Coral Gables City Commission to weigh zoning changes, police gear, and budget tax rate
Coral Gables city leaders face a consequential week, with the City Commission set to decide on a zoning amendment, spending on police equipment and capital improvements, and the next fiscal year’s property tax rate. Meanwhile, advisory boards have been reviewing dock variance requests, art funding, park renovations and budget audits.
City Commission zoning and spending
On July 7, the Commission will hold public hearings on a zoning amendment for 520 University Drive that would remove overflow parking limits and single-family zoning reversion rules. A first-reading ordinance would ban campaign contributions from real estate developers. Commissioners will also act on a $95,000 sole-source contract for Marrero Armor ballistic plates for the Police Department, accept a $109,611 FDOT grant for the Granada Boulevard sidewalk improvement project from De Soto to Bird Road, and consider a $500,000 reallocation for capital improvements at 285 Aragon Avenue.
Budget presentation
On July 8, the Commission will receive the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget estimate and vote on a resolution setting the proposed operating millage rate at 5.559, which will determine property tax levies for the coming year.
Board of Adjustment variance hearings
The Board of Adjustment meets July 6 with four public hearings. A dock variance at 240 Edgewater Drive asks to extend 11 feet 3 inches into a waterway. Other cases include carport and fence setback reductions at 8800 Old Cutler Road, cooling tower placement and facade variances at 10 Edgewater Drive, and a garage length variance reduction from 22 feet to 20 feet 2 inches at 2830 De Soto Boulevard.
Arts panel eyes art series funding
The Arts Advisory Panel on July 1 (agenda only, minutes not yet published) was scheduled to review requests from artists Roberto Lugo and Susan Te Kahurangi King to join the city’s pre-qualified list, and to discuss funding of up to $110,000 for the “Intervals” Coral Gables Art Series during Miami Art Week.
Other board activity
In recent weeks, advisory boards have covered a range of topics. The Budget/Audit Advisory Board on June 24 received an external audit update from RSM and an overview of the FY 2027 budget process. On June 26, the Development Review Committee looked at the renovation of Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park, amendments to the University of Miami’s campus master plan, a use change to mixed-use residential/commercial at 3195 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and a new two-story office building at the same address.
The Waterways Advisory Board on July 1 reviewed dock variance applications for 361 Los Pinos Boulevard and 240 Edgewater Drive, along with marine patrol updates. The Coral Gables Advisory Board on Disability Affairs on July 1 discussed the FIU Embrace Disability Conference, mental health awareness, and adventure day planning with Parks & Recreation. The Waterfront Communities HOA Board on June 22 heard updates on Biscayne Bay living shorelines, boater safety and a traffic circle beautification program. The Golf and Country Club Advisory Board on June 24 previewed a July 4th BBQ and a venue maintenance week from July 13-22.
Coming up
- **Board of Adjustment**: July 6, public hearings on variances.
- **City Commission**: July 7, zoning, police equipment, grants and reallocation votes.
- **City Commission**: July 8, budget presentation and millage rate resolution.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.