Bay County enforces fines on property violations and cleanup delays

On April 16, 2025, the Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing addressed significant property violations, emphasizing the county's commitment to maintaining community standards. The meeting focused on two primary cases involving properties that had failed to comply with previous orders regarding junk and derelict vehicles.

In the first case, the property owner was found to have not rectified violations related to a burnt mobile home, multiple derelict vehicles, and accumulated trash. Inspector Thorpe reported that despite being given 30 days to comply with the order issued on March 12, the property remained in violation as of the April 14 inspection. Consequently, a fine of $1,000 was imposed, with the costs of enforcement set to be placed as a lien against the property.

The second case involved a property where the owners, an elderly couple, requested additional time to address violations due to health issues. Despite their appeal, the property continued to show multiple violations, including derelict vehicles and trash. The magistrate ruled that the couple had also failed to comply with the original order, resulting in a $500 fine. Similar to the first case, the costs associated with enforcement will be recorded as a lien against their property.

These hearings highlight the ongoing challenges Bay County faces in managing property standards and the enforcement of local codes. The decisions made during this meeting reflect the county's efforts to ensure compliance and maintain the quality of life for its residents. As the county moves forward, it remains to be seen how these enforcement actions will impact property owners and the broader community.