North Miami Special Magistrate Imposes Fines on Property Owners for Persistent Code Violations

The North Miami Special Magistrate meeting addressed several property code violations, resulting in the imposition of fines and extended deadlines for compliance. Among one notable issues were violations related to safety hazards, permit delays, and deteriorating property conditions, prompting the magistrate to take decisive action to ensure adherence to city regulations.

37:48One of the most newsworthy cases involved the Fakos Condo Association, where the magistrate found the association guilty of failing to secure a pool area, which posed a significant safety risk. The case, presented by officer Jana Sanders, revealed that the pool had remained in violation, with no repairs or replacements made. Concerns were raised about the pool’s accessibility, especially with the impending hurricane season, which could exacerbate the risks posed by loose bricks around the area. In response to the ongoing hazard, the magistrate enforced a daily fine retroactive to May 16, 2025, and granted a 60-day period for compliance, stressing the importance of securing the area to prevent access and ensure public safety.

21:22Another case was that of the Aqua Strata Condo Association, which faced three separate violations. The magistrate addressed these cases individually, with the most notable being case number three, where compliance had not been met for mildew removal and touch-up painting. Shana Sanders, the Neighborhood Services Department inspector, highlighted the communication lapses that had delayed the association’s awareness of the violations. Despite objections from another inspector, the magistrate granted a 30-day extension for compliance.

In case number four involving the Aqua Strata Condo Association, the magistrate once again extended the timeline by 30 days due to ongoing delays related to a pending business tax receipt and a necessary fire department inspection. The inspector noted that the association had been out of compliance even before the case opened.

56:42The meeting also focused on the case of Ferrer LLC, which was fined for cutting down trees without obtaining the necessary permit. The officer recounted the timeline, noting that despite being advised about the permit process, the property owners had not complied. The magistrate imposed a daily fine of $200, retroactive to June 16, 2025.

01:14:10Further scrutiny was given to the case involving Green Witch Association, Inc., which faced violations for failing to install window screens. The property had been inspected since January 2023, with notices issued, yet no corrective action was taken. The magistrate ruled decisively, mandating compliance within 30 days and setting a daily fine of $250 for any delays.

54:35The meeting also addressed concerns about a deteriorating parking lot requiring resurfacing and striping. The magistrate ruled in favor of the city.

00:00The magistrate underscored the necessity for property owners to engage with the enforcement process to avoid escalating fines, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring adherence to local codes.

The proceedings also touched on procedural aspects, such as ensuring proper notice was given to property owners. The magistrate stressed the importance of due process, stating the need to confirm that residents and owners had been adequately notified. This was particularly relevant in cases where property owners failed to appear, as it underscored the challenges inspectors faced in enforcing compliance.

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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