Miami Beach Sidewalk cafe' BASES

In the last month or so, the topic of sidewalk cafe' umbrellas, lighting, misting, planters and such, has been in every restaurant's owner's mind in Miami Beach.

What it is going to happen, once the sidewalk cafe' permits are up for renewal in October?

Are the bolt down bases going to be allowed? Do all the umbrellas need to go back to the large steel bases and concrete weighs?

We all know that a smaller base bolted into the ground will keep our patron safe while they enjoy our beautiful sunshine and the fabulous Mojitos that each restaurant offers. Bolting bases into the ground also allows for a cleaner space, avoiding to create an habitat for the smaller creatures. Smaller bolt down bases will avoid the collection of water that gathers in between the base and the concrete weights from both rain and the regular sidewalk cleaning. Bolt down bases also will allow for a longer lifespan of the umbrellas and less damage to the cars parked right by the sidewalks. Tipping over of the umbrella, is no longer a factor and something to worry about.

In the event that the umbrellas need to be removed, the operation of removing the bolt down base can be simply performed by one man with a 19 wrench or a power drill with the right socket and the bases will require very little space to store. The removal of the bases and blocks (between 600 and 900 lbs per umbrellas) will require more man power and a considerately more larger space for storing.  Lifting heavy weights, especially in a state of emergency as it would be an hurricane warning is never recommend.

So, why are theses bases not longer allowed? 

Well, simply because the Miami Beach Sidewalk Ordinance states that all furniture, including umbrellas, cannot be permanent.

On September 11th there will be a very important meeting. In the agenda, sidewalks guidelines will be a large topic of the meeting and many strong opinions and voices will be heard. Every restaurant owner with sidewalks cafe' in Miami Beach should participate and let their needs and concerns be heard by the people that can make a difference in your City. 

It is the scope of this meeting to make the Miami Beach Sidewalk Ordinance more transparent that it has been up to today. It may include more rules on umbrellas as far as size, colors and shapes. It will be more specific on everything pertaining items required or not on your sidewalk cafe. 

Save the date: September 11th - City Commission Chamber - 3rd floor