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Special magistrate grants extensions and reduces fines in Pembroke Park code‑enforcement hearing
Summary
Special Magistrate Harry Hippler granted multiple permit extensions, approved reductions in several large code‑enforcement fines and set deadlines for payment during a lengthy Town of Pembroke Park hearing. Staff repeatedly recommended extensions while some property representatives cited management changes or ongoing plan reviews.
Special Magistrate Harry Hippler presided over a Town of Pembroke Park code‑enforcement hearing on 2025-10-14, granting permit extensions and approving reduced fines for property owners and tenants facing violations ranging from unpermitted construction and signage to accumulated debris.
The hearing, conducted in quasi‑judicial form, was led by Jeffrey Lewis, code compliance officer for the Town of Pembroke Park, who presented each case and the town’s recommendations. The magistrate repeatedly granted extensions for owners and tenants who were in plan review or who said they had engaged contractors, while imposing per‑diem penalties and payment deadlines where appropriate.
Among the rulings, the magistrate granted a 60‑day extension for NHP South Florida LLC’s case (case 11019, The Peninsula) to obtain after‑the‑fact permits for interior drywall work, with a $2.50 per‑day penalty thereafter and a $100 administrative fee. Rodrigo Pasangati, the general contractor representing the property, told the magistrate he had started work and would pursue required drawings and sprinkler relocation permits.
In case 10812 (Anzac Investments LLC), involving interior plumbing, electrical and a water‑heater installation, the magistrate approved a 90‑day extension while plan review is completed; the town had recommended 90 days and a $250 per‑day penalty if corrections are not finished in that window.
The magistrate also approved substantial reductions of accruals in several long‑running enforcement matters. For Conax Properties LLC (case 8966), involving an egress/magnetic door flagged during a fire inspection, the magistrate reduced an accrued balance of $125,658.50 to $12,700 and required full payment within 30 days; if not paid it reverts to the larger accrued amount. Jeremy Howard, appearing for Conax Properties, acknowledged a management change and wiring repairs that delayed compliance.
At Infinity Azure LLC (multiple related cases), representing a multi‑unit rental property, management said the property has had several management changes and the new team has been closing violations. The magistrate reduced accumulated fines on one docket to $22,000, payable within 30 days, or the balance would revert to the previously accrued $244,658.50 if unpaid. For a separate Infinity unit with roof/ceiling repairs (case 10110), the magistrate granted a 30‑day extension with $2.50 per‑day thereafter.
Other outcomes included:
- Live Miami LLC (case 6006): reduction to $158.50 for an abandoned cabinet sign removed to achieve compliance; payable within 30 days. - Pembroke Retail Center / Pembroke Road Center tenant and build‑out cases (multiple dockets including 9269, 9963, 10431): 90‑day extensions to finish plan review and inspections for tenant build‑outs and to obtain certificates of use; $2.50 per‑day penalties if not completed. - Etex Miami Inc (case 10862): 60‑day extension to resolve a plan‑review comment on a wall sign; $250 per‑day penalty if not complied. - Residential safety matters (cases 9809, 10829): 60‑day compliance windows for exterior maintenance, wooden steps and related repairs with a $50 per‑day penalty if not timely corrected. - Case 10381 (Savan Bandu): 60 days to address an unpermitted demolition of a pool deck and trash/debris; magistrate set a $100 per‑day penalty thereafter.
Several owners and representatives said they had engaged architects, engineers or contractors and asked for time to complete permit submittals and inspections. The magistrate repeatedly reminded parties that extensions pause per‑diem accrual but that unpaid reductions or extensions would revert to original tallies if payment or compliance was not achieved within the deadlines he set.
On a cluster of lien/foreclosure‑related dockets tied to properties represented by Gerald Anderson, counsel requested a continuance. The magistrate said he was reluctant to grant multiple continuances but agreed to coordinate a special‑set hearing within about two weeks and ordered that no further continuances be granted without good cause.
The magistrate closed the session after noting he would sign and circulate amended final orders and that staff would coordinate any special‑set hearings.
