The need for affordable housing in Dade County is immense. Thousands of workers, like teachers and first responders, can’t afford to live here. It’s a problem our government must immediately address.
As a step toward doing so, the city council recently approved my initiative to legalize detached accessory dwellings, also known as “tiny homes” to some and “granny flats” to others. Such units are allowed to be rented to tenants as an affordable place to live. But creating a flat will have strict guidelines.
For instance, tiny homes aka flats:
- Cannot be located on a lot size smaller than 12,500 square feet.
- A maximum of two residents are allowed to live in the flat.
- The homes can be no smaller than 500 square feet and
- Must meet all minimum housing standards, including adequate parking.
- They are not allowed to be used for short-term rentals
- Must meet all height and setback requirements (for instance front and year setbacks are 25 feet. Sides are 7.5 feet).
- Must be architecturally appealing and blend in with character of neighborhood
Owners will have to get annual inspections by the city and pay for a Certificate of Occupancy as well as a Business Tax Receipt.
The list of guidelines are somewhat complicated, so let me know if you want more info. Attached to this story is a rendition of what the flats will be encouraged to resemble.
The allowance of granny flats provides yet another tool for North Miami to address affordable housing. Life in South Florida is challenging on many levels. For residents of tiny homes, the battle for a roof over their head will be removed.
Thank you for all you do!
Does this ruling mean that a single house must be on a lot 12,500 square feet or are you saying that there can be many of these tiny buildings located on that size lot? Most lots in NM are not 12,500 square feet but smaller. Are you saying, for example, that multiple tiny homes could be placed on a 12,500 square foot lot in Keystone Point? If so, why are you trying to devalue the area?
Does this ruling mean that a single house must be on a lot 12,500 square feet or are you saying that there can be many of these tiny buildings located on that size lot? Most lots in NM are not 12,500 square feet but smaller. Are you are saying, for example, that multiple tiny homes could be placed on a 12,500 square foot lot in Keystone Point? If so, why are you trying to devalue the area?
Good afternoon Scott,
Can these GrannyFlats be on your primary resident or do they need to be on a lot by itself.
Hi, Virginia! Sorry for my slow response. The flats can only be an addition on a piece of property that meets the size guidelines. They can not be a primary residence, nor can they stand on a lot by themselves.
The average lot size in Keystone Point is 9,375 square feet. What you are saying is that a tiny house must be a lot larger than the average Keystone lot. If the lot must be 12,500 square feet is this for one house or more than one? Something here doesn’t make sense.
I support the progressive move to allow ADUs in our community, across the country this is being successfully adopted. 500 sf is pretty substantial add on, both in construction cost and space occupied, I am concerned there will be little movement to add this needed housing with the current guidelines (cute she-shed with minimal setback in this photo represents approx 100sf, not allowable in current proposal).
Wonderful idea Scott. I wonder how this affects or addresses motorhomes in home owner yards that are also renting or using their vehicles as Air B&B’s?
thanks again, love your new site!
Both of the scenarios you’ve described here are illegal. If you wish, please send me a private email with details. We’ll need to involve our Police and Code officers.
That’s illegal. Please email me the details at scott@scottgalv.com !