Special Magistrate orders Atlantic Beach property owner to remedy unpermitted tree removals within 30 days

Special Magistrate Suzanne Green ordered compliance on Sept. 3 after the city presented evidence that trees were removed from a residential property on Camellia Street without required permits. City compliance officer Jose Lasen Gonzalez told the hearing that "there are 2 19 inches diameter trees removed and 1 15 inches diameter tree removed" and that the property "remains in violation." Green said the city recommended an order to comply and indicated she would adopt a 30-day compliance period.

Gonzalez summarized the inspection and notice history in the case listed as CE26-0122 and cited chapter 23 and section 24-173 as the relevant code sections for unpermitted land clearing and outside storage. The magistrate reminded parties of enforcement limits discussed earlier in the hearing — a first-offense fine of $250 per day, larger fines for repeat violations and a maximum of $5,000 for irreparable situations — and confirmed that an appeal of her order may be filed within 10 days to Duval County followed by further appeal to circuit court. Wendy Tovar, a representative who said she is "working with Chris in order to get the permit," told the magistrate she had submitted materials needed for an after-the-fact permit and that the property was pursuing mitigation.