The City of North Miami Beach is proposing an amendment of Chapter XXIV Zoning and Land Development Article XII Environmental Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City Of North Miami Beach, Florida, to create a new section 24-140 entitled “Sediment and Erosion Control” to establish soil erosion and sedimentation control as an ongoing priority and shall establish soil erosion and sedimentation control fees for maintenance and repair of drainage structures and other city properties to be levied against certain owners, occupants, developers, contractors and subcontractors of real property within the City of North Miami Beach from whose property eroded soil and sediment have escaped and caused maintenance or repairs to be performed by the City of North Miami Beach on drainage structures or other city-owned properties.

Sediment that erodes from exposed areas accumulates in lakes, natural watercourses, and on adjoining properties. When sediment travels into water bodies, it can harm aquatic life, increase turbidity, and restrict the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, endangering water resources by reducing water quality and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species; and can also decrease the storage volume of water bodies and clog sewer storm drains which can increase the potential of flooding.

Consistent with the City’s Strategic Plan this proposed section ensures that all landowners, occupants, developers, contractors, and subcontractors shall follow sound conservation and engineering practices to prevent soil erosion and resulting sedimentation in any drainage structure, lake or watercourse.