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Magistrate finds no proof of rodent nuisance at Lacey property; orders administrative fee, continues shed matter to Oct. 1
Summary
At a Cooper City hearing magistrate declined to find a public-nuisance rodent violation at 8705 SW 55th Street due to lack of evidence, found front-yard overgrowth complied (but assessed a $150 administrative fee), and continued the unpermitted shed/structure to Oct. 1 for further review and potential variance proceedings.
The special magistrate reviewed three related citations at 8705 Southwest 55th Street and split the matters for separate outcomes. Michael Giordano, a Broward Sheriff's Office code inspector, testified he received neighbor complaints beginning May 2025 about tall trees and a possible rodent problem and saw an unpermitted structure on the property; he reported no permit record and multiple follow-up inspections.
The owner’s representative and family members provided emails, historical photos and legal citations they argued could affect enforceability. The magistrate said the record lacked proof of a rodent infestation and therefore dismissed that count: "As to case number 251035 regarding excessive undergrowth causing a public nuisance for rodent, I'm not finding as a violation because I don't see any proof." The magistrate found the front-yard overgrowth had been brought into compliance based on photographs but ordered a $150 administrative fee due by Oct. 3, 2025. The unpermitted shed—apparently present since at least 1998 and located within a setback—was continued to Oct. 1, 2025 so staff can review prior enforcement records and for the family to pursue a variance or other remedies; the magistrate noted demolition could be required if a variance is not obtained.
Owners described financial hardship and the shed’s role in household independence; magistrate said those are considerations for a variance request but do not negate permitting requirements. The magistrate encouraged the owners to pursue either a variance or other permitted alternatives and set a status hearing for Oct. 1, 2025 to determine next steps.
