Mr. Merrick’s Orderly Laws
The Blueprint of Coral Gables Lies in the Laws of the City’s Founder, Many Strange and Still on the Books
George Merrick’s meticulously planned Coral Gables, conceived a century ago, continues to be influenced by his visionary ideas – and by the laws that he implemented. We did a deep dive to see what strange ordinances are still on the books today and discovered a fascinating interplay between the City’s beginnings and the regulations that continue to shape our community. These laws serve as a unique testament to City founders’ commitment to preserving the refined and distinctive character of Coral Gables.
Easy on Those Garage Sales!
Section 3-604 of the Zoning Code details the application process, fees, and restrictions for hosting a garage sale in Coral Gables. The restrictions address the contents, hours, frequency, and signage of garage sales: Only the seller’s personal property “usual to a household” can be sold, and only between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm; a sale cannot last for more than two consecutive days, and the same household cannot hold more than two garage sales within a calendar year and not within 30 days of each other. Also, only one Garage Sale sign can be on the premises, it must be smaller than 40 inches, and cannot be placed further than five feet from property lines.
Cats Can’t Move in Silence
Section 10-6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances calls it a cat owner’s “duty” to equip outdoor cats with a bell whenever they are not securely confined. This practice aims to prevent cats from preying on native birds.
Only One Pickup Truck, and with Stipulations
According to section 43-411 of the Code of Ordinances, one pickup truck may be parked outside of a residence if all the following requirements are met: there are no items in the bed of the vehicle; the vehicle has no commercial markings or advertising and no commercial equipment or appendage attached; the vehicle is unmodified and has no more than four wheels.
Maintaining Design Standards
The regulations governing residences in Coral Gables showcase Merrick’s commitment to upholding a consistent aesthetic character and enhancing property values. The Board of Architects reviews everything – color, design, fenestration, texture, and architectural elements – to decide if the external appearance of a structure is compatible with the architecture of that neighborhood and to create “an intrinsic sense of order between buildings.” According to Section 5-1103 of the Zoning Code, all buildings constructed or reconstructed are expected to be designed in a specific architectural style, including Colonial, Venetian, Mediterranean, Italian, French, Bahamian, or another identifiable style.
Forget Starting a Farm
Section 10-9 deals with less exotic animals, but reinforces Merrick’s aim to maintain an elegant ambiance by prohibiting the keeping, breeding, or feeding of horses, livestock, and fowl. While some restrictions were relaxed during wartime, Merrick intended to prevent Coral Gables from resembling a rural farming community.
No Menageries, Please
Merrick also implemented restrictions on pet ownership within Coral Gables, aimed at preventing animal hoarding. Section 10-10 of the Code of Ordinances limits residents to a maximum of four adult dogs or four adult cats, preventing the accumulation of pets that could become a nuisance.
No nightclubs, crematories, or casinos
Section 43-401 of the Code of Ordinances prohibits nightclubs as the primary use of a building, along with crematories and casinos. These restrictions align with the city’s focus on maintaining a serene and wholesome atmosphere. For bars and restaurants, alcoholic beverages cannot exceed 49 percent of their total quarterly gross sales receipts/revenues. (Hope they are selling a lot of Shepard’s Pie at John Martin’s Irish Pub!)
Get Out the Roundup
It is against the law to permit weeds to grow to a height of 12 inches or more, per Section 34-55 of the Code of Ordinances, punishable by a civil penalty of $200.
Elephants, Rhinos, and Apes Aren’t Allowed
During the 1920s Florida Real Estate Boom, Carl Fisher, a prominent figure in Miami Beach’s development, employed elephants for marketing purposes. P.T. Barnum and Tony Goldman joined forces with Fisher, bringing the circus to town. This spectacle contradicted George Merrick’s vision of a refined city. To prevent Coral Gables from being turned into a circus-like environment, Merrick enacted several regulations, one of which is Section 10-8, prohibiting the presence of pachyderms (thick-skinned mammals like elephants and rhinos) and wild or horned animals within the city limits.
Color Me Calm
Section 5-100 mandates that property owners submit color samples to the City’s Board of Architects for approval before repainting or making significant changes. This meticulous oversight ensures that new additions and renovations align with the city’s architectural heritage and “promote the orderly and harmonious development of the City.” A list of pre-approved Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors is visible on the Board of Architects’ website. Think shades like Cancun Sand, Provence Cream, or Lacey Pearl (Benjamin Moore), or Polite White, Lightweight Beige, or Relaxed Khaki (Sherwin Williams).
Building “Med bonus”
Section 5-200 of the zoning code permits additional height and volume bonuses for “Coral Gables Mediterranean Architecture” designs that “continue to support George Merrick’s vision and be consistent with the thematic established historic building fabric of the City.” The zoning code requires design elements and architectural styles of well-known Coral Gables buildings, including the Biltmore Hotel, City Hall, and Coral Gables Elementary School (now Coral Gables Preparatory Academy), among others.
No Liquor Deliveries on Sundays
According to Section 6-14 of the Code of Ordinances, no distributors should make alcohol deliveries on Sundays, and no retail alcohol vendors of alcoholic “shall solicit, accept or receive deliveries on Sunday.” Fortunately, you can drink on Sundays, just don’t roll the barrels in then.