DIRECTING CDMP AMENDMENT RE VERTICAL FARMING

Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee · 2026-07-14 · resolution

Resolution directing the County Mayor or designee to consider recommendations in the Agriculture Report and file an application to amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) to provide for or encourage greater allowances inside urbanized areas for high-intensity, closed agricultural production systems such as vertical farming. The resolution was introduced on 6/23/2026, forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation by the Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee on 7/14/2026, and is scheduled for the Board agenda on 9/1/2026 as item 11A3. The prime sponsor is Roberto J. Gonzalez. The resolution references the October 10, 2023 report 'Evaluation of Agricultural Land Use Trends and Outlook in Miami-Dade County, Florida' and notes that over 70 stakeholders interviewed for the report expressed frustration with overlapping regulations and a lack of County support for agriculture, with many citing the need for more flexible policies such as those enabling vertical agriculture in urbanized zones. The resolution also notes that the vertical agricultural sector in the County, mostly concentrated in urban areas, has grown substantially in recent years to meet growing demand, especially in Miami's restaurant scene.