HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-146-3700_-_Studio_183_Special_Exception_Approval (2)RESOLUTION NO. 2021-146-3700
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE SPECIAL
EXCEPTION APPLICATION FOR THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 230 NW 183RD STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED HERETO,
PERMITTING A NIGHTCLUB AND WAIVING THE MINIMUM
DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SALE OF LIQUOR AS
SET FORTH IN SECTION 34-147 OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS CODE OF ORDINANCES SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
CONDITIONS; ACCEPTS AND APPROVES THE DECLARATION
OF RESTRICTIONS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED
HERETO AS EXHIBIT “C”; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the property located at 230 NW 183rd Street (“subject property”) is
currently zoned for Planned Corridor Development (“PCD”), and
WHEREAS, Studio 183, located at the subject property, was originally issued a
Certificate of Use to operate a restaurant with an accessory bar by the City of Miami
Gardens in 2016, and
WHEREAS, the business license required the restaurant to derive at least 51%
percent of its gross revenue from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages and such
percentage must be maintained daily, and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the State of Florida revoked the alcoholic beverage license
for this location and further review by staff showed that the location functioned as a
nightclub rather than a restaurant by providing a dance floor and generating revenue from
sources other than food, and
WHEREAS, to come into compliance with the City Code of Ordinances and
legalize the use, the applicant must obtain Special Exception approval for a Nightclub
pursuant to Sec. 34-48(g) of the City Code of Ordinances, and
WHEREAS, in addition to seeking a Special Exception approval, the applicant
wishes to reapply for a liquor license as part of the nightclub use, and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the distance requirements for the sale of alcoholic
beverages must also be approved as the location, pursuant to Sec. 34-147 of the City of
Miami Gardens Code of Ordinances, does not meet the necessary distance between
residential uses, churches, schools, or other similar uses, and a nightclub serving
alcoholic beverages, and
DocuSign Envelope ID: F44C527D-68D8-4A2E-B169-040501B3130B
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Resolution No. 2021-146-3700
WHEREAS, the Applicant has proffered a Declaration of Restrictions, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Exhibit “C”, and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the testimony of the Applicant, if any, and
the Staff Report attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and incorporated by reference, and
WHEREAS, City Staff recommends the City Council deny the Special Exception
application for a Nightclub selling liquor at the subject property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS: The foregoing Whereas
paragraphs are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true, and the same are hereby
made a specific part of this Resolution.
Section 2: AUTHORIZATION: The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens
hereby approves the Special Exception application for that certain property located at 230
NW 183rd street, more particularly described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto, permitting a
Nightclub. The City Council also hereby waives the minimum distance requirements for
the sale of liquor as set forth in Section 34-147 of the City of Miami Gardens Code of
Ordinances. This approval is subject to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenant attached
hereto as Exhibit “C”.
Section 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon
its final passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS AT ITS REGULAR MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 27, 2021.
________________________________
RODNEY HARRIS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
MARIO BATAILLE, CMC, CITY CLERK
PREPARED BY: SONJA KNIGHTON DICKENS, CITY ATTORNEY
SPONSORED BY: CAMERON BENSON, CITY MANAGER
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Resolution No. 2021-146-3700
Moved by: Vice Mayor Leon
Seconded by: Councilman Stephens
VOTE: 5-1
Mayor Harris Yes
Vice Mayor Leon Yes
Councilwoman Campbell No
Councilwoman Ighodaro Absent
Councilwoman Julien Yes
Councilman Stephens, III Yes
Councilwoman Wilson Yes
DocuSign Envelope ID: F44C527D-68D8-4A2E-B169-040501B3130B
PZ-2021-004187
Studio 183 Special Exception
Exhibit “A”
LOCATION MAP
SUBJECT PROPERTY
230 NW 183RD STREET
MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33169
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
EXHIBIT B
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
PZ-2021-004187
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicant: Reginald Mathis on behalf of Duce or Less, LLC
Property Location: Studio 183 230 NW 183rd Street Folio Number: 34-2112-002-0016 Property Size: 7,159 sq. ft.
Unit Size: 2,727 sq. ft.
Future Land Use: Commerce Existing Zoning: PCD, Planned Corridor Development Requested Action(s): Special Exception Approval to permit a Nightclub in addition to a Waiver of the Distance Requirements for the Sale of Liquor
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council deny the Special Exception application for a Nightclub selling liquor at
230 NW 183rd Street, due to the inability to meet the minimum distance requirement from residential
uses, churches, schools, or other similar uses serving alcohol as outlined in Attachment C; in addition to
adverse events on-site affecting safety, security and general welfare which may unduly burden Police and
Code Enforcement resources to include homicide, revocation of alcoholic beverage license by the State of
Florida, continuing to serve alcoholic beverages after revocation by utilizing a catering license without the
appropriate Special Exception approval, misrepresentation of intended use as a restaurant under the
Certificate of Use, and work without an approved building permit. REVIEW AND ANALYSIS: Neighborhood Land Use Characteristics
Property Future Land Use
Designation Zoning Classification Existing Use
Site Commerce PCD, Planned Corridor Development Studio 183
North Commerce PCD, Planned Corridor Development Bank of America Building
South Commerce PCD, Planned Corridor Development Shopping Center
East Commerce I-1, Light Industrial Tootsies Cabaret
West Neighborhood PCD, Planned Corridor Development Commercial/Office
Project Summary/Background
The subject property more commonly known as Studio 183 is located at 230 NW 183rd Street and is zoned
PCD, Planned Corridor Development. The site is designated as “Commerce” in the City of Miami Gardens
Comprehensive Development Master Plan. The property is an outparcel lot within the Cloverleaf Shopping
Plaza generally located at the intersection of NW 183rd Street and State Road 7/US-441/NW 2nd Avenue.
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
Studio 183 was originally issued a Certificate of Use to operate a restaurant with an accessory bar by the
City of Miami Gardens in 2016. The business license required that the establishments’ sale of alcoholic
beverages be incidental to the sale and consumption of food. More specifically, per Section 34-144(k)(1)
of the City Code of Ordinances and per the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation,
the restaurant must derive at least 51% percent of its gross revenue from the sale of food and non-
alcoholic beverages and such percentage must be maintained on a daily basis.
In 2021, the State of Florida revoked the alcoholic beverage license for this location as shown in
Attachment D as Studio 183 was unable to meet the minimum 51% food sales required for restaurant use.
Further review by staff showed that the location functioned as a nightclub rather than a restaurant by
providing a dance floor and generating revenue from sources other than food such as bottle service,
hookah, cover charges and entertainment typically associated with a nightclub as defined in Section 34-
732 of the City Code of Ordinances and outlined below. At the time of the revocation of the liquor license
by the State, the business derived only 30% of its revenues from the sale of food.
Furthermore, despite being licensed as a restaurant requiring a full service kitchen to serve food, Studio
183 employed catering services as part of the operations including utilization of a catering license to serve
alcohol after revocation of the State liquor license. This is a misrepresentation of the restaurant use as
the business is not licensed as a caterer, banquet hall or nightclub.
In order to come into compliance with the City Code of Ordinances and legalize the use, the applicant
must obtain Special Exception approval for a Nightclub pursuant to Sec. 34-48(g) of the City Code of
Ordinances. Special Exception uses are deemed to be generally unsuitable for location in such district,
but may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if, after review and possible attachment of conditions
pursuant to the procedures and criteria of Section 34-48(g).
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
In addition to seeking a Special Exception Approval, the applicant wishes to reapply for a liquor license as
part of the nightclub use. A waiver of the distance requirements for the sale of alcoholic beverages must
also be approved as the location does not meet the necessary distance between residential uses,
churches, schools, or other similar uses, and the nightclub use serving alcoholic beverages. As per the
table below and the detailed Distance Verification Map shown in Attachment C, the variation between
the required distance and the provided distance exceeds the 25% threshold for staff approval; the
variance requires approval by the City Council since it is beyond the threshold.
Distance Requirements for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages (Nightclub)
Section 34-147
Type of Establishment Distance From
Other Uses
Serving Liquor
Distance
From
Churches
Distance
From
Schools
Distance
From
Residential
Nightclub, Discotheque, Club (Required) 1,500 ft. 2,500 ft. 2,500 ft. 500 ft.
Studio 183 (Provided) 780 ft.
(Tootsies
Cabaret)
1,200 ft.
(Trinity
Church)
1,500 ft.
(Hibiscus
Elementary)
150 ft.
(18211 NW
2nd Court)
Consistency with City of Miami Gardens Comprehensive Development Master Plan
The subject property is zoned PCD, Planned Corridor Development district. The purpose and intent of this
district is to implement the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) “Commerce” land use
category. It allows multiple-family residential dwellings, a wide range of commercial uses, select
recreation and entertainment uses, mixed residential and commercial uses, select public and institutional
uses, and places of assembly in an urban context. The subject property is consistent with the following
CDMP Goals, Objectives and Policies:
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
OBJECTIVE 1.1 The Commerce designation is intended for planned urban commercial, urban
industrial, urban cultural and economic hubs. Commerce areas shall include
existing and planned activity centers that are primarily located along the City’s
three major arterial roadway corridors.
Policy 1.3.1 Commerce areas shall provide for a wide variety of uses that range from major
educational institutions, civic and governmental centers to major retail services
as well as single purpose industrial areas.
Policy 1.3.2 Within the context of this plan element, Commercial and Office generally means
retail sales and services whereby goods and services are provided. Offices and
other activities including but not limited to restaurants and as well as automobile-
oriented activities are also included.
Policy 1.3.4 The location of Commerce areas shall emphasize access to public transportation.
Policy 1.3.6 Uses that are consistent with the Commerce land use category include mixed use
developments such as Urban Center, Urban Core and Golden Glades-Palmetto
Area, single use developments including Urban Commercial and Office, Urban
Industrial, residential development including Medium Density Residential,
Medium-High Density Residential, High Density Residential, and Very High Density
Residential plus Public and Semi-Public uses.
OBJECTIVE 2.1 Performance Criteria for Land Uses. All land uses shall conform to locational
standards, design criteria and other performance standards to insure that
development occurs in a manner that minimizes impacts on adjacent properties
and results in quality development that furthers the vision of the community. Such
requirements embodied in the following policies shall provide the basis for land
development regulations and zoning requirements.
Policy 2.1.1 Public hearing requirements to ensure neighborhood participation
in decision-making; Access requirements expressed as
requirements for frontage on major roadways, by functional
classification of roadways; Access requirements expressed as
proximity to major roadway intersections.
Policy 2.1.3: Nonresidential Single Use. Performance criteria for non-residential single use
development districts shall be set forth in the City’s land development regulations
as follows:
b. Urban Commercial and Office
• Purpose. Urban Commercial and Office is designed to accommodate
development primarily in areas designated as Commerce.
• Uses. Typical uses include retail sales and services, automotive uses,
offices, lodging, entertainment, certain storage activities and similar non-
residential activities subject to land development regulations.
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
Conclusion: The proposed Special Exception use is generally consistent with Goals, Objectives and Policies
of the Comprehensive Development Master Plan.
Zoning Review and Analysis
The City Council may grant or deny approval of a Special Exception use request as set forth in Section
34-48(g) of the City’s Zoning and Land Development Code:
(g) Criteria for granting of special exception use approval. To authorize any special exception use, the
zoning appeals board shall find all of the following:
(1) The special exception use will be consistent with the city’s comprehensive development
master plan;
(2) The special exception use will be in harmony with the general character of the
neighborhood considering population density, design, scale and bulk of any proposed new
structures, intensity and character of activity, traffic and parking conditions, and number
of similar uses;
(3) The special exception use will not be detrimental to the use, peaceful enjoyment, economic
value, or development of surrounding properties or the general neighborhood; and will
cause no objectionable noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, glare, electrical interference,
or physical activity;
(4) The special exception use will have no detrimental effect on vehicular or pedestrian
circulation and flow within the vicinity of the use. The special exception will not adversely
affect the health, safety, security, morals, or general welfare of residents, visitors, or
workers in the area;
(5) The special exception will not, in conjunction with existing and proposed development in
the area and development permitted under existing zoning, overburden existing public
services and facilities, including schools, parks, police and fire protection, water, sanitary
sewer, public roads, storm water drainage, and other public improvements and services;
(6) That the special exception use otherwise meets the definition standards set forth
elsewhere in this chapter for such particular use; and
(7) That development, use and operation of the site will be in compliance with all applicable
code regulations, development standards and any additional standards imposed by the
city council or zoning appeals board with the intent of protecting adjacent properties and
preserving neighborhood character.
The proposed special exception request for a Nightclub selling liquor was analyzed for the criteria set forth
above:
1. The proposed Nightclub is consistent with the Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Commerce
designation as outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Development Master Plan;
2. The proposed Nightclub will be contained within the existing outparcel and there are no new
structures proposed. There is already an entertainment use serving alcohol within 780 feet of
Studio 183. As such, the business does not meet the minimum 1,500 feet for distance from other
similar use.
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
3. Studio 183 is less than 200 feet from residential homes surrounding the property and does not
meet the minimum 500 feet distance requirement from residential uses. This may impact the
peaceful enjoyment of residents in the area.
4. Adverse events have occurred on-site affecting safety, security and general welfare to include
homicide, revocation of alcoholic beverage license by the State of Florida, continuing to serve
alcoholic beverages after revocation by utilizing a catering license without the appropriate
Special Exception approval, and misrepresentation of intended use as a restaurant under the
Certificate of Use.
5. As an outparcel of the Cloverleaf Shopping Plaza the business is located within easy vehicular and
pedestrian access from NW 183rd Street or State Road 7/US-441/NW 2nd Avenue. There are no
foreseeable impacts to public infrastructure, however Miami Gardens Police Department have
responded to Calls for Service at the location including a homicide investigation. It is anticipated
the use will continue to require monitoring by the Police Department and the use of Police
resources.
6. As per Attachment C the location does not meet the criteria set forth for distance requirements
between a nightclub serving liquor and other similar uses, churches, schools, or residential lots.
Type of Establishment Distance From
Other Uses
Serving Liquor
Distance
From
Churches
Distance
From
Schools
Distance
From
Residential
Nightclub, Discotheque, Club (Required) 1,500 ft. 2,500 ft. 2,500 ft. 500 ft.
Studio 183 (Provided) 780 ft.
(Tootsies
Cabaret)
1,200 ft.
(Trinity
Church)
1,500 ft.
(Hibiscus
Elementary)
150 ft.
(18211 NW
2nd Court)
7. The development is not currently in compliance with code regulations and development
standards. There is currently an open building permit (BB-2019-022802) for site work such as
paving, drainage and restriping done without permit approval.
Conclusion
The City’s LDRs allows the review of a Special Exception use on a case-by-case basis. The application does
not satisfy the criteria for granting the Special Exception use as outlined in Chapter 34, Special Exception
Uses, Section 34-48(g). The proposed use does not meet the minimum distance requirement from other
establishments selling liquor, nor from schools, religious facilities, or residential properties as shown in
Attachment C below. This is in addition to adverse events that have occurred on-site to include homicide,
revocation of alcoholic beverage license by the State of Florida, continuing to serve alcoholic beverages
after revocation by utilizing a catering license without the appropriate Special Exception approval, and
misrepresentation of intended use as a restaurant under the Certificate of Use. The use if permitted will
likely require continued monitoring by Police and Code Enforcement. There remains outstanding permits
for development standards pertaining to paving, drainage and restriping that have not been met.
Studio 183 Special Exception PZ-2021-004187
Anticipated Facilities Impact
General: There are no anticipated additional impacts on infrastructure as the site is an existing building with
access to utilities located along existing public right of way.
Public Notification/Comments
Public notification of the application is in accordance with Sec. 34-46. - Applications to the Zoning Appeals
Board of the City’s Land Development Regulations.
Attachments
Attachment A - Zoning Map
Attachment B - Aerial Map
Attachment C - Distance Verification Map