Violation Procedure

Bringing Properties into Compliance


The initial amount of time usually given to bring a property into compliance is fifteen days, as stated in the violation notice. The exceptions to this include a repeat violation; a violation that is considered a threat to public health or safety; and a violation that is irreparable or irreversible in nature.

After a notice of violation has been issued and the time allowed to bring the property into compliance has expired, the officer will initiate a hearing before the special magistrate. At the hearing the officer will present the case and explain why the property is in violation, and the property owner (or their agent) is provided the opportunity to refute the violation as well as cross-examine the code officer. 
If the town prevails in prosecuting the case, the magistrate grants an additional period of time for compliance to occur and also assesses the owner both administrative costs and a possible fine of up to $1,000 for each day the property remains in violation.  A repeat violator can be fined up to $5,000 per day, and if the violation is considered irreparable or irreversible, a one-time fine of up to $15,000 can be assessed. 
 
If the violation continues to exist beyond the time granted for compliance, a lien is recorded against the property in the public records of Palm Beach County.  The lien can stay in effect for 20 years before it expires, and if the property is not homesteaded, foreclosure proceedings can be initiated by the town.