Miami Beach Board of Adjustment Approves Innovative Home Design with ADA Features and Smart Technology
- Meeting Overview:
The Miami Beach Board of Adjustment meeting focused on several issues, most notably the approval of a variance request for a modern home designed with aging in place considerations and advanced technology. The board also addressed continuance requests for two other ongoing projects and discussed a variance for a fabric awning at another property.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a newly constructed home designed with accessibility features for aging residents, including ADA-compliant elements. The structure boasts minimal grades for wheelchair access, a floating dock for easy movement, and a proprietary voice control system tailored for residents unfamiliar with mainstream technology. The home integrates two robots: one for pool maintenance and another to assist residents by monitoring medication intake and checking meals for nutritional compliance. These technological advancements aim to enhance residents’ quality of life by providing mental acuity tests and tracking physical health trends.
Essential equipment for water cleaning and battery storage is strategically placed on the second floor of the garage to remain operational during severe weather. Multiple water sources and energy-efficient designs underline the project’s sustainability.
During the meeting, a board member inquired about the variance request, which was prompted by deviations discovered during the final inspection process. The speaker clarified that the construction differed from the approved permit, partly due to the untimely death of the contractor, complicating compliance. The board discussed potential loopholes in contractor accountability and unanimously approved the variance request, expressing interest in visiting the innovative home.
Another agenda item involved the continuance of a rooftop appeal on Lincoln Road, delayed due to ongoing litigation. The continuance was approved for May 1, 2026, despite representatives from the condominium association urging for an earlier date due to prolonged delays affecting unit owners. The applicant’s representative argued that the postponement was necessary to allow for trial proceedings, while the condominium association emphasized the negative impact of the delays.
Additionally, the board revisited a proposal for a two-story home on a corner lot, previously used as a construction staging area. Revised plans included a trellis structure to enhance outdoor space and appearance, with the applicant securing 13 letters of community support. The board had previously voiced concerns about the relationship between the proposed paddle court and the primary residential use. However, staff now recognized the paddle court as an accessory use, and the board acknowledged the applicant’s efforts in community engagement and design revisions.
Public comments were supportive, highlighting relief over the project’s potential to alleviate past nuisances associated with the lot. The board member noted the importance of community support in such proceedings and commended the applicant’s proactive efforts.
The meeting also addressed a variance for a fabric awning on Stillwater Drive. The applicant explained that an error during construction led to the support columns encroaching into the setback more than approved. With the contractor’s death further complicating matters, the applicant sought to legalize the structure as built. Presenting letters of neighbor support, the applicant emphasized the awning’s role in providing environmentally friendly shade for the pool area. The board considered the unique aspects of the home and approved the variance request, acknowledging the challenges faced by the applicant.
Steven Meiner
Zoning Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/06/2026
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Recording Published:
02/06/2026
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Duration:
68 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Miami-Dade County
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Towns:
Miami Beach
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