Condominium Board Given 30 Days to Secure Contractor, Apply for Permits after Unpermitted Block Wall Work

Erica Augello, special magistrate, found that Starlight Tower Incorporated had an unpermitted concrete block wall reinstallation at 7000 Beach Plaza and ordered the condominium association to secure a licensed contractor and apply for the required permits within 30 days, with a status hearing set for July 14, 2025.

The city presented photos showing block work and a posted stop‑work order; Louis Cruz and the building official, Luke Curtis, said the work was done by an unlicensed contractor and the stop‑work order was posted when inspectors observed the block wall nearly complete. Curtis said the work raised structural and safety concerns and that permits would be required for any repair or demolition of the affected accessory structure.

Why it matters: The work occurred on condominium property where, under the city code, licensed contractors must perform certain structural work. Unpermitted structural activity can create safety risks and complicate insurance and restoration efforts, especially in post‑storm conditions.

What the board said: Joy Clark and Edward Wolf, local condo board members, said Starlight Tower and several buildings were severely damaged by recent hurricanes and that the association had been overwhelmed by repairs. Clark told the magistrate the board believed an inspector had told them they could make the repair without permits amid post‑storm permitting backlogs; the building official said none of his staff would have advised that permits were unnecessary for structural work.

Magistrate action and timeline: Augello allowed 30 days for the association to secure a contractor and apply for necessary permits and scheduled a status check for July 14, 2025, to assess whether the association has made a good‑faith effort. The magistrate did not order immediate demolition or abatement by the city; she said other properties in the area already had permits or were proceeding with repairs or demolition.

Next steps: The board and property manager were directed to document efforts to secure a general contractor and to work with the city’s building department; the magistrate asked that contact information and evidence of outreach be provided so staff can monitor progress.

Ending: The magistrate said the order is intended to move the property toward a code‑compliant repair or demolition plan while giving the out‑of‑state association a clear, near‑term pathway to begin permitting.