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Magistrate orders removal or registration of unregistered vehicle at 321 Dodge Street
Summary
The Special Magistrate found an unregistered, inoperable vehicle at 321 Dodge Street constitutes a public-nuisance code violation and ordered the owner to either register the vehicle or remove it within 30 days (by July 16, 2026), or face a $25-per-day fine beginning July 17, 2026.
Ron Brown, Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement, found that the city presented substantial competent evidence that an unregistered, inoperable vehicle was stored in public view at 321 Dodge Street and entered an order requiring the owner to correct the condition within 30 days.
The ruling followed testimony by Harold Bartelli, a City code compliance officer, who said photographs and a site posting support the allegation under Palatka City Code §30-63 for an unlicensed/inoperable vehicle. Bartelli told the magistrate he had no contact with the owner, Kathleen Story, and that certified mail had been returned undeliverable; the property was posted in accordance with state statute.
The magistrate explained the standard of review for these proceedings and concluded due process was satisfied by certified mail and site posting. Brown said the city’s evidence — photographic images showing an expired registration and a vehicle visible from the street — met the statutory threshold for a finding of violation and ordered the owner to either obtain current registration or remove the vehicle by the end of business on July 16, 2026. Brown ordered that, in the event of noncompliance, a fine of $25 per day shall commence on July 17, 2026.
The decision is appealable; Brown noted appeals must be filed within 30 days and that appellants must prepare a record of the hearing, including a transcript. No owner or representative appeared at the hearing.
