Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing | March 18, 2026

The Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing for the City of West Palm Beach held on March 18, 2026, focused primarily on enforcement of city codes related to property maintenance, building permits, and violations such as overgrowth, unpermitted construction, and unsafe conditions. Numerous cases were heard involving property owners and representatives addressing violations including failure to obtain permits for fences and window modifications, excessive vegetation growth, tree abuse, and business licensing issues. The magistrate granted varying compliance periods, typically ranging from 10 to 150 days, with fines imposed for noncompliance, often $50 to $250 per day. Several cases involved negotiated settlements reducing large accrued fines to a percentage of the original amount, with payment deadlines set. The hearing also included discussions on permit application delays, restoration plans for damaged trees, and requests for fee waivers or grandfathering status, which were generally denied or deferred to city council authority. Overall, the meeting emphasized code enforcement actions, compliance timelines, and fine assessments to ensure adherence to city regulations.