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Fort Pierce special magistrate orders permits, sets deadlines and fines for multiple properties
Summary
At a March 12 special‑magistrate hearing, the City of Fort Pierce found code violations at several properties, granting most owners 60 days (one case 180 days) to obtain permits and inspections or face $250-per-day fines; one case was withdrawn after a permit was issued.
The City of Fort Pierce special magistrate, Jamie Barrow, on March 12 found code violations at multiple residential and rental properties and set deadlines for owners to obtain required permits and inspections or face daily fines.
Barrow opened the hearing by explaining procedure and accepting the city’s evidence, including time‑stamped photographs and inspector testimony. City inspectors presented individual cases alleging work performed without permits, damaged interior and exterior surfaces, plumbing and mechanical defects, and other building‑code violations.
In summary of outcomes, the magistrate found violations and set these remedies: most owners were given 60 days to obtain permits and inspections and to cure violations, with a warning that a $250‑per‑day fine would be assessed for noncompliance. In one case involving a change of ownership and older evidence (304 North 15th Street), Barrow extended the compliance period to 180 days because the new owners said they had inherited the issue after purchase. In another matter (2114 Gulfview Court) the city withdrew the case after the owner obtained a driveway permit.
Cases at a glance: - BB2025Dash00186 (2029 South 26th Street, PDK Inc./Crystal Trace Apartments): Inspector Joel Smith presented tenant complaint photos; Francisco Aponte (maintenance) said repairs are in progress. Court found a violation and granted 60 days to obtain permits and inspections or face $250/day fines. - BV2025Dash00188 (304 North 15th Street, owners Bliss Johnson and Victor Green): City records showed a prior case against the previous owner and staff cited Florida Statute 162.06. The new owners said they purchased the house with clear title; Barrow gave them 180 days to obtain required permits and plans. - BB2025Dash00191 (3215 Jersey Court, Affordable Housing of Florida): Property manager Melissa Canales said all code items were fixed except a permit for an AC unit; court ordered 60 days to obtain the permit and inspections. - BV2025Dash00195 (115 North 14th Street, Houston): The inspector listed numerous structural and code items stemming from unpermitted work converting a single‑family home into multiple units; Barrow ordered 60 days to obtain permits and inspections. - BV2025Dash00197 (815 South 13th Street, Fleming/Hill): Owner representative said repairs are underway; court ordered 60 days to comply. - BB202500216 (2114 Gulfview Court): Miles Keller reported a driveway permit had been issued; the city moved to withdraw the case and the magistrate accepted the withdrawal.
City staff reiterated that, where permit applications or plan reviews are underway, inspections must be completed within the code‑specified windows; otherwise expired or unapproved permits can trigger renewed violations. The magistrate also reminded respondents they have 30 days to appeal a finding.
The hearing concluded after additional status matters were taken up and notice procedures reviewed. Several owners were granted stays of fine accrual where staff recommended and the magistrate found it appropriate to allow time to pursue permits.
