0:00One of the primary discussions revolved around the case involving Enimal Perez and Maria Perez, who were charged with unauthorized land clearing activities on their property off MacArthur Boulevard on Hutchinson Island. The case was notable for the absenteeism of the respondents, who had signed a stipulation agreement prior to the hearing. Jerry Mitchell, a senior compliance officer, provided a detailed timeline of events beginning in July 2021, when initial complaints led to an inspection revealing unauthorized land clearing and fill material being deposited on the site. Despite applying for the necessary permits, the respondents continued to face compliance issues, resulting in further violations noted by the county’s public works department in July 2024. The council requested the enforcement of compliance within the stipulation agreement parameters, setting a deadline for obtaining the requisite permits by June 1, 2025, with a fine of $100 per day for non-compliance.

The council also discussed the case of Paul D. Hanley and Lynn F. Hanley, who were present to address violations related to an expired permit application for a paved driveway at their property in Palm City. Code compliance investigator Charles Ambretti testified to observing the completed driveway without the necessary permissions. Despite acknowledging the violations and ceasing further work, the Hanleys faced a proposed fine of $100 per day for non-compliance, with a deadline for resolution set for January 31, 2025. Ambretti also sought reimbursement of $575 for the county’s investigative costs, with the Hanleys admitting to the oversight and expressing confusion over the permitting process.

29:37With the aid of a translator, they requested additional time to comply due to unfamiliarity with the permitting process. The council agreed to extend their compliance deadline to February 28, 2025, illustrating a commitment to balancing enforcement with support for residents navigating the permitting system.

The council’s discussions consistently returned to the theme of effective communication between property owners and the county to prevent similar issues. In the case of Carlos Robos Barro and Maximina Bero Lopez, who were cited for constructing a carport and porch area without permits, the council granted an extension for compliance to February 28, 2025, reiterating the importance of adhering to permit regulations to avoid fines.

1:12:27In addition to these permit-related cases, the council considered property violations, such as the case of Marie Carmel Gallen, who was cited for overgrowth issues at her Palm City property. Despite a notice of violation issued in November 2024, compliance was not achieved, prompting the council to set a compliance deadline of January 31, 2025, with a potential fine of $100 per day and reimbursement costs of $575 for continued violations.

The council also addressed a longstanding issue concerning a property at Northeast Cherry Drive in Jensen Beach, where an outstanding fine of $532,000 had accrued due to non-compliance with a stipulation and agreed final order issued in 2009. The current owners, who were not responsible for the original violations, brought the property into compliance and offered a settlement of $2,798 to resolve the fines. The council recognized the current owners’ efforts and considered the request for a fine reduction.