Doral company seeks land use amendment for heavy equipment expansion

The Miami-Dade County Planning Advisory Board convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding the establishment of a special equipment and supportive service area at Miami International Airport (MIA). The proposal involves a request to amend the future land use map and the capital improvement element to facilitate roadway improvements necessary for the development.

The applicant, currently operating in an urban industrial area near Doral, seeks to expand their operations from their existing 51 acres to a proposed 246.07 acres. This area, primarily located outside the urban development boundary, has raised concerns among local stakeholders. The Planning Advisory Board noted that the community council had previously recommended denying the application, citing a lack of justification for the extensive land area requested.

During the meeting, staff provided insights into the heavy equipment supply industry, comparing the applicant's current site with competitor sites across Florida. The average size of a typical Kelly Tractor site is about 17.5 acres, while competitors average around 8 acres. This comparison highlights the significant scale of the proposed expansion, which the applicant has yet to adequately justify.

The board's recommendation to transmit the application for further consideration reflects ongoing discussions about land use and development in the region. The outcome of this proposal could have implications for future industrial growth and infrastructure development in Miami-Dade County. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the application and community feedback as the planning process continues.