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Magistrate halves recommended reduction for Northwood Road trellis case, sets $250 payment
Summary
A building-division case about patio/trellis work without permit was resolved with a magistrate reduction to $250 payable in 30 days after the property owner documented permitting steps and project complications.
The special magistrate on Sept. 16 reduced a small building-division fine related to unpermitted exterior patio framing at a Northwood Road address and ordered a $250 payment due within 30 days. City records showed the violation was cited by the building division with the fine totaling $1,750 after a 35-day accrual period; the city had offered a 75 percent reduction.
Liam McGuire, who identified himself as employed by the tenants, said the respondents promptly engaged design professionals, submitted permits and worked through a sequence of inspections and additional plan requirements that prolonged the permitting schedule. He told the magistrate the permit was issued and the work was completed in June. The magistrate reviewed the timeline and the city's daily fine of $50, then approved a reduction to $250 due within 30 days.
The order notes the respondent requested a full lien reduction to zero and presented scheduling and technical reasons why the permitting process required extra time. The magistrate granted limited relief consistent with demonstrated activity on the permit and the short accrual period.
Why this matters: the decision illustrates how active permitting records and demonstrable remediation during the enforcement process can affect the magistrate's assessment of fines.
