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1. What is a public hearing?

A public hearing is a meeting open to the public that provides property owners who may be impacted by a land use proposal, an opportunity to comment, and provide input. All public hearings are advertised in a local periodical, and courtesy notices are sent out to property owners within a specific radius.

2. For a public hearing application, how long does it take to have an answer?

Final decisions on public hearing applications may vary depending on the type of application. All applicants who are going through the public hearing process must wait for a final decision by the City Council before they can proceed with a building permit application.

3. If I receive notice, am I obligated to attend a public hearing?

It is not mandatory for surrounding property owners to attend a public hearing, but it is a good opportunity to provide input on developments occurring in your community.

4. What is a Certificate of Use?

A Certificate of Use is a use permitted under a zoning district only if the use meets the criteria set forth in Sections 3-11 of the code. A Certificate of Use request is always accompanied by an official application, site plan, traffic analysis, and other supporting documentation. Certificates of Use also grant commercial businesses permission to sell alcohol, and in this case require a specific purpose survey as part of the application package. All requests for a Certificate of Use are heard by the City Council and are subject to the public hearing process.

5. What is a plat?

A plat is simply a legal division of land, which further subdivides one parcel into two or more lots, pursuant to the requirements of the Chapter 25 of the code.

6. What is a variance?

A variance is a proposed change, modification or variation from the provisions of the code or LDRs. All variance requests are heard by the City Council at a public quasi-judicial hearing. An example of a variance may include an addition that is encroaching on the front, side or rear yard setbacks.

7. What is an administrative site plan approval and an administrative variance?

An administrative site plan approval and an administrative variance are types of applications that are handled by our administrative staff and therefore avoid the public hearing process. These types of applications are only at the discretion of the Development Services Director, and must also thoroughly address specific criteria, before staff approval may be given.

8. Do I need a permit to cut down or remove a tree?

Yes. The City of Homestead’s Department of Development Services handles all tree related permits. Applications are available at the Building Division permit counter in City Hall, 100 Civic Court, Homestead, Florida or 305-224-4500.

9. Do I need a permit to add a room to my house, pool house or garage?

Yes. If you want to add a room, pool house, or garage to your home, you will need a building permit. To obtain a permit you must first submit two (2) sets of signed and sealed plans (plans can be drawn by either an architect or an engineer). Please verify and contact with our Building Division at (305) 224-4500 to obtain information about plans submittal and to answer any questions you may have before embarking on your project. 

10. Do I need a permit for a pool, shed or deck?

Yes. You need a permit for a new pool, a deck, or a shed. These structures are also referred to as accessory structures, and while they may not be as complex as a room addition, you must submit the same information that is required to obtain the permit for zoning review and approval. For more information, call (305) 224-4500.

11. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Yes. If you want to install a fence on your property, we recommend you call our Planning Division first to obtain information about fence locations (setbacks), permitted height, etc. You will need two sets of signed and sealed property surveys and the fence specifications. Please be advised that there are fence height restrictions. For more information, please call (305) 224-4500.