Martin County Council Addresses Complex Code Violations in Marathon Meeting

The Martin County Council’s recent meeting was dominated by discussions on multiple code enforcement violations, with focus on cases involving unauthorized construction and property use. Fines, compliance deadlines, and the intricacies of navigating county regulations were central themes.

20:37The most notable case involved Nick J. Gazny and Cynthia L. Gazny, who faced scrutiny for constructing a pole barn without a valid permit on their Spring Haven Avenue lot. Initiated after a compliance investigator observed an expired permit application, the investigation highlighted the absence of a proper building permit for the structure. Despite instructions to rectify the situation by March 13, 2025, compliance was not achieved, resulting in an amended notice of hearing on May 7, 2025. The evidence presented included aerial photographs illustrating the structure’s development.

Nick J. Gazny acknowledged the barn’s existence, explaining its purpose as protection for his equipment. He expressed confusion about the permitting process, noting complications due to the unplatted status of his property and the absence of an assigned address. The magistrate, recognizing the Gaznys’ communication difficulties and lack of prior interaction with the county, granted them an extension until September 30, 2025, to seek legal counsel and comply with the necessary regulations.

12:54The conversation also touched upon the zoning classification of the property, which allows for residential or agricultural use. However, Gazny expressed frustration over perceived discrepancies between his situation and neighboring properties. The magistrate advised legal consultation to navigate these complexities.

32:22Jonathan Eaton’s case was another focal point of the meeting. Represented by Benjamin Drew Jimenez, Eaton faced violations for storing equipment and materials without permits on his property on Southwest Squire John’s Lane. The violations were documented with photographs showing heavy equipment and dirt piles. Despite receiving a building permit number, the permit had not been collected, leading to a compliance deadline of June 30, 2025. The council imposed a daily fine of $100 for continued non-compliance, with additional costs of $575.

42:49Noel Torres, though absent, had signed a stipulation agreement for a carport structure built without a permit on Southwest Buckskin Trail. The agreement allowed Torres until September 1, 2025, to obtain the necessary permit or remove the structure, with a similar penalty structure in place.

47:30Additional cases included SGK Land LLC, which faced violations for installing a fence without a permit on Southeast Bridge Road. Despite efforts to communicate with the property owner’s representative, compliance was not achieved, resulting in a compliance order by June 30, 2025. The Cleo Moore estate and the Tara Geral Revocable Trust also faced scrutiny for various violations, with the council ordering compliance by respective deadlines.

01:08:02Furthermore, the meeting addressed fine reductions for McDonald’s Corporation and the Schwarz family. McDonald’s Corporation had accrued significant fines for an air conditioning installation without a permit, which was deemed an accidental oversight. The magistrate reduced the fine, acknowledging the compliance achieved. Similarly, the Schwarz family received a fine reduction after bringing their property into compliance, with a stipulation to pay the reduced amount within 30 days to avoid reinstatement of the original fine.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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