Coral Gables has multiple designated historic districts, each with its own design character and review expectations. What BAR will approve in MacFarlane is different from what they'll approve in Country Club Estates. Here's a working map for roofing projects.
MacFarlane Historic District
Centered around MacFarlane Road, this district is dominated by 1920s and 30s Mediterranean Revival cottages with barrel-tile roofs. BAR is strict on profile and color matching. Tile-look metal is sometimes acceptable on non-contributing structures. Standing seam is generally not approved on contributing homes.
Country Club Estates
The 1925 Merrick-era subdivision around the Biltmore. Larger lots, larger homes, a mix of contributing Mediterranean Revival and post-WWII infill. BAR review can accommodate contemporary roofing on infill homes, but anything visible from Granada or Anastasia Boulevard gets close scrutiny.
Coral Way
The signature canopy of live oaks. Streetscape preservation is the dominant concern — any roof change visible from Coral Way will be reviewed for color and profile coherence with the corridor. Even minor color shifts can draw staff comments.
Granada Court / Riviera
Smaller cottages mixed with mid-century moderns. BAR review is moderate — less strict than MacFarlane, but still expects warm earth tones and either tile or tile-look metal profiles.
Cocoplum / Gables Estates / Gables by the Sea
Newer waterfront communities with their own HOA architectural review on top of any city BAR involvement. HOAs typically have more flexibility on profile and color than BAR districts, but salt-zone material requirements (aluminum substrate, stainless fasteners, Kynar 500 coatings) become non-negotiable.
Outside designated districts
Many Coral Gables addresses fall outside BAR districts but still require standard permit review with the city building department. Architectural choices are largely up to the homeowner, but HVHZ wind code, fastener spec, and NOA compliance still apply to every roof in the city.
How to find out which district you're in
The city's historic preservation map is public and we'll look it up for any property as part of estimating. Call 786-589-8469 with your address and we'll tell you in five minutes what review your roof project will require.