Martin County orders property owners to correct code violations or face fines

On June 18, 2025, Martin County held a Code Enforcement Hearing addressing multiple property violations, highlighting ongoing concerns about community standards and compliance with local ordinances. The meeting focused on two primary cases involving property owners who failed to rectify cited violations.

The first case involved Michael G. Leonard, whose property was found to have significant issues, including high grass and trash accumulation. Code compliance investigator Michael Joseph reported that a notice of violation was issued on April 7, 2025, citing violations under Martin County's nuisance ordinances. Leonard was given until April 21 to address these issues, but compliance was not achieved. A subsequent notice of hearing was sent on May 15, and after further inspections, it was confirmed that the violations persisted. The hearing concluded with an order for Leonard to comply by July 31, 2025, or face a daily fine of $100 for each ongoing violation. Additionally, the county sought reimbursement of $575 for the costs incurred during the investigation.

The second case involved William Hoffman, who was cited for failing to renew an expired permit for a water heater changeout. Joseph detailed the timeline of notifications and inspections, noting that Hoffman was given until May 12, 2025, to correct the violation. With no response from Hoffman, the county posted a notice at the property and the administrative building. As of June 17, the permit remained expired, prompting the request for compliance by July 31, 2025, with similar penalties for non-compliance.

These hearings underscore the county's commitment to maintaining property standards and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The outcomes of these cases will not only affect the individual property owners but also reflect the county's broader efforts to uphold community standards and address nuisance issues that can impact neighborhood quality of life. The next steps will involve monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties if necessary, as the county continues to prioritize the health and safety of its residents.