Pensacola code-enforcement hearing: magistrate orders costs, deadlines and continuances for multiple unpermitted-work cases

Special Magistrate Jason Onacki on March 25 presided over the City of Pensacola Code Enforcement Authority hearing and issued corrective orders, continuances or fines for multiple properties found to have unpermitted construction or unsafe conditions.

The magistrate granted continuances in several cases to allow owners to obtain plans and permits, ordered $200 in court costs for most violations, and set dates after which daily fines will begin if corrective action is not completed. City building-inspections staff said obtaining an issued permit typically closes a violation; several owners said they are seeking plans, contractors or demolition permits to comply.

Why it matters: The hearing resolved or advanced many enforcement files affecting residential and commercial properties across Pensacola. Deadlines set by the magistrate create near-term compliance requirements and the potential for accruing daily fines if property owners do not obtain permits or complete abatement.

Votes at a glance (selected orders and outcomes)

- Case 24-85 — 2369 N. Palafox St.: Building-inspections staff presented evidence of unpermitted framing, mechanical and electrical work and a stop-work order. The court ordered $200 in court costs payable within 30 days. City staff and the property representative agreed to a compliance window; the city asked to delay fines until April 22, 2025. The magistrate ordered the court costs and a hold on daily fines until April 22, 2025; if corrective action is not completed by that date, daily fines (amount originally cited by staff) will begin to accrue.

- Cases 15 & 16 — (Bradley Capital) continuance correction: The court corrected earlier continuance dates and acknowledged a…