[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5980537,"mediaKeyId","5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9","parentId",5766493,"title","Magistrate orders unregistered Delray Beach sober home to stop operations or obtain approvals within 72 hours","audioSeconds",699,"startMs",3045000,"endMs",3744000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9&start=3045&end=3744","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9/thumbnail_3045000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5980537/Delray-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Magistrate-orders-unregistered-Delray-Beach-sober-home-to-stop-operations-or-obtain-approvals-within-72-hours","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980537-7ad381dbf78d4eb933729bbfe1fc9f77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181972&Signature=Jq19NMIqU06lqptHvwKf0AriVejMxTSveT1wL1XqhXbxw0agPcx5LUgylZVFG4EtP2C95vPxjq9dKdy0P40AEFQHAAGSTzu0PXDBB4jzlsCGRlOtU~~Y3BQjW0Cxyzx4hgZD-apGkNi8vy9nGSRO9Ce-Jk~BliajtihR8W6hpA917BXLayLv~ftaHY0NPFe-N4Bz4ElCAP-L6YCtJxdOYyRVkpp0PZnSlcWenMLrHzJsu56tFjnUdvBqUI6kiItn7df6pydMLy8LTdtMUNgOb0opIVhkHNDUA6BoGxGpWh0Thw6xUOM~G3y~Pvc5ouAZYH9SWEmZ05YvgslN1jEcaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Delray Beach, FL","date","2025-09-17T13:19:36Z","article","A special magistrate for the City of Delray Beach ordered owners Dorit and Harry Ann Wittenstein to cease operating or advertising a sober living home at 14947 Watley Road as a recovery residence within 72 hours, or obtain required certifications and city approvals, or face fines up to $5,500 per day.

Code Enforcement Officer Mark Woods testified staff identified online advertisements for a \"men's sober home\" at the address and that Development Services records show no application for a community residence at that location. Assistant Development Services Director Amy Alvarez testified staff received online postings and had no record of FAR certification for the property; Development Services had flagged the advertisement and added it to the file. The city introduced the advertisement as an exhibit and the magistrate admitted it into evidence without objection.

Owner Dorit Wittenstein and her daughter Michelle told the magistrate they were not familiar with all requirements and that the home currently housed three residents, two in their 70s and one who requires dialysis; the owners said they provide transportation to appointments and that the residents pay to live there. The magistrate explained the city's regulatory framework: FAR certification is required for recovery residences and additional city zoning, separation, and licensing requirements apply; the city's definition of family allows up to three unrelated adults in a single‑family home, and more occupants or a recovery‑focused operation triggers additional permitting.

After hearing testimony and noting the lack of FAR certification and city registration, the magistrate directed the owners to cease operations as a recovery residence or come into compliance within 72 hours. The magistrate said staff would be available to advise on the application process and that if operations continued without required approvals a daily fine of up to $5,500 could be imposed. The magistrate entered findings on the record that notice was sufficient and that the property violated the city code as presented.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Code Enforcement - Special Magistrate Meeting 09-17-25 2:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The special magistrate found the property at 14947 Watley Road was advertising as a sober living facility without FAR certification or city registration and ordered the owner to cease operations or obtain approvals within 72 hours or face fines up to $5,500 per day.","taxTitle","Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",5598,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5980542,"Delray Beach orders recovery residence to stop operations or obtain certification within 72 hours",1210,1716000,2926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9&start=1716&end=2926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/5980542/Delray-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Delray-Beach-orders-recovery-residence-to-stop-operations-or-obtain-certification-within-72-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980542-80c24b800ce0536cc2cea8a1041fb213/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181972&Signature=X6gDbV5y1hLaou9uLJ06cqBSI7ZClwVLLUeAbDZ1qPXidsT2R83TzCTTNCqfCjVhDUDEpyAPRCkG0tAxMwMrEjdd3LhPrm0CZ6qsIXZPG3hWVJD3tyIGa6Ya2eswuO~3v4m0mzVo4RVa4o-WhB-5P2qqLCtG2CqneoRuzLPTlPfKVK84pNHbP48Ib5pwpiTgG3KXvh4emjsddZvbTIms5m3DO6~h~ft3OSuwjaO7eQOQsE94zCD5Ph3CoaWkT8sl4ak99T4pazPSEH0Z5pfP8Y2SraigT1egCKXoL3dh7-b9hRCMUWMjeE96rNfCYuHZVuLsQzQFrmO7Ns76gIP7Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Delray Beach special magistrate ordered the owner of 347 Northwest Sixth Avenue to bring the property into compliance with certification and zoning requirements for recovery residences within 72 hours or cease operations, or face fines of up to $500 per day, after the Florida Association of Recovery Residences revoked the property's certification.

Code Enforcement Officer Mark Woods testified that the property failed an assessment by the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FAR) and FAR issued a revocation effective Sept. 11, 2025. Assistant Development Services Director Amy Alvarez testified that FAR had notified the city and that the revocation cited background‑screening and life‑safety concerns and documented the property was in a state of disrepair based on a field assessment. Woods said the development services department requires FAR certification as part of approval to operate a community residence and that additional city approvals—zoning and business licensing—are also required.

The city recommended the owner cease operations immediately or obtain the necessary certifications. Owner Lido (spelled variously in the record) Schlessinger said he was not aware the certification was revoked and asked for more time to address the issue; he said eviction or relocation of existing residents can take weeks under normal eviction procedures. Nick Connor, who identified himself as owner of Safe Health Sober Living and a manager of several properties including 347 Northwest Sixth Avenue, said he was attempting to transfer the business and that background‑check issues were the reason for the FAR action.

The magistrate described competing concerns: the city’s responsibility to enforce certification and protect public health and safety versus the practical difficulty of relocating residents, some of whom the owner said were elderly or medically vulnerable. After discussion the magistrate gave the respondent 72 hours to bring the property into compliance or cease operations; the magistrate found a violation of Delray Beach code 2.40.11 e 10 a for operating a facility without proper certification and stated a fine of up to $500 per day may be imposed for continued noncompliance.

The magistrate instructed city staff to assist as appropriate and placed the compliance timeline on the record.","A special magistrate found 347 Northwest Sixth Avenue was operating as a recovery residence without required FAR certification and ordered the owner to bring the property into compliance or cease operations within 72 hours or face fines up to $500 per day.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5980547,"Magistrate fines Delray Beach homeowner $3,500 after illicit pool discharge into street and storm system",670,835000,1505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9&start=835&end=1505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9/thumbnail_835000.jpg","/articles/5980547/Delray-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Magistrate-fines-Delray-Beach-homeowner-3500-after-illicit-pool-discharge-into-street-and-storm-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980547-61fad7e82b2d40044a16c960f5253cca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181972&Signature=HqESiCCNgcoSp5V9sNe61Eq~uIV2tA1xw9JzSdbfwwY6Hm6p~Yl1PcJLcLrnCDs7Ei7pfVOu3DXaXQ90MQ2q7uAqTlyYiC-qZEXkNHDkSliNQF5vHdvk5pVD10BlWMuI6mn6gW5l7COXs9EWcESw-eOy000ec3A9oDqm4H27gHxsxE0MASW55kitCeT9nhpdZswHuusiK~JrM~Oh863A1jdaf6cG39YpP5b2kCEg~Iz9jy0-07PTNP3QdThpW6-klyGmzaPwaWSmPCk0mjRYCv9U33Y0mF7HBa0lawOwOnA0FNCPDGG4g0z8-bWCXdCIPZDfsKPg60w~xZjHFfcN2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A special magistrate for the City of Delray Beach found that pool water from a private residence at 515 Northwest Twelfth Street was discharged into the street and stormwater system and imposed a one‑time fine of $3,500. Public works and code enforcement witnesses told the magistrate they observed water leaving the property and running toward the storm drain.

Code Enforcement Officer Susan Frishman presented the city's case, saying the Engineering Department reported witnessing an illicit discharge from the swimming pool on Aug. 28, 2025, and provided photographs. Public Works engineering inspector Dion Bass testified he observed blue hoses and water moving from the property's backyard toward the storm drain while driving in the neighborhood and took photographs showing water flow and pooled water near the drain.

Frishman said a magistrate notice of violation was issued Aug. 29, 2025, and a certified receipt of the notice was confirmed Sept. 4, 2025. The city presented three photographs taken at the property and introduced them into evidence.

Owner Redick Talbot told the magistrate that contractors hired to rehabilitate the pool had discharged water to allow tile repairs and that, in his view, the contractor had acted appropriately. Talbot said the pool had little to no chemicals in it at the time because it was being prepared for repairs.

The city initially proposed a $5,000 one‑time fine, citing the volume and chemical content of a pool discharge into the stormwater system. After hearing testimony and noting that the city’s case established an illicit discharge, the magistrate reduced the one‑time fine to $3,500, describing the nature of the discharge as irreparable. The magistrate found a violation of the code citation stated on the record (transcript reference: \"53 0 1 2 a\") and announced a one‑time fine of $3,500. The magistrate also indicated the respondent could request additional time to address payment; the transcript records the magistrate granting 90 days when the respondent asked for additional time.

The magistrate noted that property owners bear responsibility for actions on their property and suggested Mr. Talbot seek legal advice for appeal procedures. The formal order and the fine amount were entered on the record at the hearing.","A magistrate found a Delray Beach homeowner discharged pool water into the street and storm drain, imposed a one‑time fine of $3,500 and gave the owner time to pay; the magistrate described the discharge as irreparable and found a code violation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5980552,"Magistrate orders Delray Beach owner to secure fire‑damaged duplex within seven days or face $200‑a‑day fine",568,231000,799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9&start=231&end=799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5766493-2b3fcf10f48387ee791c2b183e2dd0b9/thumbnail_231000.jpg","/articles/5980552/Delray-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Magistrate-orders-Delray-Beach-owner-to-secure-firedamaged-duplex-within-seven-days-or-face-200aday-fine","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980552-a5938ee2ebae30c53ac7972b736aa043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181972&Signature=DLrmCo4PxRXLdHwscCfDVy9vrsY-ziooa-KbuEy7WCTvqunUocBFG-pvp9650KDm9sWC5ZOyQ9IVb9EpspnxVcTGJoGv6p7mDsTXxR1ni937oPrvH4hEdap6iqktexOQziZcgcMcbHV4WK2ZorVxgzeIiyHRYhvMqFQz6Np0B4mNLGKI-ifjGkxiokJXtE94UXEXkl70t7RFovYku74pS9nym8yAvQTupqRZoopxbTA-4LmV7FIeHhP6qqzr2XfnJcCmXBwjayGQGJytWOaPqRxxXDBmr95WyKPDoZyiAiFn1a~WbdnBFzBupVMrwOPpz6PSaXGA1Vocy3HxhmGVVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A special magistrate for the City of Delray Beach ordered the owner of a duplex at 45 Southwest Twelfth Avenue to secure the property within seven days or face fines of up to $200 per day after city inspectors found one unit unsecured and illegally occupied despite earlier fire damage. Clean and Safe Officer Connor Lee presented the city's case at the special magistrate hearing.

The order follows an inspection on Sept. 10, 2025, when Clean and Safe Officer Connor Lee said he responded with Delray Beach Police Department officers and a property representative and gained access to the unit. Officer Lee said he found interior fire damage dating to Feb. 2023, including charred ceilings, damaged interior walls, and damaged door and window frames, with no utilities connected to the unit. Lee said a person was living in the unit and was using a garden hose to supply water and multiple extension cords from an external power source to power devices. Lee also identified visible damage to the unit's exposed electrical panel and introduced 14 photographs and two videos as exhibits.

The city issued a notice of formal hearing on Sept. 11, 2025; Lee said the notice was mailed Sept. 12, posted to the property and City Hall Sept. 15, and a reinspection on Sept. 16 found the violation remained. The city recommended seven days to secure the property or imposition of a $200‑per‑day fine.

Terrence Elvis, who told the magistrate he is the son of owner Delia Smith Ellis and resides on the other side of the duplex, said the owner was out of town and that he did not have authority to act on her behalf. He told the magistrate that permits had been pulled about two years earlier and that work has been pending.

The magistrate said the condition presented safety risks and accepted the city's evidence. The magistrate found the notice sufficient and a violation of Delray Beach code section 7.8 0.3, which the city cited in its case, and ordered the respondent to secure the property within seven days or face fines up to $200 per day. The magistrate made those findings and entered the order on the record.

The magistrate's order is the formal outcome of this hearing; the transcript records the findings and the seven‑day compliance deadline.","A special magistrate found 45 Southwest Twelfth Avenue in violation of Delray Beach code after inspectors found an unsecured, fire‑damaged unit illegally occupied; the owner must secure the property within seven days or face fines up to $200 per day.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Magistrate orders unregistered Delray Beach sober home to stop operations or obtain approvals within 72 hours

Delray Beach orders recovery residence to stop operations or obtain certification within 72 hours

Magistrate fines Delray Beach homeowner $3,500 after illicit pool discharge into street and storm system

Magistrate orders Delray Beach owner to secure fire‑damaged duplex within seven days or face $200‑a‑day fine