This section of the 1935-miami-dade-building-code (adopted 1936) details regulations for public property use, signage, vertical transportation, and exterior structures, along with subsequent amendments.
Public Property and Signage (Chapters 46-47) Chapter 46 is reserved for the Department of Public Service (p. 305). Chapter 47 establishes strict rules for signs, billboards, and poster-boards (p. 305). Billboards are prohibited in R, B-1, and B-2 districts and must not constitute traffic hazards (p. 306). Specific prohibitions exist for advertising devices on Biscayne Boulevard between NE 13th and NE 54th Streets (p. 306). The code defines various sign types, including banner, signboard, projecting, roof, and bulletin signs (p. 306-307). Permits are required for most signs, with exemptions for small business signs under 150 sq ft (p. 307). Construction standards mandate metal or fireproof materials for large signs, secure anchoring without staples, and setbacks for sky signs (p. 308). Projections across streets are banned, and posters on public structures require city permission (p. 308). Poster boards on open lots must withstand 35 lbs/sq ft wind pressure and not exceed 20 ft in height (p. 309). Projecting signs have weight limits (600 lbs max) and specific clearance requirements from electrical conductors (p. 309-310). Roof signs must be non-combustible and maintain 6 ft clearance on multi-story buildings (p. 310-311).
Elevators and Escalators (Chapter 48) Chapter 48 regulates elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, referencing the 1925 American Standards Association Safety Code and the 1935 National Electrical Code (p. 311). Elevators do not count toward required stairways (p. 311). Operators must hold a certificate of competency and be at least 18 years old (p. 312). Safety features include automatic door interlocks, substantial buffer springs, and emergency trap doors (p. 312-313). Passenger elevators must have a carrying capacity of at least 100 lbs per sq ft (p. 312). Machinery must be enclosed in incombustible materials (p. 313). Buildings over 100 ft must keep one elevator ready for fire department use at all times (p. 314). Inspections are required every three months (p. 314).
Awnings and Canopies (Chapter 49) Chapter 49 covers awnings, awning-shutters, roller-curtains, canopies, and tents (p. 314). Permits are required for installation over public property (p. 314-315). Business transactions are prohibited under awnings without special permit (p. 316). Construction must use metal frames in Fire Zones 1 and 2, with specific pipe sizes based on width (p. 316-317). Awnings over sidewalks must be metal-framed, with minimum clearances of 7’6” for metal parts and 6’6” for cloth (p. 318). Projections are limited to 9 ft from the building wall (p. 318).
Amendments and Fees The code was amended by Ordinance No. 1678 (1937) to create a Board of Appeals for building inspections (p. 321). Ordinance No. 2568 (1941) expanded the Secondary Fire Zone in Coconut Grove, prohibiting new frame structures in specified areas (p. 322-323). Ordinance No. 2972 (1945) updated building permit fees (p. 324).
Related Concepts
- signage-regulations
- elevator-safety-standards
- awning-and-canopy-construction
- fire-zones
- code-enforcement-mechanisms
- building-permit-process
- building-material-specifications