David Villano | Coconut Grove Spotlight

In an effort to attract more affordable housing projects, the Miami City Commission on Thursday will vote on new rules allowing taller buildings, less parking and far more units than currently allowed.

A Thursday commission vote authorizing a new land-use designation will kick off a far-reaching program to bring the city’s zoning code more in line with county rules that encourage taller, denser buildings up to one mile from fixed-rail stations such as Metrorail.

Despite laws that allow construction noise waivers only in emergencies and to avoid risks to life and property, records reveal that for years city officials have been rubberstamping applications, even for routine job-site operations.