Under Resolution 2025-342, Coral Gables gives a 20% reduction in city permit fees to living seawall projects that use pH-neutral cement and/or modular retrofit panels, and a separate fee waiver to existing homes making seawall improvements for sea level rise (City of Coral Gables). The wall must still meet the city's 6 ft NGVD 1929 minimum.
What qualifies
Projects with living seawalls using pH-neutral cement and/or allowing modular retrofit panels qualify for the 20% reduction in city permit fees.[1]
How it fits the height rule
Coral Gables bulkheads and walls must reach at least 6 ft NGVD 1929 and be able to support 7.5 ft.[2] A living seawall is still a seawall, so it is designed to the same height and load.
Stacking with the sea level rise waiver
A separate fee waiver applies to existing residential properties making seawall improvements to address sea level rise.[1] We confirm which applies to your permit when we file.
Riprap and mangroves
Another option is rock riprap in front of the wall, which can host mangroves. Under SPGP VI, new riprap may extend up to 10 ft waterward of mean high water.[3]
See living shorelines, seawall raising in Coral Gables and seawalls in Coral Gables.
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Sources
- Solar, Open Air Dining, and Other Permits, City of Coral Gables. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- CAO 2022-007: Legal Opinion Regarding Scrivener's Error in Zoning Code 3-706 Bulkheads and Retaining Walls (17 Aug 2022), City of Coral Gables, City Attorney. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Department of the Army State Programmatic General Permit VI (SPGP VI), SAJ-2015-2575, State of Florida, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (document hosted by Florida DEP). Accessed October 27, 2026.
