Magistrate orders 4117 South Ocean property to obtain permits by Aug. 21 or face $250-a-day fines

The Special Magistrate in the Town of Highland Beach found on July 22 that the property at 4117 South Ocean Boulevard, owned by 4117 South Ocean LLC, is in violation of the town's code for missing building permits and property maintenance defects and ordered the owner to obtain the necessary permits by Aug. 21, 2026.

Code Compliance Officer Orlando Caret presented the town's case, saying, "This case was initiated on 04/24/2026 as a field observation," and listed violations including failure to secure permits for new windows, peeling and flaking paint, and driveway and parking-area defects under several Town code sections. Officer Caret told the magistrate that formal notice and posting were completed in mid-June and the last reinspection on July 22 found the property still in noncompliance.

Attorney Edgar Belaval, representing the trust that owns the property, said the trustees intend to remedy the issues and requested time for permitting, noting delays caused by installer and manufacturer problems and that plans will be resubmitted. Belaval told the magistrate his clients aim to "get an application in 30 to 45 days completed, submitted" and asked that the town allow abatement while permitting proceeds.

The Special Magistrate adopted the officers' testimony, found the listed code sections proven, and ordered: the respondent must apply for and obtain necessary permits by August 21, 2026; in the absence of compliance the magistrate assessed fines of $250 per day and prosecution costs of $250. Officer Caret said that upon permit approval the town typically allows six months to complete the work, and additional time can be requested from the building department if permitting delays occur.