Neighbor objections, Central Broward sign-off mark contested gravel work in Cooper City drainage easement; magistrate defers fines pending permit review

Special Magistrate Scott Klein heard extended testimony July 2, 2025, in case EN25-015 involving a property where compacted gravel was placed in a drainage easement. The city cited the owner under the Land Development Code for altering an easement without approval; Central Broward Water Control District subsequently provided an easement agreement approving the grade change but not an engineering report addressing neighbor concerns. Klein found a violation exists but deferred fines while the owner pursues the hard-surface permit and the city continues plan review, and reset the matter for an August status update.

The dispute centers on whether compacted crushed stone placed in January created an impervious surface or otherwise altered drainage in a dedicated easement. The city’s Community Development Director, Carlos Vega, told the magistrate the city referred the matter to Central Broward after inspectors found compacted gravel in a dedicated drainage easement; Central Broward’s inspector determined the work had not been approved, and the district later provided an easement agreement after meetings with the property owner.…