Special Magistrate Orders 60 Days for Blake SD Plaza to Obtain Permits; Assesses Tree, Sign Fines

Special Magistrate Amity Bernard ordered the owner of Blake SD Plaza at 311140 Fifth Street to obtain required permits for a rolling fence, a tiki‑hut/gazebo structure and an aluminum patio covering within 60 days or face daily fines, and assessed a one‑time fine of $3,000 for hat‑racking on 15 live oak trees.

The ruling follows testimony from city building inspector Saul Yarmish that he observed a rolling chain‑link fence and gate and exterior structures installed without permits, and that permits applied for had been rejected or not submitted. Yarmish recommended 60 days to comply and a $50 per day fine after that; Bernard said, "60 days should be more than enough time," and ordered compliance within that window.

Why it matters: The case ties together multiple safety and permitting issues at one property — unauthorized construction, public‑safety access concerns and severe pruning of canopy trees — and the magistrate required both permits and remediation while spelling out penalties for continued noncompliance.

Inspector testimony and respondent statements

Saul Yarmish, building inspector for the city of West Palm Beach, testified that he issued notices and stop‑work orders after observing a rolling fence gate that closed off required access around the building and exterior structures installed on pilings and an aluminum patio cover without permits. He said the tiki‑hut (later characterized as a gazebo) had a permit application that was rejected and needed resubmission; the aluminum structure had no permit application on file. Yarmish told the magistrate that permits and inspections are required and that progress had been made on some applications but inspections had not been performed.

Attorney Ola McLean and owner Sharnette (Shawnette) Thompson appeared for the respondent. Thompson said contractors had told her the tiki hut was exempt, then later that it was not, that multiple contractors had been used and that remediation and permit resubmission were underway. Thompson said the tiki/gazebo required…