Pensacola code enforcement finds several properties in violation, sets fines and compliance deadlines

The Code Enforcement Authority of the City of Pensacola on Feb. 24, 2026 found multiple properties in violation of the Pensacola Municipal Code and ordered court costs, daily fines and compliance deadlines, while continuing one case to allow outstanding permits to be issued.

Officer Robbie Weekley, identifying himself as a deputy (building) official, told the panel that building inspector Juan Cotto had placed a stop-work order on May 28, 2025 at 3140 Leesburg Square for construction performed without building or electrical permits. Weekley presented photographs, a certified notice of violation and an affidavit of posting and asked the court to find a violation of Pensacola Municipal Code section 12-11-5 and to assess court costs and fines. "On 05/28/2025, building inspector Juan Cotto placed a stop work order for overmitted work at 3140 Leesburg Square, Pensacola, Florida," Weekley said while introducing the evidence.

The respondent, Ming Shi, acknowledged being aware of permitting requirements and said a permit application had been submitted and paid. "We have a permit last week," Ming Shi told the chair. Weekley clarified that a permit had been issued for an accessory shed but that a permit application for a deck remained pending and had not been issued. The respondent's spouse, Chung Yoon Lee, asked whether removing the deck would eliminate the need for a deck permit; Weekley said the deck could be removed and the deck permit withdrawn as an alternative to obtaining a permit.

The chair made a formal finding of violation for 3140 Leesburg Square, ordered court costs of $200 payable within 30 days, set a compliance deadline of April 27, 2026, and said a daily fine of $25 would begin to accrue on April 28, 2026 if the violation was not corrected. The chair also continued the hearing to the April 28, 2026 session so the city and the respondent could confirm whether outstanding permits had been issued; if the permits are issued and corrective work is complete, the city said it would close the case.

Separately, the panel confirmed compliance and closed a prior order for 909 West Blunt Street after the city reported required steps were completed. For 1009 West Desoto Street, the chair found there had been no compliance with a prior order and ordered a $25-per-day fine to begin Feb. 24, 2026 and court costs of $200. For 1206 East (address noted in the record as Ravanti/Cervantes) Street the court likewise found noncompliance and ordered $25-per-day fines and $200 in court costs. For 4730 North Davis Highway the court noted an earlier order that established a $100-per-day fine; Weekley said the owner had engaged a contractor and agreed to restore the property to its prior state, and the city gave the owner until the April hearing to obtain permits and complete repairs.

On an unsafe-structure case at 1210 North 8th Avenue, the city presented photos and evidence of fire-damaged structural members and said abatement or demolition was required under Pensacola code section 14-2-140 and the International Property Maintenance Code §109. The chair found noncompliance, ordered abatement or repair/demolition, assessed $200 in court costs due in 30 days, and set a compliance deadline of April 27, 2026; if the property is not brought into compliance, a $25-per-day fine will begin to accrue on April 28, 2026.

The meeting ended after the remaining items were addressed and there was no new business.

What happens next: the continued cases will be revisited at the authority's April hearing; the city will notify parties if a matter can be closed after permits are issued and compliance confirmed.