Aventura moved a step closer to allowing taller buildings and denser mixed-use development near Aventura Mall and the Brightline station after the City Commission passed a new zoning overlay on first reading Tuesday, July 7.
The Aventura Metropolitan Urban Center Zoning District Overlay would create three subdistricts — Core, Center and Edge — opening the door to residential uses in areas where only commercial activity is currently permitted. The overlay also increases allowable floor area ratios and density near Biscayne Boulevard's transit corridor.
In a preceding 18-minute session as the Local Planning Agency, all seven commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the same ordinance before convening the regular meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Timeline for the overlay's approval
The commission first initiated the overlay process at its Feb. 3 meeting. The second and final reading is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 23 at the Aventura Government Center, 19200 West Country Club Drive.
City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath confirmed in a legal notice that the full ordinance text is available for public inspection at her office at the same address.
Other business the commission handled
The commission adopted Ordinance No. 2026-12 on second reading, making hospitals a conditional use in the Community Business, or B2, zoning district.
Commissioners also approved a sign graphics variance for the Aventura City Center mixed-use development at 2999 NE 191st St., passing Resolution No. 2026-47.
On fees, the commission adopted Ordinance No. 2026-13, allowing permit, inspection and certificate fees to be adjusted annually by administrative policy. A separate ordinance raising the lien search fee from $50 to $125 passed on first reading.
Budget amendments for the Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School also passed on first reading, though specific dollar amounts were not detailed in the minutes.
Nearly $618,000 in contracts on the consent agenda
The consent agenda included nearly $618,000 in contracts: $269,266 to GIT Consulting for a watershed master plan, $124,920 to Southern Comfort Solutions for IT server room HVAC replacement and $223,675 to A&M Interiors for construction services. The A&M contract was awarded without competitive bidding under the city's impracticability justification.
No members of the public spoke during the meeting.
Who attended the meeting
Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Vice Mayor Clifford B. Ain and Commissioners Gustavo Blachman, Amit Bloom, Rachel S. Friedland, Paul A. Kruss and Cindy Orlinsky were all present. City Manager Bryan Pegues and City Attorney Robert Meyers also attended. All items passed without recorded dissent.
When the commission meets again
The commission meets at 9 a.m. July 23 for the second reading of the MUC overlay ordinance. Residents can attend in person at the Government Center or watch recorded meetings at cityofaventura.com/AgendaCenter. For ADA accommodations, contact the City Clerk's office at 305-466-8901 at least two business days before the meeting.
