Tom and Alice Lacey, who own 8705 Southwest 50th Street in Cooper City, were given six months to resolve an unpermitted backyard shed after a lengthy Oct. 1 hearing in front of Special Magistrate Angel Petty Rosenberg.

The magistrate told the family she found the permit requirement had existed historically and that evidence presented at prior hearings indicated the shed may have been in place for years, but she cannot make determinations about grandfathering or variances.

Why the case matters
The Lacey matter raised questions about whether the structure predated modern permit requirements and whether a variance or planning-and-zoning review would be required to legalize the shed. The magistrate stressed that the hearing’s jurisdiction is to determine compliance and set enforcement timelines, not to grant variances.

Key orders and next steps
- Compliance deadline: The magistrate set a six-month compliance period ending April 1, 2026, to allow the Laceys time to pursue planning, building, or variance remedies as needed.
- Status hearing: A March 4, 2026 status hearing was scheduled one month before that compliance deadline so the Laceys can report progress, request additional time if necessary, or present permit/variance filings.
- Fines and fees: The magistrate warned a $250-per-day fine will begin to accrue April 2, 2026 if the matter is not resolved; an administrative fee of $150 is due within 30 days of the order unless already paid. If fines are not paid they may be recorded as a lien in Broward County.
- Evidence and process: The Laceys provided an older dated photograph (10/12/1998) and an earlier survey (dated 12/18/1986) to show the structure’s presence; the magistrate accepted those exhibits into the record and marked them as resident exhibits.

What officials said
Carlos Vega, Cooper City’s community development director, confirmed the city had received earlier materials and said planning-and-zoning or a variance process may be necessary if the structure cannot be legalized through records. Magistrate Rosenberg told the Laceys that legalizing the shed — if possible — must go through Planning and Zoning or the City Commission and that the hearing itself cannot grant variances.

Ending
The Laceys were directed to meet with city staff before leaving the hearing to learn next steps. The magistrate’s order will be mailed; owners were told to bring any new documentation (title, surveys, permit records) to the March status hearing for possible recalculation or reconsideration of fines and deadlines.