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Ocean Ridge magistrate orders compliance deadlines, fines in permit and dock safety cases
Summary
The special magistrate gave property owners deadlines to obtain permits or repair hazardous structures: 30 days to resolve permit issues at 7 Sailfish Lane, 60 days to fix exposed wiring and 180 days to repair or replace a dangerous dock at 7 Ocean Harbor, and a $4,000 repeat‑violation fine for a property at 5015 Old Ocean Blvd.
The Town of Ocean Ridge special magistrate hearing included several code‑enforcement rulings on building permits, a hazardous dock, and a repeat vegetation encroachment violation.
In case CS2026‑026 (7 Sailfish Lane), code officer Steve Sheehan testified that interior work had been performed with an expired plumbing permit and without required inspections. Owner Elizabeth Scypinski said an appraisal and permit application were in process. The magistrate gave the owner 30 days to secure permits and inspections or face a $100‑per‑day fine; the town’s administrative costs of $174.73 were assessed.
In case CS2026‑008 (7 Ocean Harbor Circle), officers described a rotted dock and unstable pilings the town considered a life‑safety hazard, plus exposed landscape wiring and a front door lacking an operable handle. Owner Elona Canton acknowledged the dock issues and said marine contractors were consulting; the magistrate set a 180‑day compliance period for dock repair or replacement and 60 days to remedy exposed electrical issues or face $100/day fines. The town noted permitting for docks often requires state and federal reviews (DEP, Army Corps) and said owners should keep the town apprised for potential extensions.
For case CS2026‑023 (5015 Old Ocean Blvd), staff presented a repeat vegetation encroachment violation tied to a previously adjudicated enforcement action. The magistrate assessed a repeat‑violation fine of $500 per day for eight days, totaling $4,000, and administrative costs of $174.73.
Magistrate Amity Barnard emphasized the benefit of appearing at hearings — owners receive time to come into compliance and the record reflects any extensions granted for demonstrated good faith efforts. All orders will be mailed, and owners were advised to stay in contact with town staff while securing permits or arranging contracted repairs.
