By Coral Gables Gazette staff
As Coral Gables continues to emphasize quality-of-life standards, a small agenda for a Code Enforcement ticket hearing this week offers a clear view of the city’s priorities: protecting public ways, safeguarding sanitation, and preserving the tree canopy.
The hearing will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday at 427 Biltmore Way in the First Floor Conference Room with sworn testimony before determining whether violations occurred and what corrective actions are required.
Protecting public ways and sanitation
One case centers on an alleged wastewater discharge into a public alley behind Biltmore Regent Condominium property along Biltmore Way, one of the city’s most visible corridors. City code prohibits the release of waste liquids or refuse onto public rights-of-way, a rule rooted in both sanitation and environmental protection.
Cases involving wastewater and public infrastructure tend to draw close scrutiny because they affect more than a single property owner. Even when conditions are temporary, the city treats discharges onto public ways as matters requiring prompt correction.
The citation illustrates a broader enforcement principle: activities on private property that spill into public space are likely to draw a swift response, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Keeping rights-of-way clear and safe
Another case involves a residential property at 1015 Pizarro Street, owned by Robert E. Jacobson and Maritza Jacobson, where a pile of sand was cited for obstructing the public right-of-way. City regulations require sidewalks, streets, and adjacent areas to remain clear for pedestrian access, vehicles, and emergency services.
While such violations can arise during construction or landscaping work, the city’s enforcement posture is clear. Obstructions in public space are treated as potential safety concerns, regardless of intent, and property owners are expected to address them quickly.
The case underscores a recurring theme in code enforcement: the city places a premium on keeping shared spaces usable and safe, even when the underlying activity is otherwise lawful.
Preserving the tree canopy
The third case involves unpermitted pruning of large tree limbs at a home at 740 Tibidabo Avenue, owned by Michael Lohmann. Coral Gables requires permits for significant pruning to ensure that work complies with preservation standards and does not compromise tree health.
Resolution of the violation would require an after-the-fact permit and a certified arborist’s report — a common outcome in such cases. The city’s tree protection rules are among its most closely watched, reflecting the role of the canopy in defining neighborhood character and environmental resilience.
Enforcement actions tied to tree pruning often serve as reminders that well-intentioned maintenance can still run afoul of regulations if proper approvals are not obtained first.
This Post Has 5 Comments
The Mahogany trees that line much of our streets are destroying our cars. Whoever was the genius that decided these trees were a good choice should be fired. The city, because of its idiotic decision, should be held responsible for damages resulting from damage to vehicles from the pods these non native trees drop!! These trees should be removed and replaced with oak trees. You planted these trees without forethought and now you need to do something about it.
They are actually Black Olive trees and it was City Manager David Brown who installed them after Hurricane Andrew because they grow very quickly and thus provide shade and yes, they were a very bad decision! They are horrible non-native trees that grow too large and will be destroyed in the next hurricane.
On another note – there is a large development that is trying to be passed located at 110 Phoenetia, in a residential neighborhood, and there are two 200 year old oak trees in the garden (Garden of the Lord) as well as some plants that are not replaceable. The developer just wants to come in and destroy everything with no plan to replace it, while you or I have to obtain permits in order to remove a tree, even if it is deceased or invasive.
The destruction of the historic “Garden of Our Lord”, would result in the loss of an irreplaceable 200 year old live oak. The massive ancient tree would not survive relocation, regardless of what certain members of the commission want us to believe. Once gone, it will be forever lost. Historic designation for the “Garden of Our Lord,” which contains trees grown from Jerusalem seeds would be appropriate and protective of this very unique garden.
Instead, the city is allowing its destruction and the creation of yet another high rise. It’s horrific to watch special areas in Coral Gables being destroyed because of the rampant greed shackling our city.
Please attend meeting regarding the garden on January 13, 2026, 427 Biltmore Way, 2pm.
The Black Olives have been a fixture of city-owned swales for many years before Hurricane Andrew. They drop all kinds of leaves, sap, and other droppings and are destroying our lawns and the attempt to keep foliage in the swales. The City is aware and tries to keep a list of affected areas, but the wait for remedies is years behind.