West Palm Beach special magistrate orders compliance, fines and lien reductions after marathon hearing

Special Magistrate Amity Barnard presided over a full docket of City of West Palm Beach code-enforcement and police-derived cases on Feb. 4, 2026, ordering a mix of compliance windows, per-day fines and a number of one-time fines.

The hearing opened with a reminder that all testimony was under oath and that the city would present evidence first in each matter. The city entered composite exhibit files that included photographs, affidavits of posting and, in several police-derived matters, body-worn camera video.

Why it matters: The magistrate’s orders set enforceable deadlines for homeowners and businesses across the city and resolve two long-standing liens by negotiated settlements. Compliance timelines and fines issued at this hearing will affect property owners’ obligations and may reduce outstanding city administrative debt if the negotiated payments are made.

Key outcomes and examples

- Wall repair ordered: For 321 LA Kursky (case CE25114365321), the magistrate found the property in violation of wall-maintenance code (section 94‑302(a)(4)) and ordered the respondent to correct the leaning, damaged wall within 90 days or face a $100-per-day fine thereafter.

- Noise and alcohol enforcement at 439 Northwood Road: Police and code testimony, supported by body-worn camera footage and decibel readings, led the magistrate to find a subsequent noise violation at Mammati’s All Day Cuisine after a documented written warning; she ordered a one-time $500 fine for the noise offense. In a separate police-derived case covering a Jan. 1 after‑hours inspection at another location, the magistrate also found sufficient evidence of alcohol possession/consumption after hours and imposed a one-time $500 fine.

- Lien reductions approved: Two large lien reductions were granted after agreements with city staff. The lien on 4716 Garden Avenue (originally about $63,000) was reduced to $9,450, payable within 90 days. The lien on 1909 North Tamarind Avenue (originally about $61,400) was reduced to $3,000, payable within 90 days.

- Widespread property-maintenance orders: Dozens of residential properties were ordered to correct violations such as missing sod, inoperative vehicles, outdoor storage and broken windows. Compliance periods ranged from 15 to 120 days depending on the violation; magistrate orders set daily fines (typically $50–$100) for continued noncompliance.

What the magistrate emphasized

Barnard reiterated that notice procedures (affidavits of posting and certified mail) in the city’s case files supported service in the matters before her. She also underscored that permit and right‑of‑way rules must be followed: having a construction permit does not justify blocking a public sidewalk or alley.

Next steps

Respondents will receive written orders by mail documenting the rulings and the timeframes to correct violations. The city’s code enforcement staff will be responsible for follow-up inspections and assessing fines if respondents fail to comply within the deadlines ordered.