§ 2-874. Recovery of costs for professional or consulting services required.

(a)

The planning and zoning official in the review or evaluation of any application for a comprehensive plan amendment or land development permit may consult with professionals in the fields of engineering, planning, urban design, architecture, or any other professionals or consultants in a land use or zoning related field, as the planning and zoning official shall deem reasonably necessary to enable him or her to adequately and thoroughly review, evaluate and make a recommendation on the application as required by law. The planning and zoning official shall notify the applicant whenever the planning and zoning official determines, at any time during the application process, that it is necessary to retain the services of additional professionals or consultants as provided in this section 2-874. The planning and zoning official shall have discretion to select the professionals or consultants hired. The applicant shall be responsible to pay for the fees and costs incurred by the city for the professional or consulting services required. The consultant or professional shall be compensated in accordance with the reasonable and customary charges for such services in Miami-Dade County. These fees are in addition to any and all other fees required by the city as established by law, rule, or administrative order.

(b)

The city shall obtain an estimate of fees and costs for services to be rendered by the professionals or consultants the planning and zoning official deems reasonably necessary to enable him or her to adequately and thoroughly review, evaluate and make a recommendation on the application as required by law. Prior to engaging the services of the professional or consultant, the applicant must pay 75 percent of the estimated fees and costs for services to be rendered to the city. The city shall deposit these funds in a restricted account from which payment shall be made to the professionals or consultants hired. The applicant shall be provided with copies of all invoices for such services as they are submitted by the professional or consultant and paid for by the city. When the balance in the account is reduced to 50 percent of estimated fees and costs for services to be rendered, the applicant shall deposit additional funds with the city to increase the account balance up to the amount of the initial deposit. If such account is not replenished within 15 days after the applicant is notified in writing of the requirement of such additional deposit, the city may suspend its review of the application. An application shall be deemed incomplete if any amount required pursuant to this section 2-874 shall be unpaid. A building permit or certificate of occupancy shall not be issued unless all professional or consultant fees and costs required by this section 2-874 have been paid to the city. Once all fees and costs have been paid, the city shall refund to the applicant any funds remaining on deposit.

(c)

All fees required pursuant to this section shall be collected by the planning and zoning official.

(Ord. No. 2015-65, § 1, 11-10-2015)