Special magistrate grants multiple 30–120 day extensions in Miami code enforcement hearings

Special Magistrate Dawn Grace Jones opened the Sept. 8 hearings and reminded attendees how to request additional time and how to appeal any order: “you can appeal it to the 11th Judicial Circuit, within 30 days of today's date,” she said.

Throughout the session the magistrate and city staff repeatedly approved requests for additional time to come into compliance. City staff routinely reported respondents were in the inspection phase or awaiting plan revisions; the court ordered time limits ranging from 30 days for business tax/certificate issues to 120 days where contractors had changed or plans were inactive. For example, Michael Zogby was given 30 days to secure an affidavit of compliance for his business (the magistrate said “30 days so ordered”), while multiple property owners received 90 or 120-day orders to finalize permits and re-activate plans.

Magistrate Jones also directed respondents to the city's extension process at www.miamigov.com and emphasized the practical steps needed to conclude compliance, including contacting the assigned code inspector to obtain an affidavit of compliance once permit work is finalized. The hearing closed after staff confirmed interpreters were present and the magistrate adjourned the session.