Magistrate gives owner 30 days to apply for permits or demolish unfit mobile home at 7203 Highway 2302

The Bay County special magistrate on April 10 accepted code enforcement’s recommendation requiring the owner of a severely damaged mobile home at 7203 Highway 2302 to apply for either demolition or building permits within 30 days or face a $1,000 fine that would become a lien if not paid.

Code enforcement investigators documented extensive rot, missing sheeting, torn weather wrap, roof damage and collapsed flooring that inspectors described as making the structure unfit and unsafe. Inspector Scott Thorpe told the magistrate that the unit had been moved to the site already in poor condition and that no permits had been obtained before repairs. Investigators also noted the property sits in a flood zone, and code enforcement advised the owner to consult the county’s certified floodplain manager regarding potential substantial-damage determinations.

The county’s recommended order requires the respondent to submit a complete building-permit application (including manufacturer specifications or engineering plans), a detailed action plan with time frames, and to complete all required inspections and permit finalization. If the respondent obtains permits but allows them to lapse, the magistrate said that would be treated as noncompliance.

Owner and contractor comments Owner and present respondent Luke Manning and a general contractor described plans to repair the structure and said a deed had been filed that morning, though it may not appear yet in public records. Catherine Blair (the prior owner) told the magistrate she filed a deed at the courthouse and that Manning intended to proceed with repairs; Manning said he had arranged contractors and funding options but that the transaction and permitting would take time.

Magistrate’s guidance and schedule Magistrate Tiffany Sutter said the 30-day requirement is to apply for the permit and submit a plan, not to finish all repairs in 30 days. She agreed to allow reasonable administrative delays if the applicant documents the steps taken (for example, title-transfer or DMV delays) but emphasized that permit applications must be filed promptly. A compliance hearing was scheduled for May 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Ending The order gives the owner a short window to begin formal permitting for either demolition or repairs; failure to act could result in a $1,000 fine and lien against the Bay County property.