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West Palm Beach special magistrate gives dozens of property owners deadlines, fines for code violations
Summary
At a July 1 hearing the special magistrate issued compliance deadlines (10–180 days) and fines for multiple properties across West Palm Beach, addressing issues from unpermitted fences and overgrowth to tree abuse, unpaved parking and missing business permits.
The City of West Palm Beach Code Enforcement Special Magistrate heard more than 30 code-enforcement matters on July 1 and issued orders that set deadlines for compliance and fines if violations persist. Officers presented individual investigations for properties cited for issues including unpermitted fences, unpermitted signs, missing rental licenses, overgrowth, unpaved parking where vehicles were on grass, tree abuse (improper pruning), and outdoor storage.
Case highlights include: - 4840 Briggs Street (case C26055414): Officer Carlos Cabino said an amended fence permit had been filed June 6; the city sought 90 days but the owner asked for 120 days. The magistrate granted 120 days to comply or $50/day thereafter. - 246 Plymouth Road (C26045197): Officer Olivia Thomas presented alleged tree abuse/hatracking; owner David Grober said he trimmed the tree to prevent hazard to buried gas lines. The magistrate imposed a one-time $150 fine. - 814 Elvadado (C26055429): following an RV parking/unpaved-parking citation, owner Jessica Jennison confirmed she had removed the RV; magistrate gave 120 days to replace grass or face up to $50/day. - Multiple businesses (Hemp Social, Cloud 305, Clan Pizza): the magistrate generally gave 60 days for owners to obtain sign permits and business tax receipts or face $100/day fines. - Large or complex properties with repeated or multiple violations received longer remediation windows (up to 180 days) where permits or demolition were required before full compliance could be achieved.
Magistrate rulings adopted code officers’ testimony and documentary evidence in most cases and tailored timeframes and fines to the factual circumstances presented. In one lien matter (case CE230381), the magistrate approved a reduction of a $39,900 lien to $6,000 payable within 60 days; the original amount would be restored if unpaid.
The hearing record shows the city commonly requested fines ranging from $50 to $250 a day for ongoing noncompliance and one-time fines (e.g., $150–$250) for certain violations such as tree abuse. Written orders will specify the precise compliance deadlines, fine calculations, and any follow-up steps the city will take.
