Homestead Special Magistrate orders compliance windows, fines across multiple property cases

The City of Homestead Special Magistrate heard a series of code-enforcement cases and issued compliance deadlines and fines for multiple properties.

A resident who identified her address as 509 Southwest 16, Homestead, told the magistrate she is disabled and has been delayed in moving due to permitting and mitigation requirements. She said she has an RV, a boat and a commercial vehicle on her property and lacks funds for mitigation work. The Special Master told the resident the city ordinance permits only one of those—an RV, a boat, or a commercial vehicle—and urged her to see if she could temporarily store one of the vehicles elsewhere. The magistrate granted 60 days to resolve the violation in case CC261294 NOV and assessed an $80 administration fee. The magistrate explained that the deadline brings compliance to July 7, 2026.

Muhammad Bunan, who said he owns the property listed as 636 South 6th Avenue and operates through Nissa LLC, presented documents showing emergency repairs and permit activity after a vehicle damaged a building. City staff verified the permit status and the Special Master found case CC2600245 NOV complied and closed the matter.

In another case, a property cited for blocking a sidewalk was ordered to remove obstructing vehicles and post temporary "no parking" signs. The Special Master found a violation in case CC261000 NOV and gave the respondent five days (to May 13) to clear the sidewalk; no fine was assessed at the hearing.

A citation for illegal dumping (case CC260097 TKT) drew an emotional response from a respondent who said the bag with her name on it was found away from her home and that she has lived in the community for decades. The Special Master found a violation but reduced the $500 fine to $150 plus an $80 administration fee, noting city crews had to clean the site.

First In Investments LLC was ordered to stop extending an RV on its property after repeated notices. The company’s representative acknowledged prior citations; the Special Master ordered the property to come into compliance within 15 days (case CC2600713 NOV) and assessed an $80 administration fee, warning that future hearings would be less lenient.

The hearing also addressed a high‑penalty construction/noise violation. City staff submitted body‑worn camera footage from HPD Officer Jay Vasquez documenting construction outside permitted hours. The Special Master accepted the footage and found Homestead Midtown Holdings LLC in violation (case CC2600101 TKT). Citing the nature of the work shown on video, the magistrate characterized the violation as irreparable and imposed a one‑time $8,000 fine plus an $80 administration fee.

Several other properties were ordered to get permits or finish work within short timelines—commonly five to 30 days—or face daily fines. Examples include permit‑related violations for commercial properties, parking‑lot striping or paving done without permits, and unpermitted fencing or doors. Where the respondent provided documentation that a permit had been closed, staff asked the Special Master to mark the case complied (as with CC2600245).

The Special Master accepted photographic and video evidence in multiple matters and repeatedly emphasized that property owners are responsible for knowing and following city ordinances; the magistrate noted ordinances are publicly posted and that owners can check with permitting or code departments.

The hearing concluded with rulings across the docket and the Special Master adjourned the meeting at 3:31 p.m.

Notable actions at the hearing included: 60 days to comply for case CC261294 NOV (resident vehicle/storage); CC2600245 NOV marked complied for emergency repairs after a crash; fine reduction for CC260097 TKT (illegal dumping) to $150 plus $80 admin; 15 days to comply for CC2600713 NOV (RV extension) with an $80 fee; and an $8,000 one‑time fine and $80 fee for CC2600101 TKT (irreparable/unpermitted construction).