The Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing held on July 16, 2025, addressed several compliance issues regarding property violations. The meeting began with a review of a case involving a property not in compliance with local zoning laws. The magistrate, after considering the evidence presented, determined that the property owner would be granted an additional two weeks to rectify the violations, which included the removal of inappropriate articles deemed non-compliant.
The magistrate specifically noted the presence of a cherry picker on the property, classifying it as equipment rather than a vehicle, and emphasized the need for its relocation. The property owner was also instructed to ensure that any untagged vehicles, such as an ambulance, were properly registered to avoid being classified as derelict.
The second item on the agenda involved a compliance hearing for a property located at 213 El Reposo Place. Investigator Joe Tripp from Bay County Code Enforcement presented evidence of ongoing violations, including junk and unscreened personal property. This case was noted as a first-time hearing, and the magistrate had previously ordered the property owner to bring the property into compliance within ten days or face an initial fine of $200, with daily fines accruing thereafter.
Despite a report from the property owner claiming that all violations had been corrected, subsequent inspections revealed that the property remained in violation. Evidence included trash, vehicle parts, and unscreened personal property visible from the street. The magistrate noted that while some cleanup had occurred, significant issues persisted, including vehicle liquids and trash in the backyard.
The hearing concluded with the magistrate scheduling a follow-up inspection to assess compliance progress. The next meeting is set for July 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM, where further actions will be determined based on the property owner's efforts to address the violations.