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Code Enforcement agenda highlights city priorities on public ways, sanitation and tree protection

   January 5, 2026 • 5:59 PM  19 Comments
The Coral Gables Board of Adjustment will convene Monday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. in the municipal building located at 427 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables’ Development Services Department, where the city’s new Same Day Permit Program is being used to fast-track review of qualifying residential projects including roofing, windows, driveways and some interior renovations.

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.

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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.

Coral Gables Gazette News Staff
Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff

Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.

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Gazette News Dept.

Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff

Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.

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19 thoughts on “Code Enforcement agenda highlights city priorities on public ways, sanitation and tree protection”

  1. 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.

    1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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