Miami special magistrate grants time extensions for multiple code violations

Special Magistrate Richard Gendler on the City of Miami’s code enforcement docket granted property owners a series of time extensions — most commonly 120 days — to correct building and maintenance violations or complete permit reviews.

The extensions, issued at the in-person hearing, covered residential and commercial properties across Miami. Magistrate Gendler repeatedly told respondents that extensions are not automatic, must be requested before an approved extension expires, and that fines or per‑diem liens could issue if work is not completed.

Magistrate Gendler opened the hearing by describing the hearing process and the city’s possible penalties, noting per‑day fines of up to $250 for residential first‑time violations and up to $1,000 per day for commercial first‑time violations, higher amounts for repeat violations, and a possible additional fine of up to $15,000 when evidence shows irreparable harm. He also reminded respondents that orders may be appealed to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit within 30 days and that requests for more time must be made before the currently granted time expires.

Most cases on the docket involved applications for permits currently in review with the city or work to be legalized. City staff recommended specific time frames in each case; Magistrate Gendler granted those recommendations or slightly modified them in several instances. The hearing included multiple instances where a representative appeared but a power of attorney was not available; those matters were reset for a later date.

Cases resolved at the hearing ranged from property clean‑up and final inspections to completion of certificate of use and business tax receipt requirements. Examples of extensions granted include 120‑day extensions for 3565 SW 13th Terrace, 1590 SW 6th Street, 4140 NW 17th Avenue and several other properties; 180‑day extensions where owners said they were starting from scratch or facing extensive corrections (for example, 2260 NW North River Drive and 1206 SW 12th Street); and shorter 60‑day extensions where the city reported more advanced progress or specific outstanding items (for example, case at 1337 NW 8th Avenue and 345 NE 80th Terrace).

Magistrate Gendler emphasized diligence: if a respondent needs additional time after an extension, they must request a new extension before the existing period ends and show progress to avoid fines. City staff repeatedly confirmed recommendations on days granted. Several respondents said plans were in review, in applicant corrections, or that they had contractors and engineers engaged and expected to close outstanding permits within the time granted.

The hearing concluded with the magistrate reminding attendees that absent respondents who failed to appear may be subject to a lien or affidavit of noncompliance and that the online portal may be used to request additional time before an extension lapses.

Votes at a glance (extension outcomes announced at the hearing): - Case 85860 (3565 SW 13th Terrace): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 112784 (1337 NW 8th Avenue): extension granted — 60 days. - Case (page 31 / 200 NW 30th Avenue; case 65641): extension granted — 120 days (representative Usebio Mora requested; city recommended 120). - Case 41878 (4140 NW 17th Avenue): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 26061 (2260 NW North River Drive): extension granted — 180 days. - Case 100196 (1590 SW 6th Street): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 85445 (2726 SW 19th Street): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 86136 (6810 NW 3rd Avenue): extension granted — 60 days. - Case 108461 (620 SW 10th Avenue): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 52753 (2130 SW 19th Terrace): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 105493 (345 NE 80th Terrace): extension granted — 60 days. - Case 109065 (300 NE 70th 8th Street): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 70912 (1206 SW 12th Street): extension granted — 180 days. - Case 39063 (345 NW 50 3rd Street): extension granted — 180 days. - Case 13177 (3521 SW 16th Street): extension granted — 120 days. - Case 100717 (994 NW 2nd Street): extension granted — 120 days.

Several additional matters were continued or rescheduled because the representative did not present a valid power of attorney or the file did not contain the document; the magistrate said those matters would be reset and, if an extension is later granted, it could be retroactive to avoid penalties provided a timely request is filed.

Magistrate Gendler and city staff reiterated procedural rules: hearings are quasi‑judicial (informal rules of evidence), respondents can present evidence and witnesses, and a representative must be a licensed Florida attorney or hold a valid power of attorney to represent an absent respondent.

The hearing adjourned after the docket was completed and the magistrate reminded attendees that the city’s online portal (search "extension of time" at miami.miamigov.com) can be used to request extensions and that orders may be appealed to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida within 30 days.