Deltona Special Magistrate Code Compliance Meeting – February 25, 2026

The City of Deltona's Special Magistrate for Code Compliance, John Van Lanningham, convened a hearing on February 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (the transcript indicates February 26, 2026) to address various code enforcement cases. The agenda included old business (cases with prior orders) and new business (initial appearances). A total of 17 cases were heard, covering both code compliance and fire safety matters. City attorneys and code officers presented evidence, and several property owners or their representatives appeared to present their positions. The magistrate found violations in all cases and set compliance deadlines and fines.

Consent Calendar

• The magistrate approved the minutes of the previous meeting without objection.
• The following cases were withdrawn or continued by the city:
  • Case DEL 25093 (Massey case, 1145 Giovanni Street) was withdrawn due to compliance.
  • Fire cases 003-2026 (2472 L Cam Boulevard), 007-2026 (414 Deltona Boulevard), and 016-2026 (1240 East Normandy Boulevard) were continued to the March 25, 2026 hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fred A. Kelly II (via attorney Arthur Huggins) regarding the unpermitted retaining wall at 1114 Cambridge Street: Argued that the city had repeatedly denied him the ability to apply for a permit, creating a catch‑22. He noted that the previous magistrate had suggested he contact the city commission, but no resolution had been reached. He stated that a civil suit was being prepared.
• Caesar Borges (property owner of 679 Vicksburg Street): Informed the magistrate that he had hired a new contractor, plans were submitted, and a permit application was pending. He requested a reduction or waiver of the accrued $5,400 fine, but the magistrate explained that fines could only be considered after full compliance.
• Lavon Hodge (daughter and representative of owner Gloria Brathwaite, for 3342 Vancouver Avenue): Explained that the portable storage unit was ordered in connection with a planned move and sale of the house, but the sale fell through. She stated that a new offer had been received and requested additional time to remove the container due to the high cost of moving it. The magistrate declined to extend the compliance date beyond the 12 days set.
• Sandra Johnson (property manager for Saxon Plaza, regarding fire case 046-2025 at 2031 Saxon Boulevard): Stated that she was recently appointed and had been working with the tenant to obtain the required permit. She had no questions for the inspector.
• Selene Vasquez (representing the tenant Dollar Tree for fire case 010-2026 at 915 Doyle Road, suites 103‑105): Explained that the tenant had been trying to coordinate with the landlord and the original installer to obtain the needed permit, but had faced delays. She requested 60 days instead of the recommended 30. The magistrate granted 45 days.

Discussion Items

• DEL 25042 (1114 Cambridge Street) – Seawall Without Permit: Code officer Jose Maria Jimenez testified that a violation was found on June 25, 2025, and the owner was given 180 days to comply. No permit had been applied for or issued. The building official, Chad Tate, confirmed that no permit application was on file and that a permit could not be issued for a wall not on the owner’s property. The respondent’s attorney argued that the city was preventing the owner from applying, but the magistrate ruled that the sole issue was the lack of compliance with the prior order. The magistrate ordered the accrued fine of $1,175 to be imposed, with fines continuing at $25 per day until compliance.
• DEL 25086 ABC (679 Vicksburg Street) – Multiple Violations: Code officer Michir Therk Z. testified that the property was given 90 days from October 22, 2025, to comply. As of the hearing, the property remained out of compliance, with $5,400 in fines accrued at $150 per day. The owner, Caesar Borges, appeared and stated that he had hired a new contractor, submitted plans, and applied for a permit. The magistrate found the property non-compliant and ordered the fines to continue.
• DEL 26010 (617 South Anchor Drive) – Violation: Code officer Jeff Scott testified that a 21‑day compliance period had expired on February 18, 2026, and $2,000 in fines had accrued at $250 per day. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found non-compliance and ordered fines to continue.
• Fire 039‑2025 (1878 Providence Boulevard) – Fire Code Violation: Fire Marshal Sharon Shivers testified that a 90‑day compliance period had expired, with no response from the contractor. Fines of $1,800 had accrued at $50 per day. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found non-compliance and continued fines.
• DEL 26012 (3342 Vancouver Avenue) – Portable Storage Unit: Code officer Jimenez testified that a storage container had been on site since December 12, 2025, exceeding the 30‑day limit. Respondents Lavon and Leon Hodge explained that the container was tied to their relocation plans. The magistrate found a violation, set a compliance date of March 9, 2026, and imposed a $100‑per‑day fine starting March 10 if not removed.
• DEL 26013 (1068 Eagles Nest Avenue) – Garage Conversion Without Permit: Code officer Janice Pilasic testified that the property owner had been informed of the need for a permit in September 2025. No permit had been obtained. The magistrate found a violation, set a compliance date of March 27, 2026, and a $25‑per‑day fine.
• DEL 26014 (1556 East Normandy Boulevard) – Unsanitary Pool: Code officer Scott testified that the pool was in unsanitary condition. The case had been continued due to a change in ownership. The magistrate found a violation, set a compliance date of March 11, 2026, and a $25‑per‑day fine.
• DEL 26015 (323 Clover Leaf Boulevard) – Accumulation of Debris: Code officer Scott testified that cardboard boxes remained on the rear porch despite earlier notices. The magistrate found a violation, set a compliance date of March 11, 2026, and a $25‑per‑day fine.
• Fire 046‑2025 (2031 Saxon Boulevard) – Fire Code Violation: Fire Marshal Shivers testified that a magnetic locking device had been installed without a permit. A permit application had been submitted but was pending. The property manager, Sandra Johnson, appeared but had no further information. The magistrate found a violation, set a compliance date of May 26, 2026 (90 days), and a $50‑per‑day fine.
• Fire 004‑2026 (11 Howland Boulevard, Fairwinds Credit Union) – Multiple Fire Code Violations: Fire Inspector Lisa Nadeau testified that inspections since July 2025 found violations including missing inspection reports, a defective backflow system, and unpermitted fire alarm equipment. The magistrate found violations A, C, and D outstanding, set a 30‑day compliance for A and C (March 27, 2026), and 90 days for D (May 26, 2026), with $50‑per‑day fines.
• Fire 006‑2026 (1001 Alabaster Way) – Extensive Fire Code Violations: Fire Marshal Shivers detailed ten violations (A–J) at a multi‑story building, including fire door issues, generator problems, and sprinkler system deficiencies. Two violations were partially or fully corrected. The magistrate found the remaining violations and set a 90‑day compliance date (May 26, 2026) with $50‑per‑day fines per violation.
• Fire 009‑2026 (915 Doyle Road) – Fire Code Violations: Inspector Nadeau cited four violations related to records, signage, labeling, and unit numbers. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found all violations, set a 30‑day compliance (March 27, 2026), and $50‑per‑day fines.
• Fire 010‑2026 (915 Doyle Road, Suites 103‑105) – Unpermitted Emergency Lighting: Inspector Nadeau testified that emergency lights were installed without a permit. Selene Vasquez appeared on behalf of the tenant and requested 60 days due to coordination issues. The magistrate found a violation, set a 45‑day compliance date (April 13, 2026), and a $50‑per‑day fine.
• Fire 012‑2026 (951 Doyle Road) – Fire Code Violations: Inspector Nadeau cited three violations concerning a fire alarm system, smoke alarm, and fire hydrant inspection. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found violations, set a 30‑day compliance (March 27, 2026), and $50‑per‑day fines.
• Fire 013‑2026 (2187 Howland Boulevard, CVS) – Missing Inspection Tag: Inspector Nadeau testified that a fire hydrant lacked an inspection tag, a violation observed since September 2025. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found a violation, set a 30‑day compliance (March 27, 2026), and a $50‑per‑day fine.
• Fire 014‑2026 (890 North State Road 415) – Unpermitted Work: Inspector Nadeau testified that emergency lights had been installed without a permit; one violation was corrected prior to the hearing. The magistrate found the remaining violation, set a 90‑day compliance (May 26, 2026), and a $50‑per‑day fine.

Key Outcomes

• DEL 25042: Found non-compliant; $1,175 fine accrued, $25/day continues.
• DEL 25086 ABC: Found non-compliant; $5,400 fine accrued, $150/day continues.
• DEL 26010: Found non-compliant; $2,000 fine accrued, $250/day continues.
• Fire 039‑2025: Found non-compliant; $1,800 fine accrued, $50/day continues.
• DEL 26012: Violation found; compliance by March 9, 2026; $100/day fine from March 10.
• DEL 26013: Violation found; compliance by March 27, 2026; $25/day fine from March 28.
• DEL 26014: Violation found; compliance by March 11, 2026; $25/day fine from March 12.
• DEL 26015: Violation found; compliance by March 11, 2026; $25/day fine from March 12.
• Fire 046‑2025: Violation found; compliance by May 26, 2026; $50/day fine from May 27.
• Fire 004‑2026: Violations A and C: compliance by March 27, 2026, $50/day each; Violation D: compliance by May 26, 2026, $50/day.
• Fire 006‑2026: Violations (A partially, D, E, F, G, H, I, J) found; compliance by May 26, 2026; $50/day per violation.
• Fire 009‑2026: Violations A–D found; compliance by March 27, 2026; $50/day per violation.
• Fire 010‑2026: Violation found; compliance by April 13, 2026; $50/day fine.
• Fire 012‑2026: Violations A–C found; compliance by March 27, 2026; $50/day per violation.
• Fire 013‑2026: Violation found; compliance by March 27, 2026; $50/day fine.
• Fire 014‑2026: Violation B found; compliance by May 26, 2026; $50/day fine.

The magistrate ordered all fines to continue accruing until compliance is verified. Property owners were advised that fine reduction requests could be entertained only after full compliance is achieved. The meeting adjourned with instructions for the clerk to prepare formal orders.

Note: The transcript indicates the hearing was called on February 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., but this summary uses the date provided in the task (February 25, 2026) as instructed.