Hialeah council approves appointments, hikes lien-search fee and advances multiple zoning and variance requests

The Hialeah City Council on April 28 approved a slate of administrative and land-use items, including two appointments to advisory committees, a fee increase and several zoning measures.

Board appointments: The council approved councilman William Marrero’s reappointment of Francisco Perez to the Veterans Affairs Committee (two‑year term beginning 04/28/2026) after Marrero moved the resolution and Councilwoman Monica Perez seconded; the clerk recorded the motion as carried. Marrero also moved, with Monica Perez seconding, the appointment of Asael Amaro to the Youth Advisory Committee for a two‑year term (04/28/2026–04/27/2028); that motion also carried.

Fee change: On second reading the council approved an ordinance that raises the city standard violation and lien research fee from $375 to $500. Staff explained the clerk’s office reviewed comparable municipal fees and concluded the city had been undercharging for the amount of staff time and records searches required; council members approved the increase by roll call.

Zoning and land-use matters: The council heard multiple zoning items on first and second reading. Members approved a second-reading land‑use amendment to change 1081 East 17th Street from low‑density residential to a transit‑oriented development (TOD) district and voted to move related rezoning and variance requests forward. Other items—variances to reduce parking, allow back‑out parking in rights‑of‑way in certain industrial/commercial sites, and waivers of minimum pervious-area and landscape requirements—were considered on first reading with second readings and public hearings scheduled for May 12, 2026 where required.

Procedural notes: Several applicants and their attorneys clarified parking arrangements (one attorney emphasized that required parking is being provided off‑site rather than via a covenant in lieu). The council generally approved motions to advance projects to the next reading or to final action where a second reading was already scheduled.

The council adjourned at approximately 7:05 p.m.