Martin County Council Tackles Code Violations, Sets New Compliance Deadlines Amid Ongoing Issues
- Meeting Overview:
The Martin County Council’s recent meeting focused heavily on code enforcement cases, setting new compliance deadlines for properties with various violations. The council addressed issues ranging from expired building permits to nuisance violations like high grass and trash accumulation. Adjustmentsttention was given to the enforcement of local codes and the responsibilities of property owners to maintain compliance.
Among the most pressing cases was the matter involving a confidential property owner on Southwest Cherokee Street in Palm City. The issue revolved around an expired permit for a converted garage, which had been turned into a living space. Despite multiple notices and extended deadlines, the property remained non-compliant. The owner eventually entered into a stipulated agreement on June 17, 2025, with the magistrate accepting the terms, which included obtaining an active permit by October 1, 2025, or facing a daily fine for non-compliance.
Another topic was the Yakavone Family Trust case concerning a property on Southwest Woodbine Way. The investigation revealed an expired permit for an addition, and restricted access due to the property being gated complicated the process. A compliance deadline was set for July 31, 2025, with a potential $100 daily fine for non-compliance. The magistrate also ordered reimbursement of investigation costs, highlighting the financial implications for property owners who fail to meet county codes.
A noteworthy case involved the Michelle D. Arthur’s revocable trust, where complaints about individuals living in a shed and scattered debris led to a detailed inspection. The property on Southeast Athena Street had multiple violations, including an expired fence permit. Despite numerous notices and attempts to communicate with the trustee, Ronald Drao, compliance was not achieved by the June 17, 2025, deadline. The council ordered compliance by the end of July 2025, with fines and investigation costs imposed for any further delay.
Officer Maria Espa’s case against Michael G. Leonard’s property on Southeast Indigo Avenue also drew attention. Violations included high grass and trash, with deadlines for rectifying these issues repeatedly ignored. The magistrate’s ruling set a final compliance date of July 31, 2025, with similar penalties for non-compliance as seen in other cases.
Another case of interest involved William Hoffman, whose absence from the hearing did not prevent the council from addressing the expired permit issue related to a water heater change-out. The notice of violation was issued after an inspection revealed the lapse, and the magistrate ordered compliance with a July 31, 2025, deadline, allowing for fines and reimbursement costs in case of continued non-compliance.
By establishing clear deadlines and financial penalties, the council aimed to ensure that property owners adhere to local regulations. The emphasis on compliance highlighted the challenges faced by property owners in maintaining their properties according to county standards and the potential financial consequences of failing to do so.
Don Donaldson
County Council Officials:
Eileen Vargas, Stacey Hetherington, J. Blake Capps, Sarah Heard, Edward V. Ciampi
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Meeting Type:
County Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/18/2025
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Recording Published:
06/18/2025
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Duration:
53 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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