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Special magistrate issues orders, fines and correction deadlines in multiple Wellington code cases
Summary
At a June 12 special magistrate hearing, Wellington found numerous property owners in violation of local codes — ordering corrections, assessing costs or imposing fines for issues ranging from unscreened garbage cans to tree and landscaping violations.
The Village of Wellington Special Magistrate heard a series of code‑enforcement cases June 12 and issued findings, correction deadlines, and assessed costs across multiple properties for violations including unscreened garbage cans, overpruned or invasive trees, missing business tax receipts and landscaping deficiencies.
Key outcomes (selected):
- Jian Chang Chen (NOHCC‑4895‑2024, 13892 Folkestone Circle): Found in violation of Wellington Code §13‑3.B.1 (solid‑waste storage not screened). Magistrate imposed $35 per day for each day the violation existed, counting three days (May 22, June 5 and June 9), assessed costs of $46.08, and issued a five‑year cease‑and‑desist order.
- Sydney Pager (NOHCC‑4391‑2024, 11681 Anhinga Drive): Case initially for over‑pruning/‘hat‑racking’ under LDR §7.8.7.c. Magistrate dismissed the hat‑racking violation based on evidence the tree had regrown, but directed staff to send a notice that the tree is an invasive species and must be removed and replaced under applicable ordinances; owner instructed to apply for required vegetation permit within 30 days. Costs of $44.06 were assessed.
- Aaron/Arian Holdings LLC (CC‑1902‑2023): This longer contested BTR (business tax receipt) matter involving equestrian stall rentals was continued for written briefing (see separate article).
- Lisonbee South LLC (NOHCC‑4942‑2024, 14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd.): Found in violation of Chapter 21, Article 2 (business tax receipt). Magistrate ordered payment of the applicable local business tax fee, a 25% penalty of the license due, an additional $250 penalty, and costs of $11.65; a five‑year cease‑and‑desist was entered.
- Multiple landscaping and vegetation cases (selected): Cases for dead fronds, missing mulch, removed trees without permit or overgrown/weeded lawns were found in violation and owners were generally given until July 17, 2025, to correct or face fines up to $25 per day and assessed small administrative costs (commonly $11.65–$13.03). Examples include 14526 Horseshoe Trace (NOHCC‑4424‑2024), 13639 Exotica Lane (NOHCC‑5402‑2024) and 12507 Guilford Way (NOHCC‑1255‑2025).
- Fine certifications: Where previous extension orders were not followed, the magistrate imposed or confirmed daily fines. Examples: Case CC‑4133‑2024 (Fawn and Steven Diage) — magistrate reduced the proposed $25/day fine to $15/day commencing May 16, 2025, based on partial corrective effort, plus $46.08 in costs. Case NOHCC‑4788‑2024 (Stefan Heeman) — a fine of $35/day was imposed for unscreened garbage-cans with $34.43 in costs; the magistrate counted specific days observed in violation.
Magistrate rulings typically included: a correction deadline (commonly July 17, 2025), assessment of administrative costs (usually between $11.65 and $46.08), and a five‑year cease‑and‑desist order. Where property owners had not been reachable, magistrate findings noted failed service attempts and posted notices.
Why this matters: The orders affect property owners across Wellington and emphasize enforcement of landscaping, waste‑storage, roofing and business‑licensing rules. Several cases also flagged the potential for follow‑up fine‑certification hearings if violations are not corrected by the stated dates.
What to watch: Fine‑certification hearings are scheduled for late July–August dates listed in the magistrate’s orders; owners who do not correct violations or who disagree with rulings can seek the legal remedies available under Wellington code and state law.
