AUTHORITY: Chapter 162, F. S., Ordinance No. 87-15 adopted on August 25, 1987, effective October 1, 1987; as amended. Unified Land Development Code, Section 4.14.

 

APPOINTING AUTHORITY: Board of County Commissioners (BCC)

In October, 1997, Palm Beach County changed from a multi-member Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate process. Seven attorneys were appointed by the County Administrator to sit as Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.

Hearings are typically held the first Wednesday of each month at the Planning, Zoning and Building offices at 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach. Functions of the Special Magistrate include making findings of fact and conclusions of law as are necessary to enforce the various building and zoning related codes and ordinances applicable in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County; issuance of subpoenas; taking of testimony under oath; to issue orders having the force of law commanding whatever steps are necessary to achieve compliance of the violation of the County's codes; to levy fines not to exceed $1,000.00 for a first violation, or $5,000.00 for a repeat violation for each day a violation continues past the first day; and to lien property in cases where the violation is not corrected within the timeframe provided by the Special Magistrate Order.