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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO CONDUCT NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING EXERCISES FOR THE HORSE COUNTRY AREA, INCLUDING PUBLICIZED COMMUNITY MEETINGS, RELATED TO ITS UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL, EQUESTRIAN, ARCHITECTURAL, AND AESTHETIC CHARACTER AND THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-SPECIFIC THEMATIC ZONING DISTRICT; AND REQUIRING A REPORT

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WHEREAS, the Horse Country area, generally bounded by SW Bird Road to Sunset Drive and from the Florida Turnpike to SW 127 Avenue, constitutes a distinctive and historically significant community within unincorporated Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, Horse Country contains a unique blend of residential estates, horse farms, plant nurseries, equestrian schools, and open green spaces that contribute to its historic and aesthetic identity; and
WHEREAS, this area has long been recognized for its equestrian life, agricultural activities, and low-density development pattern, which distinguish it from surrounding urbanized areas; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, increasing development pressures, including applications for higher density uses, lot subdivisions, and non-agricultural development, have raised concerns among residents and stakeholders that future construction and redevelopment may be incompatible with the established rural, agricultural, and equestrian character of the Horse Country area; and
WHEREAS, preserving the character of Horse Country is critical not only to maintaining its cultural heritage and historical significance, but also to protecting environmental assets, supporting agricultural viability, sustaining equestrian uses, and ensuring that future growth is managed in a manner consistent with the community�s established identity; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes the value of engaging the community to better understand residents� perspectives on land use, zoning, and development patterns within the Horse Country area; and
WHEREAS, community-specific thematic zoning districts represent a potential planning and regulatory tool that may allow Miami-Dade County to tailor land use, development standards, and design guidelines to the distinct agricultural, equestrian, architectural, and aesthetic qualities of Horse Country, while also incorporating standards for signage, landscaping, and streetscape elements; and
WHEREAS, the introduction of community-specific enhancements including, but not limited to, decorative street sign posts, equestrian-themed signage, roadway edge treatments, and landscaping improvements along key corridors may serve to visually distinguish Horse Country, promote neighborhood pride, and support tourism and local economic activity in a manner consistent with the area�s character,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board hereby directs the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to conduct neighborhood planning exercises for the Horse Country area, including but not limited to publicized community meetings within or near the area, to gather input regarding its unique agricultural, equestrian, architectural, and aesthetic character and the potential development of a community-specific thematic zoning district. The first such community meeting shall take place no later than 90 days from the effective date of this resolution.
Following completion of these neighborhood planning exercises, the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee shall prepare a written report, including findings and recommendations regarding the establishment of a community-specific thematic zoning district for Horse Country, and, pursuant to rule 5.06(j) of the Board�s Rules of Procedure, shall place the completed report on an agenda of the full Board without committee review within one year of the effective date of this resolution.