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Zoning Changes in South-West Coconut Grove: Unlocking New Development Potential

Introduction: New Opportunities in South-West Coconut Grove

Recent zoning changes in South-West Coconut Grove, Miami, have dramatically increased the development potential of properties in the neighborhood. Our Zoning Signal algorithm has identified a cluster of properties that stand to benefit significantly from these changes, highlighting new opportunities for growth and investment in the area.

The Shift from Low-Density to High-Density Zoning

Historically, much of South-West Coconut Grove was zoned under the T3-R and T3-O designations, which imposed strict limitations on building density and height. These zones typically allowed for low-density residential development, restricting the number of units that could be built on a given parcel of land.

However, a recent rezoning initiative has transformed two clusters of the neighborhood into T4-L and T4-O districts. This shift permits higher density and mixed-use developments, effectively doubling—or in some cases tripling—the number of units allowed on certain properties.

Impact of Zoning District Changes from T3 to T4

An analysis of several properties in the area illustrates the significant impact of the rezoning:

  • Property with 5,350 SF Land Area: Previously zoned T3-O, allowing approximately 2.2 units. Under the new T4-L zoning, it can now accommodate about 4.4 units.

  • Property with 7,564 SF Land Area: Changed from T3-R zoning with 1.6 units allowed to T4-O zoning permitting around 6.3 units.

  • Property with 14,880 SF Land Area: Saw a significant jump from 3.1 units under T3-R zoning to about 12.3 units under T4-O zoning.

These examples demonstrate how the number of units allowed on these parcels has increased substantially, offering property owners the chance to capitalize on the enhanced development potential.

The Church's Vision: A Case Study in Strategic Rezoning

One of the most striking examples of this transformation involves a cluster of adjacent properties owned by Christ Episcopal Church Inc. The church owns multiple parcels in the neighborhood, and the recent zoning changes have collectively increased their allowable units to approximately 59 units, up from a significantly lower number under the previous zoning.

The church's proactive efforts to get this city block rezoned from T3-R and T3-O to T4-L and T4-O demonstrate a strategic move to maximize the utility and value of their properties. This area was previously part of a large expanse of T3-R zoning, which significantly limited development options.

The successful rezoning of the church's properties sets a precedent for neighboring blocks. Properties adjacent to the church's holdings could be next in line for rezoning, potentially unlocking similar or even greater development opportunities. For property owners and investors, this possibility enhances the attractiveness and value of these parcels.

Conclusion: A Shift Toward Higher-Density, Mixed-Use Development

The rezoning in South-West Coconut Grove signifies more than just a change in building codes; it represents a shift toward higher-density, mixed-use development in a historically low-density area.

 

Author Olivia Ramos
Founder and CEO of Deepblocks, holds master's degrees in Architecture from Columbia University and Real Estate Development from the University of Miami. Her achievements before Deepblocks include designing Big Data navigation software for the Department of Defense's DARPA Innovation House and graduating from Singularity University's Global Solutions and Accelerator programs.