The Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing held on July 16, 2025, addressed ongoing compliance issues related to a property found in violation of local codes. The case, which began on May 15, 2024, involved a property deemed blighted due to trash, junk, overgrowth, and derelict vehicles. The respondent, William Wesson, was present through his representative, Richard Shank, as Wesson was unable to attend due to illness.

Initially, the magistrate ordered Wesson to correct the blighted conditions within 60 days or face fines. A roof permit was applied for on September 10, 2024, and issued on October 11, 2024, but the property remained non-compliant due to ongoing issues with the roof. Despite the county's efforts to clean the property, the roof continued to show signs of neglect.

Throughout the following months, Wesson communicated with the building department and requested extensions on his permit, which was granted until July 11, 2025. By the time of the hearing, the property had been brought into compliance, with the roof passing inspection shortly before the meeting.

During the hearing, Shank explained that misunderstandings regarding the abatement process had contributed to the delays. Wesson believed that screening the property from public view constituted compliance, but it was clarified that further action was necessary. Shank noted that since hiring legal representation, Wesson had been actively working to resolve the issues.

The magistrate acknowledged the compliance of the property but indicated that the matter of fines would still need to be addressed. A compliance hearing was scheduled to determine any penalties resulting from the previous violations. The meeting concluded with a focus on ensuring that all parties understood the requirements moving forward, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local codes to prevent future violations.