Administrative Hearing on Code Enforcement Civil Penalty – February 19, 2026

This administrative hearing was held on February 19, 2026, before Hearing Officer Elizabeth Byer regarding a civil penalty issued by Washoe County Code Enforcement against Jonathan Belfort (Case No. WCAH 2025-000045). The case stems from alleged violations of Washoe County Code sections 110306 (outdoor storage on vacant lands) and 110310 (RV living) at 300 Pah Rah Springs. Respondent Jonathan Belfort appeared pro se, citing visual impairment, and his witness Jeffrey Merritt Wilson joined by telephone. Code Enforcement was represented by Mr. Farmer and Mr. Giesinger.

Discussion Items

• Procedural Issues: Mr. Belfort’s witness, Jeffrey Wilson, initially could not log into the Zoom hearing. The hearing officer attempted to resend the link, but technical difficulties persisted. Mr. Belfort objected to proceeding without his witness and without direct access to his exhibits, noting his visual impairment and lack of internet. The hearing officer overruled the objection, stating all exhibits were part of the record and the witness could testify by phone. Mr. Wilson eventually joined by telephone and was sworn in.
• Code Enforcement’s Timeline: Mr. Farmer outlined the case history: first complaint in June 2018; building permit obtained in June 2019 after a year of extensions; permit expired; new violation case opened; first administrative penalty hearing in December 2024; hearing officer ordered reapplication; the county appealed to the Board of Adjustment, which reversed in spring 2025 and ordered removal of all items within 25 days; the Second Judicial Court upheld the Board’s decision; a second penalty was issued to allow a notice of violation report with the recorder’s office. Photos taken November 19, 2025, showed continued storage on the property. Mr. Giesinger added that even if a new building permit were obtained, the time allowed for RV living had expired.
• Respondent’s Arguments: Mr. Belfort argued extenuating circumstances: work on his engineered septic system (over $30,000 and hundreds of hours) began in 2020; the COVID-19 state of emergency (March 2020) stayed statute of limitations for approximately three years; he was severely ill with COVID-19 for two months; he discovered fraud, embezzlement, and a fraudulent title claim; he alleged selective enforcement, ex parte communications, and racketeering by county employees; he claimed the county retaliated after he reported crimes. He requested reinstatement of his building permits effective May 28, 2026, citing the stay and work completed. He also referenced a land patent claim and federal lawsuits (naming the hearing officer and code enforcement staff).
• Hearing Officer’s Findings: Hearing Officer Byer noted the ongoing violation, the expired building permits, and that no renewal extensions remained (per email from Kelly Mullins dated July 11, 2024). She found violations of Washoe County Code 110306 and 110310. She stated an order would be issued.

Key Outcomes

• Violation Found: Hearing Officer Byer determined that Mr. Belfort remains in violation of Washoe County Code sections 110306 and 110310, as evidenced by photos from November 19, 2025, and the expiration of building permit renewals.
• Corrective Action Requested: Code Enforcement requested a corrective action mirroring the Board of Adjustment’s prior order: removal of all stored items within 25 days. This would allow the county to proceed with the notice of violation if compliance is not achieved.
• Respondent’s Request: Mr. Belfort requested reinstatement of his building permits effective May 28, 2026, citing extenuating circumstances and the COVID-19 stay. He also requested a full, unedited copy of the hearing recording (offering to pay the $35 fee).
• Next Steps: The hearing officer will issue a written order. Mr. Belfort indicated he would further appeal in federal court.