Magistrate stays $5,400 awning fine for Delray Beach restaurant, gives 30 days to comply

The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate for the City of Delray Beach on April 2 assessed $5,400 in fines for an unpermitted awning at a restaurant at 12123 East Atlantic Avenue but stayed additional fines for 30 days to allow the owner to obtain the necessary permit and inspections.

Code enforcement officer Connor Lee told the magistrate the sign permit had been issued on March 27, 2026, but the awning permit remained on hold because of outstanding application issues. Lee said the city’s records showed total fines of $5,400 and recommended placing a lien and continuing a $100-per-day fine until compliance is met.

Owner/operator Raheem Jones told the tribunal he had not received some mailed notices, said he had worked to resolve the issue as soon as it was brought to his attention and asked for leniency. “Idon’t have $5,400,” Jones said, adding that he had tried to follow city direction and believed permitting had been advanced.

The magistrate said he would "assess the fine as it exists right now" and "stay the fine from accumulating any further for 30 days," giving Jones a window to complete permitting. The magistrate also explained that if the property is brought into compliance there is a city process to request a reduction of fines, but that is available only after compliance is achieved.

If the awning remains unpermitted after 30 days, fines will resume at $100 per day. The magistrate did not place an immediate lien while staying further daily accrual during the 30-day period. Staff were instructed to follow up with the owner and provide guidance on next steps.