Fort Pierce special magistrate orders permits, grants reductions and sets deadlines in multiple code-enforcement cases

Jamie Burrow, the City of Fort Pierce special magistrate, heard a full docket of code-enforcement cases on matters ranging from unpermitted solar panels and commercial coolers to pool barriers and expired permits.

The hearing opened with city investigators presenting evidence and time-stamped photographs in each matter. In the case of 1607 South 8th Street (BV2025-00156), Miles Keller, an inspector and investigator for the city, presented photos and told the magistrate the freestanding solar panels and associated electrical work were installed without a permit. Owner Donovan Holbert said he had bought and installed the system after rising utility costs and difficulty securing qualified engineers and electricians: “I bought the equipment. I put it up,” he said, describing efforts to obtain an engineer’s report and to replace wooden panel supports with metal ones. Burrow found a violation and adopted the city’s recommendation, giving the Holberts 60 days to obtain permits and schedule inspections; a $250-per-day fine was set to resume for any failure to comply.

In a separate commercial matter at 3006 Orange Avenue (BV2025-00136), Joel Smith, a city building inspector, reported two walk-in coolers and related hood/suppression work installed without permits. Erica Luna, who said she holds power of attorney for owner Maria Luna, said a prospective tenant installed the coolers and that Applebee Electric had been retained to file permits. Burrow found a violation and granted 60 days for permits and inspections.

Several respondents told the magistrate that contractor delays, plan-review rejections or difficulty finding tradespeople had slowed compliance. Luciana Altine, who sought extra time after an engineer’s review was required for an enclosed carport at 1504 Zephyr Avenue (BV2025-00168), worked through an interpreter and was given 90 days to resolve plan-review corrections and obtain a permit.

The panel also addressed requests for fee relief. Mario and Sandra Sagastume, owners of 4228 Aberfoil Avenue, said they had incurred damage and litigation after a solar installation; Burrow reduced accrued fines to the staff-calculated administrative cost of $1,137.85 and ordered payment within 30 days (the full amount would be reinstated if unpaid). In a lien-reduction matter at 900 West Wetherby Road, Magistrate Burrow reduced the lien to administrative costs ($1,112.85) and allowed 180 days for payment, citing insurance and medical hardships the owners described.

Other routine cases resulted in findings of violation with standard compliance windows. A multi-unit property at 1985 Reynolds Drive (BB2025-00175) was given 60 days to finish remaining pool and barrier repairs; staff required temporary closure measures if a gate latch failed. For an expired air-conditioning permit at Ocean Village (BV2025-00159), a remote owner, Whitney Carr, described multiple contractor failures and consumer complaints; the magistrate ordered 60 days to renew permits and complete inspections, with staff open to grant additional time if demonstrable progress is made.

At the close of the hearing, Burrow reiterated notice and posting procedures the building department follows for hearings and adjourned the session. Most respondents were reminded they have 30 days to appeal magistrate rulings and that fines or liens would resume if permits are not timely renewed or closed.

Votes at a glance: Magistrate rulings (selected)

- BV2025-00156 (1607 S 8th St): violation found; 60 days to obtain permits; $250/day fine for noncompliance. - BV2025-00136 (3006 Orange Ave): violation found; 60 days for permits/inspections. - BV2025-00168 (1504 Zephyr Ave): violation found; 90 days to resolve plan-review corrections and obtain permit. - BB2025-00175 (1985 Reynolds Dr): violation found; 60 days to complete pool/barrier work; temporary closure if gate fails. - 24-1203 (4228 Aberfoil Ave): fine reduced to $1,137.85 (administrative costs); payment due in 30 days. - 23-738 (900 W Wetherby Rd): lien reduced to $1,112.85; 180 days to pay; reverts if unpaid.

What matters to residents: Most orders require respondents to obtain required permits and inspections within 60–90 days. Two matters resulted in fee reductions to administrative costs; the magistrate repeatedly noted owners may seek civil remedies against contractors for damages but that compliance responsibility rests with property owners.

Sources: Fort Pierce building department investigators presented photographs and case files; testimony and appeals/requests came directly from property owners or their representatives. Direct quotes were taken from in-hearing testimony and rulings.