Joshua Marshall faces fines for noncompliance with Bay County housing order

The Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing on April 16, 2025, focused on property compliance issues, particularly concerning residents affected by recent tornadoes. The meeting highlighted the case of Joshua Marshall, who faced fines for failing to comply with a previous order to clean up his property after a tornado destroyed his home in February 2022.

Marshall explained that he had been living out of town for work and was unaware of the need to apply for a permit to place a camper on his property as temporary housing. He believed he was eligible for this arrangement due to the tornado's impact, citing information from the county's website. However, the magistrate pointed out that Marshall had not followed the order's terms, which required compliance within five days of the order's effective date.

The magistrate expressed concern over Marshall's lack of communication with code enforcement and his history of noncompliance. As a result, the magistrate imposed an initial fine of $400, with a daily fine of $75 for ongoing noncompliance. The county also received authorization to enter the property and clean it up if necessary.

In a separate case, Angela Kayron Self addressed the magistrate regarding her property at 6812 Roadrunner Street. She had previously missed a hearing but was present to discuss her compliance status. The property had been inspected and found to be in compliance, leading to a potential reduction of fines.

The hearing underscored the importance of timely communication and compliance with local regulations, especially for residents recovering from natural disasters. The magistrate emphasized the responsibility property owners have to stay informed about their obligations and the consequences of failing to meet them.