Fernandina Beach code board finds three properties in violation, sets 30‑day deadlines and daily fines

The Fernandina Beach Code Enforcement and Appeals Board on March 5 found three separate properties in violation of city maintenance ordinances and set 30‑day compliance deadlines with daily fines if owners do not act.

Crystal Rimes, a city code enforcement officer, opened each case with a chronology of inspections and written notices. For 310 North 15th Street (case 2025‑0628), Rimes said the department observed violations of Code of Ordinances Section 42‑117 (exterior structure maintenance) and Section 42‑116 (duty to maintain property), documented outreach dating to October 2025 and a recent inspection that showed some corrections but at least one outstanding exterior‑structure issue. "My name is Crystal Rimes. I'm a code enforcement officer for the city of Fernandina," Rimes said when presenting the case.

The property owner, Jason Luke, acknowledged the violations and asked for time to complete repairs, saying he had recently lost his father and had been dealing with personal issues. "I don't deny anything she said… My dad just recently passed in December," Luke said, and told the board he expected to complete the work within about a month.

The city recommended finding the respondent in violation, giving 30 days to come into compliance by April 4, 2026, and assessing administrative fees and a $25 per‑day fine beginning April 5 if not compliant. A board member moved to adopt the city's recommendation, the motion was seconded, and the board voted unanimously to find the owner in violation, grant 30 days for compliance and impose the administrative fees plus a $25 daily fine.

In a second case, concerning 508 Stanley Drive (case 2020‑10), staff summarized a long history of exterior deterioration and multiple outreach efforts beginning in October 2025, including a certified notice, extensions for financial hardship and repeated inspections showing no measurable progress. Rimes told the board that co‑owners had limited resources and that the property continued to exhibit interior and exterior deterioration. The city recommended finding violations of Sections 42‑117 and 42‑116, granting a 30‑day compliance period and assessing administrative fees with fines of $25 per day per violation (not to exceed $50 per day) beginning April 5, 2026.

Board members raised health and safety concerns and discussed the city's options for liens and foreclosure where fines go unpaid. Board attorney Prince noted that imposing a fine and entering a finding on the record notifies future buyers and creates a public record that the violations exist. The board voted to accept the city's recommendation and set the 30‑day deadline and fines as proposed.

A third item involved a vacant parcel (case 2025‑0620) where staff reported the lot remained overgrown and unmaintained despite prior notices and extensions. For that case, the city recommended the standard 30‑day compliance period and proposed administrative fees plus a $100 per‑day fine to begin April 5, 2026. Several board members questioned whether $100 per day was excessive; one member said the property owner could hire a contractor or neighborhood help to address the issue. After discussion the board approved the motion to find the property in violation, grant 30 days to comply and assess the administrative fees and $100 per‑day fine if the parcel remains noncompliant.

Beyond casework, board attorney Prince explained the quasi‑judicial standard the panel must apply and answered questions about ex parte communications and the evidentiary standard of competent substantial evidence. Staff said the city has arranged to consult a special magistrate (Harrison Pool) beginning in May and is working with the deputy city manager on demolition and lien processes for long‑running unsafe or noncompliant properties.

The meeting closed with public thanks and a retirement tribute to Michelle Forstrom, the city's code enforcement director, who was recognized for more than 20 years of service. The board then adjourned.

Votes at a glance: • 310 North 15th St. (case 2025‑0628): Found in violation of Sec. 42‑117 (exterior structure maintenance); 30 days to comply (by 2026‑04‑04); administrative fees + $25/day starting 2026‑04‑05 — approved (unanimous vote of members present). • 508 Stanley Dr. (case 2020‑10): Found in violation of Secs. 42‑117 and 42‑116; 30 days to comply (by 2026‑04‑04); administrative fees + $25/day per violation (not to exceed $50/day) starting 2026‑04‑05 — approved. • Vacant parcel (case 2025‑0620): Found in violation of Sec. 42‑116; 30 days to comply (by 2026‑04‑04); administrative fees + $100/day starting 2026‑04‑05 — approved.

What happens next: The board's findings create a public record of the violations; fines will begin if owners fail to meet the April 4 compliance deadlines. Staff indicated it will continue outreach, may pursue liens where fines are unpaid and will work with the new magistrate process starting in May.