What makes building in Coral Gables different?
The city was incorporated on April 29, 1925, under the leadership of George Merrick, and had been fully mapped out by early 1921. That planned character is protected through design review. The city's Board of Architects reviews new residences, pools, roof tiles and all building expansions for compatibility of color, materials, windows and proportion.
How does Board of Architects review work?
As of October 2026, the city describes a typical path of a preliminary and a final board approval before a building permit is issued. The board applies the design standards in Section 5-100 of the Coral Gables Zoning Code. Appeals of the City Architect's decisions go to the board, and appeals of the board go to the City Commission.
Are ADUs allowed in Coral Gables?
We could not confirm from a primary city source, as of October 2026, which Coral Gables districts allow a second dwelling unit or under what limits. Before any design work, we ask the city's Development Services department what your lot's zoning allows and document the answer.
What else do Coral Gables projects need?
- Tree survey. The city requires a tree survey and tree protection plan when submitting to the Development Review Committee and the Board of Architects.
- Matching materials. Roof tile, stucco texture and window style are reviewed, so an addition should read as part of the house.
- Hurricane code. Like all of Miami-Dade, the city is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.
Attached suite or separate structure in Coral Gables?
It depends on what the zoning code allows on your lot and what the Board of Architects will accept. An addition that matches the house can be easier to approve than a new freestanding building. We get the zoning answer first, then design to it.
Related
As of October 2026. Sources: City of Coral Gables history page and Board of Architects page.
Check what your Coral Gables lot allows
Send your address. We confirm the zoning answer with the city before any design work.