Bay County magistrate enforces fines for blighted property on Long Road

The Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing held on April 16, 2025, addressed several compliance issues regarding property maintenance and violations of local codes. The meeting began with a discussion about a property located at 3417 Long Road, which had previously been cited for noncompliance due to blighted conditions, including trash, junk, overgrowth, and derelict vehicles.

The case was initially reviewed by a special magistrate on May 15, 2024, where the property owner was given 60 days to apply for necessary permits to rectify the violations. Failure to comply would result in an initial fine of $100, followed by a daily fine of $25 until the property met compliance standards. Evidence, including photographs of the property, was presented to illustrate the conditions at the time of the initial hearing.

During the April 16 meeting, it was noted that the property had been cleaned by a county-contracted company on October 11, 2024, and was subsequently found to be in compliance regarding the trash and vehicles. However, discussions revealed ongoing concerns about the property’s overall condition and the owner's compliance with previous orders.

The magistrate emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives issued and expressed frustration over the lack of progress in some areas. The hearing concluded with a reminder of the responsibilities property owners have in maintaining their properties to avoid further penalties.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts by Bay County officials to enforce property maintenance codes and ensure community standards are upheld. Further actions and follow-ups regarding compliance will be monitored in future hearings.