Court finds Pensacola property in violation for unpermitted construction

A significant code enforcement case took center stage during the City of Pensacola meeting on February 25, 2025, as officials addressed a property located at 710 North Seventh Avenue. The property has been found in violation of municipal codes due to the failure to obtain necessary building permits prior to construction.

The timeline of events revealed that a permit application was submitted on July 11, 2023, but the required plan review comments were never addressed, leading to the expiration of the application on January 13, 2024. A notice of hearing was subsequently mailed and posted at City Hall and the property on February 6, 2025, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

City officials requested the court to find the property in violation of section 12-11-5 of the Pensacola Municipal Code, which mandates obtaining permits before construction begins. They proposed a fine of $200, as allowed by Florida statute, to be paid within 30 days. If corrective actions are not completed by March 10, 2025, a daily fine of $25 will commence on March 11, 2025.

The discussion highlighted a lack of communication between the building department and the property owner, as no records indicated any follow-up from the applicant regarding the unresolved comments. This case underscores the importance of adhering to local building regulations and the potential consequences of neglecting permit requirements. The outcome of this enforcement action will be closely monitored as the city aims to uphold its building standards.