Port Saint Lucie homeowners face fines after failing to comply with building code violations

On January 29, 2025, the City of Port St. Lucie held a Special Magistrate Hearing addressing ongoing compliance issues related to property modifications and violations of city ordinances. The meeting highlighted the complexities of navigating local regulations, particularly between homeowners and their homeowners' associations (HOAs).

A significant case discussed involved a homeowner who constructed a pool screen enclosure without prior approval from the HOA or the city’s architectural review committee. The HOA objected to the enclosure, asserting that it violated their guidelines. The city, however, indicated that compliance could potentially be achieved by adjusting the enclosure's position by 2.5 feet. This discrepancy between the city’s compliance goals and the HOA’s stricter regulations created a challenging situation for the homeowner, who sought a 30-day extension to resolve the issue.

The city’s building department emphasized that no permits could be issued until the matter was reviewed and approved by planning and zoning. The homeowner's representative expressed frustration, noting that the HOA's refusal to permit any enclosure left the homeowner with limited options for compliance. The city magistrate acknowledged the homeowner's ongoing difficulties but also pointed out that the responsibility for the situation ultimately lay with the homeowner for not securing the necessary approvals initially.

In another case, the magistrate addressed violations related to a property at 1034 Southwest McCall Road, where the owners had failed to obtain permits for a covered porch and utility shed. Despite entering a stipulation agreement to rectify the violations by November 2024, the owners had not complied, leading to a request for daily fines to be imposed until the issues were resolved.

The discussions during the hearing underscored the importance of understanding and adhering to local regulations, as well as the potential consequences of non-compliance. The magistrate's decisions will likely have lasting implications for the homeowners involved, as they navigate the complexities of city ordinances and HOA rules. The hearing concluded with the magistrate granting the requested 30-day extension for the pool enclosure case, while also emphasizing the need for timely compliance to avoid further penalties.