Owner given 10 days to hire licensed engineer and contractor to avoid demolition of modular home in Southport

The special magistrate hearing in Bay County on June 19 centered on a prolonged compliance dispute over a modular/mobile home at 7203 Highway 2302 in Southport. Inspector Scott Thorpe and other building officials told the court the structure was moved and renovated without completing required DCA modular inspections, that final electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections failed, and that a stop-work order was posted April 30.

Property owner Lucius Manning testified he purchased the modular unit and has since invested in repairs and materials; he provided receipts and said documented outlays total approximately $22,000 and that additional cash expenditures may push his total higher. Manning and his attorney, Brian Montague of the Becker Firm, asked for a chance to complete engineering plans and obtain permits rather than face demolition.

Inspector Thorpe pressed that some of the structural work was done without framing permits and that signs of rot remain, meaning staff cannot verify unpermitted repairs without exposing concealed framing. Code enforcement recommended the magistrate authorize county contractors to demolish the unfit structure and to record costs and fines as liens if the respondent failed to comply.

Magistrate Tiffany Serna balanced those positions by accepting the county’s authority while giving Manning a limited opportunity to cure: she ordered a two-step deadline. Manning has 10 days to submit names and contracts showing he has retained a licensed general contractor and licensed professionals (including an engineer and a licensed roofer) and 20 days from the order to submit a complete renovation/permit application with engineered plans and product-approval documentation. The magistrate warned that additional extensions are unlikely and that demolition authority would remain if deadlines are not met.

The magistrate said she would not order immediate demolition if the hiring and permit-submittal requirements are satisfied within the deadlines. A compliance hearing was set for the next scheduled review; the building department and planning and zoning (flood review/setback checks) will also review any applications before permits may be issued.

The owner said he will seek a general contractor and engineer immediately and will provide names and documentation to the county. Code enforcement staff stated they will verify the completeness of permit submittals before further work may occur.