The most prominent case involved a property at 13119 4th Street East, where an unpermitted shed had been identified. Grace Mills, presenting evidence for the city, detailed her investigation into the property, owned by Kell Properties LLC, following a complaint from a resident. Mills confirmed the shed was present without the necessary permits and explained the procedural steps taken, including issuing multiple notices of violation to the property owner. Despite efforts to reach out, there was no response from the property owner, leading to a hearing to determine the next steps. Mills suggested a 45-day period for the owner to secure a permit, with a proposed $200 daily fine for non-compliance, highlighting potential health and safety concerns if someone occupied the shed.

During cross-examination, Cessie St. Louis, representing Kell Properties, argued that the shed was erected by a previous tenant without the company’s knowledge, and that the property had been vacant post-hurricanes. Photographs were presented showing the shed’s demolition, but city representative Mr. Trask maintained that compliance was still necessary. Ultimately, the magistrate ruled that the property owner had 45 days to obtain a necessary permit or face daily fines. If the shed was indeed removed, the owner was advised to coordinate with city officials for verification.

Another case concerned the property on South Bayshore Drive, owned by Blasia P. Tucker. This property faced multiple code violations related to structural maintenance, identified during a proactive inspection. Issues included deteriorating soffit and fascia, missing fence panels, and yard debris. Despite multiple notices, the property remained non-compliant, prompting the city to recommend a 60-day compliance period. The magistrate, acknowledging the owner’s representative’s request, granted a 75-day timeline with a $250 daily fine for continued non-compliance. The representative for the owner, who had been residing abroad, emphasized his unawareness of the violations and expressed a commitment to address them.

The meeting also covered a case involving a property on Boaa Avenue, where non-permitted docks were identified through water-based inspections. The property owner, Michael David Fortunado, had not responded to notifications, leading the city to propose a 30-day compliance period and a $150 daily fine for unresolved violations. The magistrate agreed with these recommendations.

A resident also voiced frustration over the lack of communication regarding code violations on a neighboring property. The individual, engaged in selling the property for a handicapped sister, detailed personal challenges and the unexpected discovery of violations impacting the sale. The magistrate acknowledged the situation and emphasized the need for timely resolution of code issues to facilitate property sales.