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Magistrate orders permits or removal for unpermitted changes at 501 Kentucky Avenue; deadline extended to April 15
Summary
After reviewing aerial imagery and inspection photos, the magistrate found evidence of unpermitted exterior and interior alterations at an accessory structure at 501 Kentucky Ave and ordered permits to be submitted (initially Feb. 6, later extended to Apr. 15) or the work removed; fines of $250/day may apply if not brought into compliance.
The special magistrate ruled that evidence presented by city staff showed unpermitted exterior and interior work at an accessory structure on the property at 501 Kentucky Avenue and ordered the owner to bring the work into compliance.
Officer Alex Miller told the hearing that aerial imagery and on‑site inspections show a change in the front‑facing facade of the accessory building between earlier photos and later imagery, including the installation of a sliding/screen door and replacement eaves. Miller entered a stack of supporting documents and photos into evidence and recommended permits be filed by Jan. 30, 2026, with a $250‑a‑day penalty if compliance was not achieved.
Owner Rachel Ruffin (also recorded in the transcript as "Ruffing") disputed the interpretation of the photos, said she acquired the property in November 2020 and declined further testimony pending counsel. Miller testified he and another officer had previously conducted an interior inspection in 2023 and took interior photographs documenting framing and interior alterations.
Magistrate Drew Smith found there was "competent, substantial evidence" of unpermitted work on the accessory structure's facade, the eaves and interior framing. Given the owner's stated financial hardship, the magistrate abated administrative costs for now but ordered that permits for the observed work be submitted by April 15, 2026. If the work is not permitted or removed by that date, the magistrate said a daily fine of $250 will begin to accrue. The magistrate noted the owner can instead remove the unpermitted work but that filing for permits is typically the simpler path to compliance.
Smith also advised the owner to include the new order in any sale disclosure if the property is placed back on the market and encouraged coordination with the building department or a contractor to determine which permits are required.
