Martin County magistrate orders compliance, deadlines and fines in multiple unpermitted-work and nuisance cases

Special Magistrate held a code enforcement hearing for Martin County on May 21, 2025 and issued orders in multiple cases involving unpermitted construction, storage of materials, and nuisance conditions. The magistrate found violations in each matter the county presented and set compliance deadlines ranging from June 30 (for some cases) to September 1 or September 30 in others, ordered daily fines of $100 per day for continuing violations, and awarded investigation costs to the county in most cases.

Why it matters: The hearing resolved a number of pending enforcement matters that affect property use and neighborhood conditions across Martin County and set firm deadlines and financial consequences for noncompliance. Several respondents agreed to stipulations or were given extensions to obtain required permits, while others were ordered to remove or permit structures.

Key outcomes and particulars

Gosney / Andoff (ENF2025020052) — Spring Haven Avenue: The county presented aerial photos, permit-history screenshots and an expired permit application showing a new pole-barn–type metal structure on a vacant lot. Investigator Chris Counsel testified the county issued a notice of violation on Feb. 27, 2025 and amended the notice on May 7, 2025 to cite “building without a permit.” The property owners, Nick J. Gosney and Cynthia L. Andoff, acknowledged the structure was in place and that they had not secured a permit. The magistrate found a violation, awarded $575 in investigation costs to Martin County, and ordered compliance on or before Sept. 30, 2025; failing that,…