Commissioners table proposal to add penalties for development without permits

Permits & Inspections staff asked the court May 26 to consider adding penalty fees for development that proceeds without obtaining required permits, citing repeated violations in multiple precincts and particular concern in flood-prone areas where elevation certificates are required.

Staff said some cases showed a 0% recovery percentage because collection and lawsuit costs are paid first and suggested an additional charge equal to the original permit fee (rather than a retroactive fine) for work initiated without permits. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the fee should be retroactive, whether an appeal process is needed, and whether the county can enforce and collect such fees.

The court voted to table the proposal and asked staff to return with a clarified fee schedule and precise language for the ordinance or fee amendment before bringing the item back to the docket.