Case dismissed after respondent moves untitled vehicle into garage at 642 Brittons Court

A special magistrate dismissed a code-enforcement case against Teresa DeCagnio concerning an untitled white vehicle at 642 Brittons Court after testimony that the vehicle was moved into the garage and the magistrate concluded the property was in compliance.

City Code Enforcement Officer Selena Acevedo told the hearing that the white vehicle with no license plate was first observed on May 20, 2025, and that the city sent courtesy and follow-up letters, a notice of violation, and later a notice of hearing. Acevedo admitted a 23-page packet of supporting documentation into evidence and documented certified-mail receipts and affidavits of posting.

Respondent Teresa DeCagnio told the magistrate her significant other — in whose name the car was titled — died and she did not have the title. She said collection agencies and towing companies refused to remove the car without a title and that she had consulted attorneys who offered no practicable solution. DeCagnio said the vehicle had not run for three years and that, after her son cleaned the garage, she paid to have the car towed into the garage on Aug. 18.

The magistrate found that DeCagnio had come into compliance and dismissed the case. The magistrate noted the unusual circumstances — the vehicle’s title was not in the respondent’s name and the car could not be removed by third parties without a title — but took the dismissal on the basis of current compliance.

Discussion only: respondent described difficulty obtaining removal or title and the vehicle’s condition; Decision: magistrate dismissed the case because the vehicle was placed inside a garage and the city found compliance at the hearing. No fines or future directives were imposed beyond the expectation the respondent remain in compliance.