Fort Pierce special magistrate finds multiple code violations, grants 60 days for permits; lien reduced to $2,090

The City of Fort Pierce Special Magistrate on June 13 reviewed a docket of code-enforcement cases and ordered most property owners to obtain permits and required inspections within 60 days or face a $100-per-day fine.

City building inspectors presented cases ranging from plumbing leaks and water-damaged interior walls to structural defects, unpermitted driveway work and replacement of windows and water heaters. Frank Remley, an inspector-investigator for the city, opened the first case (24-297) at 1509 North 24th Street and described leaking kitchen and shower fixtures and water-damaged baseboards that he said required repair and permits. "This case number is 24297. Case initiated 02/01/2024," Remley said while describing the violations and recommended corrective actions.

In most matters the magistrate found violations existed and granted property owners a compliance window: obtain permits and approvals and schedule inspections at least every 180 days until permits are closed. The hearing repeatedly cited the same remedy: 60 days to obtain permits, continued inspections every 180 days, and a $100-per-day fine to accrue after that period if owners did not comply. The magistrate also repeatedly noted a 30-day right to appeal the orders.

Several property representatives said they were pursuing permits and engineering reports. Chester Bryant, treasurer of the Gulf Villas board, told the magistrate the association had contracted with construction and engineering firms and expected drawings soon. "Absolutely," he said when asked whether 60 days would be sufficient.

At 1708 South 8th Street the respondents described having paid an unlicensed contractor $8,000 to install asphalt and said the job was incomplete; Maria Barta, translating for the owner, described the payment and provided an invoice. The magistrate nevertheless found a violation and gave the owner 60 days to obtain the required permit and inspections.

In a separate fine-reduction matter tied to two North 20th Street cases, staff reported prior violations and an administrative cost calculation that exceeded the outstanding fines. The magistrate denied the requested reduction and assessed a $630 fine, saying the administrative costs justified that amount.

The panel also considered two call-in cases for SP Pine Creek Village LP (windows and water-heater replacements) and multiple condominium and renovation matters. Boardwalk Condominium Association president Tiffany Wright Otheimu said the association had contracted MBV Engineering and Consolidated Construction Group to prepare plans; she asked for time to receive the engineer's report. The magistrate granted the requested 60-day window for permits and inspections.

One outcome diverged from the routine orders: in a lien-reduction hearing for 605 Delaware Avenue (A and F Investment LLC), staff recommended reducing a recorded lien from $56,840 to $2,090 on the basis of administrative-cost review and extenuating circumstances. David Whaley, who appeared for the property, described family hardship after the owner's death and agreed to pay the reduced amount. The magistrate ordered the lien reduced to $2,090, payable within 30 days, and noted the respondent's right to appeal.

What the hearing means: the magistrate’s orders leave most owners the option to comply by pulling permits and completing inspections within 60 days, or face fines. The lien reduction is a discrete finding based on the administrative-cost analysis and mitigating circumstances for that property.

Next steps: the city will mail written orders to respondents and the magistrate noted that multiple matters were rescheduled to July. Owners have 30 days from the date of the order to file an appeal.