The Special Magistrate Hearing held on September 18, 2025, in Wellington, Florida, addressed multiple code compliance cases involving property owners who failed to rectify violations of local ordinances. The meeting, presided over by Special Magistrate Holly Hahn, began with procedural introductions and the swearing-in of witnesses.
The first case involved Noel and Tatiana Messerole, who were cited for constructing a fire pit and outdoor kitchen without the necessary permits. Despite having signed a stipulation agreement to correct the violations by August 21, 2025, inspections revealed that the violations remained unaddressed. The Code Compliance Division recommended a fine of $25 per day, starting from August 22, 2025, along with costs totaling $47.46. The magistrate ruled in favor of the recommendation, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local codes.
Next, the hearing addressed the case of Nicholas Binns, who similarly failed to obtain a permit for a fence installed on his property. Despite having entered into a stipulation agreement in July, Binns reported difficulties with his contractor, who had lost their licensing. The magistrate noted that no permit had been submitted since the agreement, leading to a recommendation for a fine of $50 per day for the ongoing violation. The magistrate ruled that the violation had not been corrected and imposed the recommended fine.
Throughout the hearing, the magistrate reiterated the goal of achieving compliance rather than imposing penalties, highlighting the need for property owners to adhere to local regulations. The proceedings concluded with the magistrate's commitment to issue written orders detailing the findings and imposed fines for both cases. The outcomes underscore Wellington's ongoing efforts to enforce code compliance and ensure safety within the community.