West Palm Beach special magistrate finds multiple properties in violation, orders compliance and fines; reduces several long-standing penalties

A special magistrate for the City of West Palm Beach on March (date not specified) upheld code-enforcement violations for multiple properties, ordered owners to come into compliance within set deadlines or face daily fines, and granted several requests to reduce longstanding civil penalties.

The hearing opened with procedural instructions from the magistrate about sworn testimony and evidence. City code officers then presented individual cases, documenting notices, photographs and reinspection results. For 4006 Miller Ave., Officer Richard Pazmino testified the property was operating a tow-related business without a business license and had outdoor storage and sidewalk-cleaning issues; the magistrate found violations and gave the respondent 30 days to comply or face a fine of up to $100 per day.

In cases addressing swales, parkways and landscape maintenance at 3815 and 3819 Eastview Ave., officers reported soil and debris washing onto sidewalks, sparse or dead grass in swales, and trash cans in public view. Officer Katie Weaver said she photographed the conditions and the city asked for 30 days or $50 per day to achieve compliance; the magistrate ordered 30 days or $50 per day. At 5501 Manning Ave., Robert Watkins documented a range of outstanding…