North Miami City Council upholds fines for ongoing property violations

The Special Magistrate Hearing held on July 2, 2025, in North Miami addressed several code enforcement cases, focusing on property violations and the associated penalties for non-compliance. The meeting began with a review of ongoing violations, emphasizing the importance of adherence to city regulations.

The first case discussed involved a property with an open violation since November 25, 2024. The code enforcement officer confirmed that no permit was filed for the work done, and a notice to appear was issued on May 31, 2025. The magistrate ruled that the violation existed and that proper notice had been given. The property owners failed to appear, leading to an adjudication in favor of the city. They were given 30 days to resolve the violation, with a daily fine of $350 to be imposed if the issue remained unresolved by the abatement date.

Next, the case of Joanne J. Parker was reviewed. This case had been found guilty by Magistrate Smith, with a fine set at $350 and an additional cost assessment of $100. The inspector reported ongoing communication with the property owner, who seemed unaware of the severity of the violation. Despite being informed about the need for a permit for work done on the property, no permit had been filed as of the meeting date. The magistrate confirmed that the violation still existed and ratified the daily fine of $350 retroactively to March 14, 2025.

The final case addressed was Prestige Biscayne LLC, which had been found guilty of a violation related to window screens. The inspector reported that the violation had been pending since December 2023, with no rectification observed during inspections. The magistrate noted the lack of compliance and the need for immediate action to resolve the ongoing issues.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the city's commitment to enforcing code compliance and the consequences for property owners who fail to adhere to regulations. The magistrate's rulings emphasized the importance of obtaining necessary permits and addressing violations promptly to avoid escalating fines.