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This guide acquaints you with the Coral Gables and South Miami codes that are most likely to affect you. The codes share many similarities; some of the differences between the two cities are noted for your reference.
Law enforcement officers in both cities are vigilant about enforcing these regulations. Therefore, it is essential that students understand and adhere to these guidelines to create a good relationship with neighbors, avoid problems with the city in which they live, and maintain their good standing at the University. Students who repeatedly violate these ordinances could face University probation, suspension, or expulsion.
In the city of Coral Gables, no more than three (3) unrelated persons may live in a single residential unit. Similarly, in the city of South Miami, no more than three (3) unrelated people may live in a single-family residence.
We hope you will be a good neighbor and enjoy living in these attractive and convenient areas. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Dean of Students Office.
Parking
Park your car in designated areas or in your driveway or garage—not on the sidewalk or in your front yard. Do not park on your neighbors’ property, driveway, or parking lot. Students who violate parking laws will be subject to citations by city law enforcement officers.
Illegally parked cars may be impounded. City officers in both Coral Gables and South Miami will contact the University with license plate numbers of cars that they believe belong to UM students.
In Coral Gables, violators could be subject to fines up to $500 and in South Miami, violators could be subject to $250 fines.
Parking Trucks in Residential Areas
One pickup truck may be parked outside of a residence if all three of the following requirements are met: 1. There are no items in the bed of the vehicle. 2. The vehicle has no commercial markings or advertising, and no commercial equipment or appendage is attached to the exterior of the vehicle. 3. The vehicle is unmodified and has no more than four (4) wheels. Additional pickup trucks are allowed if parked entirely enclosed within the confines of an enclosed garage.
Noise
In both Coral Gables and South Miami, it is unlawful to make or allow noise that annoys or disturbs neighbors, whether within a home or in public places. Noises covered by these ordinances also include car horns, engines, power tools, construction sounds, and animal sounds. Those who violate these ordinances are subject to fines of between $150 to $588 per day.
In Coral Gables, music, shouting, or even talking that can be heard at a distance of 100 feet from a home, apartment unit, or vehicle is prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
In South Miami, bothersome noises such as those outlined above are prohibited from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. everyday of the week. Construction activity and noise related to such activity are not allowed in residential areas on Saturday and Sunday.
Garbage, Trash and Recycling
It is unlawful to deposit garbage on any lot, premises, street, alley, parkway, park, or waterway within either Coral Gables or South Miami. All household refuse must be placed in closed garbage containers with closely fitting lids. If you must throw away a large item such as an appliance, you must schedule a special pick up appointment.
In Coral Gables, garbage and recycling containers must be kept together at a point upon the premise adjacent to either side of the residence, behind the front building elevation in a place that is easily accessible to city inspectors and employees yet screened from public view. Garbage includes refuse accumulation of animal, fruit or vegetable matter that attends the preparation, use, cooking and dealing in, or storage of meats, fish, fowl, fruit or vegetables, and any other matter, of any nature whatsoever, which is subject to decay, putrefaction and the generation of noxious or offensive gases or odors, or which, during or after decay, may serve as breeding or feeding material for flies or other germ-carrying insects. Garbage is collected twice a week and receptacles must be ready for collection the night before. Regarding trash (household refuse /clean yard waste), residents can place up to 1 cubic yard of combined trash per week. These materials must be placed in piles on the parkway immediately abutting the property where they are generated. Household refuse, which includes materials such as rubber and small furniture items, may only be placed on the parkway in front of a residence after 6 p.m. on the evening before the scheduled pickup day.
In South Miami, the City provides garbage/trash bins to residents through the Public Works Department at 305-403-2067. Trash containers must be placed at curbside (five feet or more from parked cars) no earlier than 7 p.m. the evening before collection and no later than 7 a.m. on the morning of collection, then removed from the curb within 24 hours of collection.
Grounds Maintenance
While grounds maintenance is usually the responsibility of the property owner, students living in rental properties may be held responsible for violations. You should be aware that it is unlawful for homes within the city to have weeds, grass, or undergrowth that is 12 inches or higher.
Property must be maintained in a clean, litter-free, and mowed condition, including grass strips, alleys, curbs, swale areas, and rights-of-way. Required maintenance includes mowing the grass and edging, trimming, and cleanup as needed. In addition, pools and other areas with water must be maintained with no stagnant water in order to prevent a condition on the property wherein water may accumulate and stand in such manner or fashion as to make possible the propagation of mosquitoes.
In Coral Gables, furniture and other bulky items are not permitted on the lawn or in front of a residence.
Pets
While some students believe that moving off campus is a natural time to get a pet, you will need to make sure that your animal is not a bother or danger to others. Coral Gables and South Miami prohibit any pets that create a nuisance by way of noise, odor, or menace to health or safety. It is unlawful for any dog to be at large without being restrained by a leash.
Coral Gables does not allow more than four adult dogs or cats (six months or older) in any household. Cats must have a collar with an attached bell when not confined to a residence building or cage. Wild animals and reptiles require a permit from the City Manager.
South Miami does not allow more than six adult dogs (six months or older) in any household without a kennel license. Kennel licenses must be applied for through the City Manager. Non-domesticated animals require a permit and approval from the City Manager.
Visitors
As a community resident, you are responsible for the behavior and actions of your guests and visitors. Regardless of your age, the provision of alcohol to underage persons is strictly prohibited and will be enforced by the police departments of both municipalities.
Visitors should conduct themselves in a manner demonstrating responsibility and consideration for the neighbors living around you. Guests found to be involved in violations who are also UM students will face disciplinary action as well. It is important to also remember that the mode of transportation a visitor uses to arrive at your residence may not necessarily be appropriate when it comes time for your guest to depart (i.e., public transportation hours, safety of walking at night if on foot, etc.).
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