Magistrate orders Colleen Finney to repair rotten wood and repaint right elevation of North Fourth Street house within 90 days

The Palatka special magistrate on July 15 entered an order finding that the property at 508 North Fourth Street in a local historic district is in violation of city codes requiring maintenance of building fronts and sides. The owner of record, Colleen Finney, did not appear; the magistrate allowed 90 days for repairs and repainting, with $25-per-violation daily fines to begin on Oct. 14, 2025, if the work is not done.

Code Enforcement Coordinator Christy Loh testified the case began with observations in August 2024 and that staff had sent certified notices and posted the property in July 2025. Loh said some pressure washing had been done earlier but that visible rotten boards and exposed unpainted siding remain. Photographs introduced by Loh show rotted wood on the front elevation above the doorway and damaged window sills and lower siding boards. Loh estimated 85% exposure of bare wood on the right elevation and said the work needed is repainting or replacement of rotted boards and a consistent paint color on the right elevation.

Loh testified rebuilding or replacing the rotten planks and repainting the exposed elevation would bring the property into compliance with Sections 30-169 and 30-32 of the Palatka code. The magistrate recorded that certified notice and affidavit of posting are in the record and entered the enforcement order setting the 90-day deadline and specifying that fines of $25 per violation per day would begin Oct. 14 if noncompliant.

The record shows staff inspected the property on July 14, 2025, and provided updated photographs for the hearing. The magistrate’s order gives the owner 90 days to complete repairs and repainting required to address rotten and weakened wood and visible paint/mildew issues.