Pensacola code enforcement orders fines, notes compliance and a continuance at July 8 hearing

Pensacola’s Code Enforcement Authority, presided over by Special Magistrate Ralph Peterson, heard seven property cases on July 8, 2025, at City Council Chambers. The authority found several properties out of compliance with city building and property‑maintenance ordinances, ordered or confirmed court costs, and set or confirmed daily fines where permits or abatement had not been completed. One matter was continued to give the owner time to complete approvals from the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

Why this matters: Code‑enforcement findings can lead to daily fines, liens or forced abatement and affect property owners’ ability to rebuild or sell. Several cases involved work done without a permit; one involved an unsafe, fire‑damaged structure that inspectors said requires demolition or repair to remove the safety hazard.

The hearing opened with procedural matters and then moved through docketed cases. Officer Weekley of the Building Inspection Division presented evidence and photographs in each matter and recommended orders according to prior findings and the Pensacola Municipal Code. Special Magistrate Peterson admitted the city’s documents where offered and, depending on the case, either found compliance, set deadlines for abatement and assessed daily fines, or continued a case to permit additional review.

Key outcomes (by property):

- 710 North Seventh Avenue (Case No. 2341710): The property owner, identified in the hearing as Richard Bankes Jr., told the authority the ARB had…