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Baker County magistrate closes one case, imposes fines and compliance deadlines in code‑enforcement hearing
Summary
At a Baker County special magistrate hearing Magistrate Geraldine Hart closed one case, approved fines in another and granted 10–30 day compliance deadlines for several properties accused of sanitary and nuisance code violations.
Magistrate Geraldine Hart reviewed a series of Baker County code‑enforcement cases, closing one file, approving fines in a second case and giving property occupants or owners short deadlines to fix violations.
County staff asked the magistrate to close case 001‑2026 for Kyler Cruz after a June 9 site visit found the parcel in compliance; Hart accepted staff’s recommendation and closed the case with no fines. “Based on that site visit…you will see Mr. Cruz is now in compliance,” county staff said, and Hart replied she would close the file.
In case 004‑2026 involving Steven Thomas, staff told the magistrate Thomas had failed to comply after an April order with a 60‑day deadline. Staff requested an $85 administrative fee, a $150 first‑day fine dated June 4 and $30 per day thereafter up to 180 days. No one appeared to contest the county’s allegations, and Hart assessed the fines as requested.
Magistrate Hart found that an initial violation for Alfred Rivera at 7899 Madison Drive (case 005‑2026) remained unresolved and granted up to 10 calendar days for the property to come into full compliance because of the parcel’s prior complaint history. Staff had described four alleged violations including discarded objects and sanitary and attractive‑nuisance concerns.
A longer exchange occurred in case 006‑2026, opened for the late Lois Hancock’s parcel. Travis Trail, who said the property is his wife’s great‑grandmother’s, told the magistrate and county staff that a fifth‑wheel trailer was occupied and that an inoperable motor home and multiple vehicles were on the lot. Staff cited several local code provisions and explained a two‑year affidavit is available to register up to two nonoperational vehicles; the affidavit would not cover a third vehicle. Trail said he was preparing to remove or repair items and anticipated using a dumpster to dismantle the burned motor home. Hart granted 30 calendar days for cleanup and directed the resident to consult building staff about permit options for the nonpermitted accessory structure.
In case 007‑2026, involving parcel owner Donnie Love, tenant Tyler Pearl Sr. said he had been working to clear discarded objects while also dealing with a family medical emergency. Staff reported that most earlier violations had been corrected and that discarded objects and debris remained. Hart granted 30 calendar days for compliance and told occupants to contact county staff for re‑inspection; she warned that unresolved cases would return to the magistrate for potential fines.
The magistrate closed the hearing after staff confirmed there were no further cases. Follow‑up inspections are expected at the 10‑ and 30‑day marks; the magistrate said fines or further enforcement would be imposed for properties that remain noncompliant.
