Cooper City magistrate imposes fees, deadlines and a payment plan in code-enforcement docket

Special Magistrate Scott Kleinman presided over a Cooper City code-enforcement docket during which he found violations on multiple properties, assessed administrative fees, set deadlines for permit applications and inspections, continued several matters to February or March and approved a reduced fine and payment plan for one homeowner.

The most consequential outcomes included an order that the Matthew Woods Condominium Association (the subject of a Building Safety Inspection Program review sometimes referred to in the hearing as the “40‑year” matter) meet every other Wednesday with city staff to provide progress reports; a decision to reduce a single homeowner’s $54,500 accrued fine to $8,175 with a 12‑month payment plan; and an order certifying fines and directing that a notice be posted on the door of a property operating as a short‑term rental while in foreclosure.

The hearing covered more than two dozen docket entries that largely alleged work done without required permits or missing inspection reports under the Broward County amendments to the 2023 Florida Building Code (8th edition). For most cases the magistrate found violations existed; he typically assessed a $150 administrative fee payable within 30 days, set a compliance date, and set daily fines if the compliance deadline was missed. Several matters were continued to a February 5 status hearing or to March for follow‑up.

Key decisions and deadlines

- Matthew Woods Condominium Association (Case EEN24-0052): Magistrate Kleinman found a violation for missing BSIP/40‑year progress and final reports and imposed a $150 administrative fee payable in 30 days. He ordered the building…