Hearing officer signs settlement orders for dozens of Miami code citations; Bella Mila Estates found liable in contested dumping case

Darcy Siegel, the hearing officer assigned to the City of Miami ticketing appellant hearing, entered settlement orders resolving a large number of code-enforcement citations and presided over one contested trial in which the magistrate found the defendants liable.

The session, conducted as quasi-judicial hearings under the City of Miami process, produced signed orders on cases involving illegal dumping, unauthorized use of residential containers, and tree trimming or removal without required permits. The orders recorded on the hearing record included settlements ranging from $100 to $750, as well as a small number of voided citations. For the contested trial at 330 Northwest 20 Fifth Court (Bella Mila Estates), the hearing officer heard testimony from a city inspector and property owners, found that materials were located on the property and surrounding alley, and entered an order resolving that matter for $250.

The hearing officer opened the session by explaining the process: "It is required that all persons who are going to testify as to the facts be placed under oath," and that she must make findings of fact based on the evidence of record. The hearing record shows the city admitted evidence including posting affidavits, photographs, property-appraiser and Sunbiz ownership records, and tracking numbers for…