Homeowner Dennis Petroff addresses citation for construction permit delays in Highland Beach

The Special Magistrate Hearing held on April 8, 2025, in Highland Beach, Florida, addressed a significant case involving a local homeowner, Dennis Petroff, who faced a citation for construction activities conducted without the proper permits. Petroff, a new resident of the condominium at 343420 South Ocean Boulevard, explained that he had hired a licensed contractor, Groenthal Construction, to manage his renovation project. He emphasized that he did not intend to violate any local building codes and had filed the necessary permit application shortly after the citation was issued.

During the hearing, Petroff detailed the challenges he encountered, including the requirement for electronic submission of drawings with a certified digital signature, which led to delays in obtaining the permit. He noted that the original citation was issued during the holiday season, a particularly stressful time for his family as they were preparing for the birth of their daughter. Ultimately, the permit was approved on February 7, 2025, after overcoming these hurdles.

The magistrate acknowledged Petroff's compliance and clarified that the city was not seeking a fine but rather a court cost of $250 due to the violation. The magistrate also warned Petroff that future violations could result in more severe penalties. The case highlighted the importance of adhering to local permitting processes and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

In a separate case, another homeowner, Michelle Orest, was cited for conducting an interior remodel without permits, with her permit application submitted on the same date as Petroff's approval. The hearing underscored the ongoing challenges residents face in navigating local building regulations and the importance of timely compliance to avoid penalties.