North Miami Tackles Code Violations, Urges Compliance
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
03/06/2024
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Recording Published:
01/16/2024
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Duration:
195 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Miami-Dade County
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Towns:
North Miami
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent North Miami City Council meeting, code compliance took center stage as multiple property owners faced potential fines and enforcement actions for various violations. The council directed its attention primarily to cases involving significant breaches of city ordinances, including unpermitted construction and misuse of residential properties for business purposes.
A key case involved a property on Northeast 143rd Street, owned by Adri Veno, which was cited for unauthorized remodeling work. The council learned that despite receiving violation notices and extensions, the property owner failed to secure the necessary permits. In response to the owner’s claim of unawareness and subsequent hiring of a company to aid in compliance, the council set a firm compliance date of May 22, 2024. The owner was warned of accruing daily fines if the violations, including unpermitted concrete work and new flooring around the pool area, were not rectified. The council also raised concerns regarding the 6040 rule, which pertains to the ratio of impermeable surfaces on a property.
The discussion then transitioned to a property owner cited for pool tile violations, who also received a May 22nd deadline to address the issue, with the council instituting a $250 daily fine for continued non-compliance. The property owner’s cooperation with the city was acknowledged, and the council reiterated that fines were intended to motivate compliance, not to generate revenue.
Another matter addressed was the Jacob Pasnik Irrevocable Trust property. The trust faced scrutiny for a business operation conducted from a residential location without proper zoning. Testimonies from the property manager, a tenant, and a neighboring witness contributed to the council’s understanding of the property’s history and previous citations. The council grappled with identifying the responsible party, the property owner, or the tenant, and highlighted potential life safety issues stemming from the unpermitted business activities. The conversation underscored the need for clarity on violations and appropriate enforcement actions.
Additional cases discussed included Empire Legacy Management, whose legal status and potential use of a fictitious name without proper registration came under question, casting doubt on the efficacy of issuing an order against them. The meeting also touched on a recurring issue of RVs being used as residences within the city, and the council expressed frustration over the resultant zoning violations and the rise in associated fines due to non-compliance.
Public safety concerns were voiced over boating activities conflicting with kayaks and surfboards, particularly in light of thunderstorms and the potential for accidents. The council took a stance on the matter, imposing fines on the property owner and tenant involved for regulatory breaches. The legality of a commercial entity operating amidst high boat traffic was also debated, with the council emphasizing swift action to uphold residents’ rights and ensure public safety.
In a case involving Miss Hernandez, the council disregarded the testimony of a representative due to their inability to testify legally and upheld the city’s ruling against construction of a non-permitted pool. Similarly, Mr. and Mrs. Rios faced accusations of exceeding the work allowed by the 60/40 rule for their driveway’s construction.
Concerns about property drainage were also addressed, with the council advising the property owners to collaborate with the planning and zoning department for a resolution. A compliance date of May 22nd was established, emphasizing the necessity of adherence to the city code.
During a break in the proceedings, the council prepared to address cases related to NNW 1051 Inc. The ELOEN Missionary Baptist Church case involved the lack of business tax receipt and certificate of use, with the council opting to table the discussion until the next meeting, acknowledging the property owner’s efforts to comply with the application process. In the case of Mia Properties Inc, representation confusion arose during the citation process, leading to a request for further clarification from the code officer.
Alix Desulme
City Council Officials:
Scott Galvin, Kassandra Timothe, Mary Estimé-Irvin, Pierre Frantz Charles
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
03/06/2024
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Recording Published:
01/16/2024
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Duration:
195 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Miami-Dade County
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Towns:
North Miami
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