Fort Lauderdale magistrate hears dozens of code-compliance cases; fines imposed, reduced and suspended

The City of Fort Lauderdale’s special magistrate heard a long docket of property code and nuisance cases May 13, ruling on complaints ranging from unpermitted tree removals and loud amplified sound to deteriorated driveways, overgrown landscaping and dilapidated docks. Magistrate rulings included full fines, reduced fines for hardship or procedural reasons, and extensions with suspended fines when owners showed progress or said they were awaiting permits.

The hearing opened with the city presenting dozens of cases through code inspectors and staff. Inspector Edward Easton presented the first matter (case CE23090695) and the magistrate reduced a fine after an owner said she had removed the offending dock and was pursuing historic and permitting approvals. “I’m gonna reduce the fine to $1,000,” the magistrate said after hearing from co-owner Erin Myers, who told the panel, “we have been working … to get permitting through the city of Fort Lauderdale, through the marine advisory board, and through the historic society.”

Several repeat or large fines were discussed. The city told the magistrate it had imposed $37,300 in repeat fines on a property owned by Y N…