, 10/11/2022)

All flat roofs shall have coverings of approved standard quality, such as concrete, gypsum, tile, built-up roofing of tar and paper, or tar paper and gravel, asbestos roofing, or of like grade, which would rank as Class A or B under test specifications of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.

Any plastic or glass translucent material or flat aluminum material, as approved by the Board of Architects may be used as a roof covering on screened enclosures or screened porches of residences providing it does not extend out from the outside wall of the building more than six (6) feet including any existing roof overhang and further provided it is not visible from the street.

Skylights may be constructed in roofs provided that such skylights comply with the following conditions and restrictions:

1. The size, location and architectural design of such skylights shall be subject to approval by the Board of Architects.
2. The structural design of such skylight shall be subject to approval by the Structural Engineer.

Roofs may project into the required minimum setback area not more than the following:

1. On setbacks from five (5) feet to ten (10) feet, roofs may project not more than two-and-one-half (2½) feet into the required minimum setback area.
2. On setbacks from ten and one-tenth (10.1) feet to fifteen (15) feet, roofs may project not more than three (3) feet into the required minimum setback area.
3. On setbacks from fifteen and one-tenth (15.1) feet to twenty (20) feet, roofs may project not more than three-and-one-half (3½) feet into the required minimum setback area.
4. On setbacks from twenty and one-tenth (20.1) feet to twenty-five (25) feet, roofs may project not more than four-and-one-half (4½) feet into the required minimum setback area.
5. On setbacks of twenty-five (25) feet or more, roofs may project not more than five (5) feet into the required minimum setback area.

The minimum size for upper and lower truss cords in all buildings shall be two (2) inches by six (6) inches.

New commercial construction or renovation of an existing commercial structure, the use of which involves food products (such as restaurants, cafeterias, and other businesses involved with food production), where the cumulative cost of such renovation is in excess of twenty-five (25%) percent of the assessed value of the existing commercial structure shall make provisions for the installation of an air conditioning system for commercial trash containers.

New commercial construction or renovation of an existing commercial structure where the cumulative cost of such renovation is in excess of twenty-five (25%) percent of the assessed value of the existing commercial structure shall make provisions for a trash container room or enclosure in accordance with the following provisions:

1. All new commercial construction projects and all renovation projects having a setback of less than ten (10) feet on the side of the property best suited for the servicing of trash containers shall include a trash container room for the purpose of housing dumpsters or other trash receptacles.
   1. The trash container room may only be located on the rear or side of the proposed development and shall be easily accessible for servicing.
   2. The trash container room shall be fully enclosed and include lockable doors.
2. Renovation projects having a setback of ten (10) feet or more on the side of the property best suited for the servicing of trash containers shall include a trash container room pursuant to subsection A(1) and A(2) above, or a trash container enclosure in accordance with the following:
   1. The trash container enclosure may only be located in the rear yard, rear setback area, side yard or side setback area.
   2. The trash container enclosure shall be placed at least five (5) feet from any property line, but not within the triangle of visibility required in 10-106.
   3. The trash container enclosure shall be located such that garbage or trash trucks will not block the intersections of streets or alleys while servicing trash containers.
   4. The trash container enclosure shall consist of:
      1. A concrete pad or impervious pavers as a base;
      2. Five (5) foot high enclosure walls; and
      3. An access gate.
   5. An impervious surface shall be provided between the trash container enclosure and the street or alley from which the containers will be serviced.
   6. Whenever possible, a hedge, or similar landscaping material, shall abut the enclosure walls.
3. Upon written request of a property owner, the requirements specified in (A) and (B) above may be waived by order of the City Manager or his designee provided the following conditions are met:
   1. The trash generated within the subject commercial building can be disposed of in a shared consolidated waste container/compactor located off-site.
   2. The trash disposal location is acceptable to the City's commercial waste disposal contractor.
   3. A legal instrument, as prescribed by the City Attorney, is executed by the subject property owners acknowledging that the City Manager shall be empowered to direct full compliance with the above trash enclosure/room requirements if the use of the consolidated waste container is no longer available.

The erection and/or installation of solar water heaters and equipment shall be subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Collectors located in the same parallel plane of a sloping roof shall be fastened to a maximum of one and one-fourth (1¼) inch by one-eighth (⅛) inch metal angles placed directly on the roofing membrane. Surrounding tile shall butt to the edge of the side of the collector.
2. Collectors located in a different plane from the roof shall incorporate an architectural masking device to screen the underside and edge of the collector apparatus from ground view where such collector is visible from the street. Such screening device may be roof planes, mansard roofs, shed roofs, parapet walls, chimneys or such other features.
3. Collectors located on a flat roof may be mounted directly upon the roof or may be elevated above the roof provided, however, that all portions of the elevated apparatus are screened from ground view by means of some architectural screening device as provided for under B above.
4. Where rooftop hot water storage tanks are used, they shall be screened from view subject to the discretion and approval from the Board of Architects for design and screening material. Landscaping may be used as a screening material at the discretion of the Board of Architects.
5. Where collectors are mounted on the ground they shall be screened from view from the abutting streets, and the setbacks for such collectors shall be as required for mechanical equipment.
6. All piping and other serving utilities shall be concealed from view.
7. The size, location, attachment and design of solar water heating devices shall be in conformity with the building design and overall neighborhood character.
8. Adequate architectural details shall be drawn to show the proper installation of the system and particularly the roof mounting and method of attachment.

Air-cooled condensing and/or compressor equipment, water cooling towers and any other type of mechanical or service equipment or apparatus installed on roofs of all buildings constructed on or after October 1, 1969, shall be screened from view subject to the discretion and approval from the Board of Architects for design and screening material. Landscaping may be used as a screening material at the discretion of the Board of Architects.

Those buildings constructed prior to October 1, 1969, shall be exempt from this requirement until such time as renovation or rehabilitation of any portion of said building is permitted. At the time of permitting for any renovations or rehabilitation in which the value of such construction exceeds twenty (20%) percent of the assessed value of the structure, any air-conditioning and/or mechanical apparatus mounted on roof tops, whether new or existing, shall be screened. Said screen shall be subject to the discretion and approval from the Board of Architects for design and screening material.

All storage areas permitted under these regulations shall be enclosed on all sides with a solid or louvered masonry wall, not less than six (6) feet in height, with necessary openings.

1. All storage, utility, and infrastructure elements including service areas, loading space, transformers, telephone boxes, garbage cans, dumpsters, air-cooled condensing or compressor equipment which is a part of an air-conditioning system or a water cooling tower, meters, backflow preventers, siamese connections, and any other type of mechanical equipment or apparatus installed on or attached to premises on the ground floor or roof shall be concealed from public view with the following conditions:
   1. Equipment in the front yard is prohibited, unless approved by the Board of Architects when no other location is available and the proposed location is compatible with the neighborhood.
   2. All equipment shall meet noise level requirements in the City Code, Chapter 38 Article II, Section 38-29 as amended.
   3. Any equipment, except for window wall units, shall be visually screened from view from a canal, waterway, lake, bay, golf course or street view with a wall, opaque gates, or landscaping.
   4. Equipment shall comply with required front and rear setbacks of the building site. In no case shall a side setback be less than five (5) feet for the placement of equipment.
   5. Exhaust air fans and louvers may be allowed above the ground floor if approved by the Board of Architects to be compatible with the neighborhood.
   6. Loading and service entries shall be accessed from alleys or side streets when available.
   7. Backflow preventers shall be concealed with a wall, landscaping, or within a building.
   8. All equipment shall be included in architectural drawings in sufficient detail to evaluate aesthetic impact. Mechanical equipment location shall be approved by the City Architect or Board of Architects

B. Level 1 bonus – Standards for Coral Gables Mediterranean Style. Bonuses are available up to a maximum of 0.2 floor area ratio and up to a maximum of one (1) story. The allowable stories and height are as follows:

Building designs shall be required to satisfy all of the following requirements in order to secure Level 1 bonus based upon the applicable MF and MX district designations:

1. All of the requirements of Section 5-202.A Prerequisites, and

2. The Compliance of the provisions ofSection 5-202.B Bonus Level 1 as follows:

a. For residential districts (MF2, MF3 and MF4 Districts): a minimum of six (6) of the eleven (11) qualifications.

b. For mixed use districts (MX1, MX2 and MX3 Districts): a minimum of eight (8) of the eleven (11) qualifications.

C. Level 2 bonus – Standards for Coral Gables Mediterranean Architectural Design. An additional bonus up to 0.3 floor area ratio and one (1) story or two (2) stories shall be permitted if Coral Gables Mediterranean Architectural Design is utilized. The allowable stories and building height are as follows:

Building designs shall be required to satisfy all the requirements as follows in order to secure Level 2 bonus based upon the applicable MF and MX district designations:

1. All the requirements of Section 5-202.A Prerequisites,

2. Necessary requirements to comply with Section 5-202.B Bonus Level 1 Requirements, and

3. All the requirements of Section 5-202.C Bonus Level 2 Requirements.

(Ord. No. 2022-11, 03/29/2022; Ord. No. 2025 -01, 01/28/2025)

Awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies and carport canopies placed upon, attached to or forming any part of a building shall conform to the conditions and restrictions set out in this Article . All awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies and carport canopies within the City shall comply with all of the following requirements:

1. Construction. Must comply with applicable Florida Building Code requirements as amended and all other applicable city, county, state and federal codes and standards.
2. Maintenance, repair, replacement, and/or removal. All awnings and canopies shall be maintained and kept in good order and repair. Awnings and canopies which are found to be in disrepair shall be subject to removal and/or replacement.
3. Manufacturer's identification. All awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies and carport canopies constructed or erected pursuant to these provisions shall have the manufacturer's identification shown thereon.
4. Clearance over sidewalk. In all cases where an awning, entrance canopy, or shelter canopy is placed upon, attached to, or forming any part of any building and such awning, entrance canopy or shelter canopy projects over a sidewalk, public right-of-way or similar place where the public is accustomed to walk, the rigid parts for any such awning entrance canopy or shelter canopy shall have a clearance of not less than seven-and-one-half (7½) feet from the established grade of the sidewalk, and any non-rigid valance of any such awning, entrance canopy or shelter canopy shall have a clearance of not less than six-and-one-half (6½) feet from the established grade of the sidewalk.
5. Encroachment over public right-of-way. Awnings and/or canopies which encroach over public rights-of-way shall be subject to all of the following conditions and restrictions:
   1. The property owner shall execute a restrictive covenant prepared by the City Attorney, which shall run with the title of the land, agreeing to provide public liability insurance coverage for the encroachment in the minimum limits required by the City, and naming the City as an additional insured under the policy.
   2. An executed copy of the restrictive covenant, together with certificates of required insurance, shall be presented to the Building Official and/or Development Review Official, prior to the issuance of any permits for such work.
   3. Notwithstanding the above, that prior to the issuance of any permit for the installation of an awning or canopy encroaching over any public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation or Miami-Dade County, the Building Official and/or Development Review Official shall require such evidence, as in his opinion is reasonable, to show that the plans for such encroachment have been approved by the said Department of Transportation.
6. City review required. All awnings and/or canopies as permitted herein shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Architects.

Awnings and canopies located in the following residential and non-residential zoned districts shall comply with all of the following requirements:

1. Residential (SFR, MF1, MF2, MF3 and MF4) zoning districts.
   1. Materials and structure. The covering materials of awnings or canopies placed upon, attached to, or forming any part of any building in any residential district shall be made of canvas, cloth, natural materials or other similar materials and the supporting structure of the awning or canopy may be made of fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, metal or other man-made materials. Board of Architects approval is required for all proposed materials.
   2. Slope. In any residential district, except SFR zoning districts, no shelter canopy or carport canopy shall be erected which has a minimum slope of less than two (2) inches in twelve (12) inches or a maximum slope of more than five (5) inches in twelve (12) inches.
   3. Location.
      1. All carport canopies shall be attached to the building and may be located on either side or the rear of said building.
      2. All shelter canopies shall be attached to the building and may be located on the front, sides or rear of said building.
      3. Awnings erected over garage openings or porte-cochere vehicle openings shall not extend out from the outside wall of the building more than six (6) feet.
   4. Free-standing canopies. No permanent self-supporting or freestanding shelter canopy, carport canopy or entrance canopy shall be permitted.
   5. Size and number permitted. Only one (1) shelter canopy and one (1) carport canopy shall be permitted per townhouse or duplex unit, provided however, that the carport canopy and shelter canopy shall not abut or be attached to one another.
   6. Carport canopies are prohibited in SFR zoning districts. Existing carport canopies in SFR zoning districts shall be considered as nonconforming and are subject to the provisions in Article 13.
2. Mixed Use (MX1, MX2, and MX3) Districts and University Campus District (UCD) zoning districts (see Appendix D).
   1. Materials and structure. Awnings and entrance canopies placed upon, attached to, or forming any part of any building in any MX district may be made of canvas, cloth, natural materials or other similar materials and of fiberglass, plastic or non-ferrous metals, but in no case shall any such awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies or carport canopies be made of wood or wood products or of masonite or similar materials; in all cases such awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies or carport canopies shall generally simulate the appearance of canvas awnings, and must not be corrugated or slatted or with holes or other visible spaces or gaps. The supporting structure of the awning or entrance canopy may be made of fiberglass, plastic, metal or other man-made materials. Board of Architects approval is required for all proposed materials.
   2. Location.
      1. All carport canopies shall be attached to the building and may be located on either side or the rear of said building.
      2. All shelter canopies shall be attached to the building and may be located on the front, sides or rear of said building.
      3. Awnings erected over garage openings or porte-cochere vehicle openings shall not extend out from the outside wall of the building more than six (6) feet.
      4. Entrance canopies, permitted on commercial buildings only, shall be attached to the building and may be supported from the ground up. The overall width of entrance canopies shall be a maximum of the entrance opening and framing width, plus twelve (12) inches and shall extend out perpendicular from the building.
   3. Free-standing canopies. No permanent self-supporting or free-standing shelter canopy, carport canopy or entrance canopy shall be permitted.
3. Special Use (S) and Preservation (P) zoning districts.
   1. Materials and structure. Coverings for freestanding canopies, awnings and entrance canopies placed upon, attached to, or forming any part of any building may be made of canvas, cloth, natural materials, plastic, fiberglass, non-ferrous metals or other similar materials, but in no case shall the material composition be made of wood, wood products, masonite, or similar materials. All awnings, shelter canopies, entrance canopies or carport canopies shall generally simulate the appearance of canvas awnings, and shall not be corrugated, slatted, or include holes, openings or other visible spaces or gaps. The supporting structure of the freestanding canopy, awning or entrance canopy may be made of fiberglass, plastic, metal or other man-made materials. Board of Architects approval is required for all proposed materials.
   2. Free-standing canopies. Permanent free-standing shelter canopies shall be permitted.
   3. Location.
      1. All carport canopies shall be attached to the building and may be located on either side or the rear of said building.
      2. All shelter canopies that are attached to the building may be located on the front, sides or rear of said building.
      3. Awnings erected over garage openings or porte-cochere vehicle openings shall not extend out from the outside wall of the building more than six (6) feet.
      4. Freestanding canopies shall not be permitted in the front yard of the property’s primary structure. If the subject property does not have a primary structure, the freestanding canopy shall be located within the property’s required building setbacks. Freestanding canopies shall comply with required setbacks for accessory uses, whether or not there is a primary structure on the property.
   4. Size and number permitted. No limitation as to the number or size of freestanding canopies that may be permitted.
   5. Encroachment over public right-of-way. Encroachment of any freestanding canopies, awnings or entrance canopies over a public right-of-way is prohibited.