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Magistrate orders lien after county cites exposed wiring, unsafe panel at Perkins property
Summary
Code administration described exposed electrical wiring and an uncovered main panel at a Perkins property and reported large fines; the magistrate accepted a county recommendation to place a lien and noted the owner may later seek a reduction if the property is brought into compliance.
Code administration told the Alachua County special magistrate that the Perkins property remains out of compliance and contains electrical hazards, including an uncovered main panel and wiring near a pool. The county reported the respondent guilty and not in compliance, with prosecution costs of $350, a stated daily fine of $125 and a total fine figure of $22,475; the county asked the magistrate to place a lien for unpaid fines and costs.
Attorney Niles Whitten and the respondent described ongoing efforts to address multiple issues, including obtaining estimates and contacting contractors; the respondent described medical and financial hardship and said she has called contractors listed by code staff. Code administration confirmed the main panel cover was missing and that wiring leading into the house was on the ground, and described wires run near a pool step as an unsafe condition.
The magistrate said the exposed wiring and panel were the most serious concerns and agreed to the county's request to place a lien while noting that the respondent may petition for a reduction of fines after demonstrating compliance or hardship. The magistrate also asked the Building Department to inspect newly installed fencing around the pool and to verify that electrical hazards are mitigated.
The county will record the lien and mail a written order to the respondent; the magistrate closed the hearing at 9:48 a.m.
