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West Palm Beach magistrate orders compliance deadlines, fines and several negotiated fine reductions
Summary
At a City of West Palm Beach special magistrate hearing, dozens of property owners were found in violation of city codes; the magistrate set compliance deadlines (typically 30–120 days), daily fines for noncompliance and approved negotiated reductions on several longstanding liens.
The City of West Palm Beach special magistrate heard dozens of code-enforcement cases on a range of issues — overgrown lots, missing sod, outdoor storage, unsecured structures and rental-license violations — and ordered deadlines or fines to bring properties into compliance.
The magistrate opened by explaining the quasi-judicial process, swearing in witnesses and admitting the city’s composite exhibits into the record. Officers presented photographs and inspection timelines in each case, and respondents were given an opportunity to respond before the magistrate made findings.
In a repeat-violation case involving a vacant lot at 427 Nathan Hill Road, Code Enforcement Officer Richard Pazmino said the property was out of compliance for eight days in October. The owner’s representative, Joanna Santiago, produced photos showing contractors remedied the condition on Oct. 15. The magistrate found a repeat violation and assessed $50 per day for the eight days, totaling $400.
In several landscaping and maintenance cases the magistrate granted additional compliance time. At 4210 West Terrace Drive, owner Joeli Carvajal said financial hardship delayed repairs; the magistrate granted 60 days to comply and warned a fine of up to $100 per day thereafter. For larger-scope properties, such as certain North Mangonia Drive cases, the magistrate set longer time frames (one case received 120 days) and adjusted daily fines where warranted.
The hearing also included habitability matters. At 803 20th Street Unit B, code testimony documented an unsecured toilet and termite concerns; the magistrate ordered 30 days to make repairs or face a $100-per-day fine.
The magistrate approved multiple negotiated settlements on longstanding liens and fines. Examples the city represented to the court included reductions to $360 for CE24072236 (previously higher), $1,290 for CE15061116, $5,530 for CE10080230, $11,220 for CE17010542, $36,900 for CE10050056, $8,410 for CE18040103 and $5,000 for CE21080056. In each case the order set payments due (typically within 60 days) and noted the original amounts would be reinstated if payment was not timely made.
The magistrate repeatedly advised respondents to maintain contact with assigned code officers for guidance and inspections. Where respondents disputed photographic evidence or raised technical compliance questions (for example, about approved ground cover other than sod), officers explained the limited set of vegetation approved by the city and offered to provide the approved-planting list.
The hearing closed after additional cases were called and resolved. The magistrate adjourned when the agenda concluded and instructed parties to follow up as directed to avoid future penalties.
The city’s formal orders and case files remain the authoritative record for specific compliance terms, fines and timelines.
