Martin County Council Tackles Persistent Property Code Violations and Compliance Issues
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Meeting Type:
County Council
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Meeting Date:
09/18/2024
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Recording Published:
09/18/2024
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Duration:
126 Minutes
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Towns:
Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, North River Shores, Ocean Breeze, Palm City, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewalls Point, Stuart
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County:
Martin County
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State:
Florida
- Meeting Overview:
The Martin County Council convened on September 18, 2024, to address numerous property code violations, focusing on cases involving non-compliance with local regulations. Key discussions included ongoing violations at various properties, the issuance of fines, and the necessity for prompt corrective actions by property owners.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the case involving Morningside Commons LLC, specifically concerning the property on Northwest Federal Highway in Stuart, Florida. Code compliance investigator Maria Espia presented extensive evidence from multiple inspections, revealing a range of violations including structural damage, high grass, and trash accumulation. Espia noted that despite a series of notices and interactions with the property management, compliance was not achieved. Photographic evidence labeled as County’s exhibits 2 through 6 and further exhibits 28 through 45 illustrated the ongoing issues.
Attorney Lewis Render, representing the respondents, contested the county’s claims by presenting recent photos showing purported compliance and arguing that the overgrown grass on adjacent county property contributed to the perception of violations. However, Espia maintained that the violations on the respondent’s property were inconsistent with the county code, leading to a debate over the property’s condition.
Another pressing case involved Daniel Ramirez’s property on Southwest Parkway Drive. Code compliance investigator Ben Norman detailed numerous violations, including trash, high grass, and unpermitted structural work. Despite initial clean-up efforts, the unpermitted porch and steps remained unresolved. Notices issued and subsequent inspections failed to achieve compliance, resulting in a proposed daily fine of $100 until the violations were corrected by the October 31, 2024, deadline.
The council also addressed a complex situation involving David and Adelia Benz, where a fence was constructed without a permit on their property on Southeast Horizon Avenue. Following inspections and notices, the Benzes faced fines for non-compliance, with the council setting a new compliance date and discussing the potential for daily fines if the issues persisted beyond the set deadline.
In another noteworthy discussion, the council examined a case involving the Harold Gregory Bach revocable trust. The property on Southeast Island Way was cited for repeat violations due to overgrown grass. Despite achieving compliance before the hearing, the council imposed a fine of $3,000 for the 13 days of non-compliance, emphasizing the severity of repeat violations and the need for adherence to county codes.
The meeting also covered multiple other cases, including that of Dale P. Coin and Gail A. Coin, with an expired permit for a pool and deck on Southeast Island Point Lane. Despite efforts by the contractor, the property remained in violation, prompting Espia to request an October 31, 2024, compliance deadline with a daily fine of $100 for continued non-compliance, along with a reimbursement of $575 for investigative costs.
In another case, Ken Bender faced issues with an unpermitted shed on Northeast Highland Avenue. Despite ongoing communications, the council extended the compliance deadline to January 31, 2025, with a stipulation agreement to avoid further violations.
Additionally, the council reviewed the situation on Northeast 15th Terrace, owned by David and Carly Knott. High grass, trash, and unpermitted structures led to multiple violations. The Knotts entered into a stipulation agreement, committing to compliance by December 31, 2024, and paying administrative costs to the county.
The meeting also included discussions about Alfredo and Celia Soto Torres’s property on Southeast 47th Avenue. The property had undergone various unpermitted constructions, leading to a compliance deadline of November 29, 2024, with daily fines for continued violations.
Don Donaldson
County Council Officials:
Doug Smith, Stacey Hetherington, Harold Jenkins, Sarah Heard, Edward V. Ciampi, Don Donaldson (County Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
County Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
09/18/2024
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Recording Published:
09/18/2024
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Duration:
126 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Martin County
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Towns:
Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, North River Shores, Ocean Breeze, Palm City, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewalls Point, Stuart
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