During the Nov. 4th City Commission meeting, Development Services Director Suramy Cabrera presented a draft ordinance proposing financial incentives for developers and homeowners who adopt sustainable building practices.
The plan introduces a point-based system that awards reductions in building permit fees for incorporating environmentally friendly design features such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials.
Projects that include at least three qualifying elements would receive a 15% fee reduction; those with six or more could receive 25%. The highest incentive — a 35% discount — would go to projects that attain certification under recognized national or European green-building standards.
“We’re trying to convince people it’s the right thing to do,” Cabrera said. “It saves on energy bills, it’s a sustainable way of building, and we need to take care of our environment. Just planting trees along the right of way isn’t enough.”
South Miami already requires solar panels on new homes over 1,100 square feet, a rule adopted in 2017. Cabrera said the new ordinance aims to shift from mandates to incentives, encouraging voluntary adoption of greener construction practices as public awareness grows.
Mayor Javier Fernandez, however, suggested strengthening the incentives to ensure they translate into meaningful financial benefits. With rising home prices, he said, the proposed discounts may not be enough to motivate builders to incorporate more complex sustainable features, such as water retention systems.
“I don’t think it’s a strong enough market incentive to get us where we want to go,” Fernandez said.
The City Commission will reconvene Nov. 18, though Cabrera told the Business Journal she expects the ordinance is more likely to be adopted in December. She noted that many Miami-Dade cities have lost tree canopy, often due to individual property owners clearing lots and constructing inefficient homes.
“This is our first attempt at creating an ordinance that promotes environmental stewardship while respecting private property rights,” Cabrera said.
Source: SFBJ