Solar and Energy Efficient Installation Requirements

The city wishes to promote and encourage sustainable design and construction practices. It recognizes the positive environmental impacts of energy efficient building designs, construction, operation and maintenance methods and materials. 

To this end, the city has passed ordinance 2015-304 to encourage solar panel installations & 2021-16 to encourage installation of water and energy conservation technologies for existing residential properties. As such, the city waives city permit fees for installation of solar panels. The city also waives the proportionate amounts of applicable city permit fees for existing residential properties making any of the following improvements:

1. Installation of water conservation devices, including rain barrels or associated underground water systems
2. Installation or replacement of LED lights or upgrading of electrical systems needed in order to install LED lights
3. Installation of solar batteries
4. Installation of insulation for existing un-insulated residences
5. Improvements to seawalls to account for sea-level rise
6. Installation of drip irrigation systems and any associated plumbing work necessary for installation of drip irrigation systems

If you want to know more about these and other innovative and environmentally friendly initiatives, please reach out to Development Services at 305-460-5245. Be sure to let us know if you are applying for permits that qualify for these waivers so that we can ensure you receive your appropriate fee waivers.

Solar Energy Guidance

The following provides guidance to property owners, architects, contractors and others who are using solar energy in their buildings.

1. Equipment shall be located and designed to be compatible with the aesthetics of the building.
2. The parapets on flat roofs shall be used to screen solar energy systems.
3. Solar panels or modules on pitched roofs may be permitted with the approval of the Board of Architects.
4. Solar shingles on pitched roofs shall minimize the visual contrast between materials.
5. All solar panels shall be mounted on the roof and not projecting from walls or other parts of structures.
6. The aesthetics design of solar panels shall be consistent with the properties of materials.
7. Any battery storage or solar equipment shall be visually screened from view of a street with a wall or landscaping, or retain approval by the Board of Architects for aesthetic compatibility.

Requirements & Checklists

• PV Zoning 
• Board of Architects Review Application [PDF]

All the required documents outlined in the "Permit Checklist" shown above shall be submitted to the Board of Architects for aesthetic review. Once approval has been obtained, the submittal will be reviewed by the applicable disciplines in the Development Services Department. 

Living Seawall Permit Fee Incentive Program

The City of Coral Gables recognizes the importance of improving water quality, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing shoreline resilience through environmentally sustainable practices. Projects incorporating living seawalls with pH-Neutral Cement and/or allowing modular retrofit panels to be installed will qualify for a 20 percent reduction in city permit fees in accordance with resolution 2025-342. If you want to know more about this innovative and environmentally friendly incentive, please reach out to Development Services at 305-460-5245. Be sure to let us know if you are applying for a permit under this program so that we can ensure you receive your discount.

Temporary Storefront Windows

All windows and doors of vacant commercial spaces must be wrapped. The following documents should serve as a style guide when covering the windows of commercial spaces for lease or sale.

Open-Air Dining Permits

Sidewalk Café and Outdoor Seating

Restaurant operators, who wish to serve their customers outside on public property adjacent to the primary restaurant establishment (Sidewalk Café Permit) or restaurants to serve outside on their private property (Outdoor Seating Permit).

Sidewalk Café in Public Right-of-Way shall:

• Require an issued Certificate displayed at place of business.
• Be the length of the restaurant frontage, unless approved during permitting.
• Maintain a minimum clearance of 5 feet (10 feet on Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza) from all obstructions (building, curb-line, etc).
• Not have perimeter structures (fences, railings, planters, etc) that restricts pedestrian circulation or discourages public use of the tables or chairs.
• Planters may only be utilized on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza as buffers from vehicular traffic. Artificial planting materials are prohibited.
• Not include any signage on the public portion of the property.
• Allow access to any bus stop, crosswalk, public seating, intersections, service easements, handicap facilities, or adjacent establishments.
• Be clean and in good repair, with trash, litter, and gum removed daily, including the sidewalk area, curb and gutter.
• Not be anchored / restrained visibly as with a chain, rope or wire.
• Meet the requirements for nighttime uses in Sec. 3-415 of the Zoning Code.
• Not stack or pile chairs in the ROW on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza.
• Not include the storage of dishes, silverware or other similar equipment on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza during non-business hours.
• Not include any food displays, food preparation, storage, refrigeration apparatus, or fire apparatus in the ROW on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza.
• Not include umbrellas clipped, zipped or fastened together.
• Renew permit biannually with the $15 per square feet fee.

Outdoor Seating on Private Property shall:

• Not interfere with pedestrian circulation.
• Be unenclosed and open.
• Not have perimeter structures (fences, railings, planters, etc) that restricts pedestrian circulation or discourages the public use of the arcade.
• Locate all kitchen equipment within the primary restaurant.
• Keep dining area neat and orderly and free from refuse, debris and gum.
• Meet the requirements for nighttime uses in Sec. 3-415 of the Zoning Code.