The Special Magistrate meeting held on January 14, 2025, in Daytona Beach focused on ongoing compliance issues related to property renovations and the imposition of fines for non-compliance. The primary case discussed involved a property owner cited for conducting interior renovations without the necessary permits. The city proposed a fine of $200 per day, capped at $15,000, due to a lack of progress on the resubmitted permit since October 2024.

During the meeting, the property owner explained that the initial permit was submitted on May 21, 2024, but was rejected because they were not a licensed contractor. After securing a general contractor, the owner indicated that the necessary paperwork was being processed and expected the permits to be finalized within two weeks. The magistrate emphasized the urgency of compliance, setting a deadline of February 5, 2025, for the completion of the permit process and final inspections.

In a separate case, another property owner reported significant delays and issues with contractors, leading to incomplete renovations and a dilapidated deck. The owner expressed frustration over the lack of communication and quality of work from the contractors, which had resulted in additional costs and delays. The city recommended extending the compliance deadline to March 5, 2025, to allow the owner time to rectify the situation.

The magistrate reiterated the importance of adhering to the deadlines, warning that failure to comply could result in substantial daily fines. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enforcing building codes and ensuring that property renovations meet safety and compliance standards.