Special magistrate orders fines, deadlines and lien reductions in Delray Beach code cases

The city of Delray Beach special magistrate hearing on Feb. 5 produced fines, compliance deadlines and reduced liens across seven code‑enforcement matters affecting properties in the city’s downtown and nearby neighborhoods.

City code officers presented photographic evidence and testimony in each matter. Latoya Thompson, code enforcement officer, said staff observed “the catch basin in front of the gate...was filled with sediment” at 1001 White Drive and that required silt fabric had torn; the city recommended a one‑time fine of $5,000. The magistrate found the Irreparable/Irreversible (IR) violation proved and imposed the $5,000 fine, payable within 30 days.

Historic preservation staff and code officers focused two lengthy cases on properties in and near Old School Square. Michelle Hoyland, principal planner in the Historic Preservation Division, testified that inspections of the Docks building at 10 North Swinton Avenue showed water intrusion, missing or rotted fascia and unsecured openings. “If this is not addressed…they can be limited and not allowed to reconstruct on the site for a period of 5 years,” Hoyland said, referencing the city’s maintenance rules aimed at preventing demolition by neglect. James Easley, a code officer, recommended 30 days to bring the property into compliance or fines of $1,000 per day; the magistrate adopted that recommendation.

At 27 South Swinton Avenue, a site with four contributing historic structures, Easley and Michelle Williams of the preservation staff showed 87 photographs documenting broken windows, exposed wiring, overgrown landscaping and unsecured openings. The magistrate found the condition posed a threat to public health and safety, ordered the property secured within seven days and required all cited repairs within 30 days or fines of up to $1,000 per day.

Other outcomes and orders from the hearing included:
• 3637 Lakeview Boulevard: found in violation for outdoor storage and an impermissible, unshielded boat; 30 days to comply or $50 per day fines. (City evidence: Joseph Oliva.)
• 338 South Ridge Road: noncompliance with a prior board order for a fence installed without a permit; fines of $50 per day beginning Dec. 9 continue until compliance (accrued to date $2,900). (City evidence: Latoya Thompson.)
• 2208 West Pine Ridge Court: owner James Moody requested a lien reduction for a landscaping violation that had accrued to $13,177.60; the magistrate reduced the lien to $3,000 payable in 60 days, with the original amount restored if unpaid.
• 2496 Douglas Avenue: owner Ellen Ryan sought reduction of $5,100 in roof‑repair fines; the magistrate cut the fines to $1,275 payable within 90 days, reverting to the full amount if unpaid.

Several property representatives said renovation financing and permitting were underway. Steve Michael, representing the Docks property, said the owner has approved plans and expects to close a construction loan in the coming weeks; attorney Mark Peral said a $476,000 performance bond was in place as part of the plat approval process. Michael and others committed to coordinating with staff on remediation plans.

What happens next: the magistrate’s orders set firm short deadlines in cases the city described as health, safety and welfare risks. Owners who meet staff’s compliance checks within the stated time frames will avoid the daily fines; failure to comply triggers accrual of the fines or other sanctions the city may lawfully impose.

Minutes and exhibits from the hearing were admitted into the record for each case; several respondents were offered follow‑up with staff and the option to return to the magistrate if they dispute the staff’s compliance determination.