Miami-Dade Moves to Make Zoning Changes to Boost Housing Supply

Two proposed zoning changes could help alleviate the affordable housing crisis in Miami-Dade County. As Alyssa Ramos and Natu Tweh report for WLRN, “County commissioners approved a preliminary vote on one proposal that would permit homeowners to rent out efficiency apartments on their own properties.” This proposal, which would only apply to unincorporated areas, would essentially legalize an already common practice, boost the housing supply, and create a potential income stream for homeowners.

Reporter Doug Hanks tempered the enthusiasm, saying, “Miami already has very similar rules in place that obviously has not made a dent in that city's affordable housing problem, so we should probably manage expectations on what kind of solution this is, but it would be a major, major change in county zoning.”

According to the article, “Miami-Dade County commissioners also passed a rapid transit zoning law that would allow mid-rise housing to be built near public transit routes.” The county is giving the city of Miami two years to develop their own rules to encourage transit-oriented development and more housing construction.