Magistrate imposes $5,000 fine after repeated late‑night noise incidents at suspected party house

Special Magistrate Jose Smith imposed a one‑time $5,000 fine on the owner of a property at 12746 Northeast 4th Avenue after city code officers reported multiple late‑night noise disturbances and what they characterized as a party house or short‑term rental operating as a party venue.

Officer Steve Dorval told the magistrate he had investigated multiple incidents at the house — including events that occurred at 3 a.m. — and observed recurring problems tied to short‑term rental or party use. Dorval said people at the property had not cooperated in identifying responsible parties and that several enforcement visits had documented repeated violations.

"There were multiple incidents, 3, 4 in the morning, 10 at night," Dorval said, summarizing his inspections. The magistrate said the repeated conduct had caused irreparable disturbance to neighbors and warranted a significant penalty to deter future incidents.

"I am going to find them $5,000 because it is an irreparable — irreparable — irreparable violation under the statute," Smith said. He described the house as a likely party house and said the owner’s absence from the hearing suggested a lack of respect for the code process.

Smith recommended that future enforcement include citation under Miami‑Dade County noise ordinance 21‑28, which the magistrate said has withstood constitutional challenges and provides a defendable legal basis for municipal enforcement. The magistrate described the $5,000 fine as a one‑time penalty that will increase for repeat violations.

The order is administrative; enforcement options going forward include increased fines or additional legal actions if disturbances recur.