Wellington, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice of nuisance deadline
- 21 days to fix
- Notice of violation deadline
- 15 more days to fix
- Appeal window
- 10 days to special magistrate
- Appeal fee
- $100.00 certified check or money order
- Enforcing body
- Code Compliance Division, special magistrate
Summary
In the Village of Wellington, a dilapidated structure with broken window or door glass, damaged garage doors, roof damage that can cause interior leaks, or an unsecured or stagnant swimming pool is declared a nuisance under Village Code Section 9-3(E). The Planning, Zoning and Building Department mails a notice of nuisance giving the owner 21 days to fix it, and Wellington can correct it and lien the property under Section 9-5 if the owner does not comply.
It is hereby declared and determined by the Wellington Council that the following shall individually, or in any combination, be considered nuisances when they exist upon a lot, an occupied structure, or an unoccupied structure in Wellington: ... E.Dilapidated structures. ... ... Sec. 9-5. - Procedure for enforcement.A.Notice of nuisance. Upon the finding by Wellington that a nuisance exists, Wellington will send a notice of nuisance by regular mail to the address of the property owner, as shown by the tax rolls of the county. The notice of nuisance shall set forth:1.The Code section violated and a description of the nature of the violation;2.A demand that remedial action be taken to correct the nuisance within a maximum of 21 days from the date of the mailing of such notice of nuisance;3.A statement that failure to remedy the nuisance by the deadline specified in the notice of nuisance may result in correction of the nuisance by Wellington at the expense of the property owner; and4.A statement that the notice of nuisance may be appealed pursuant to section 9-6.
Full Breakdown
Village Code Section 9-3(E) declares a dilapidated structure a nuisance when broken window or door glass, damaged windows or frames, damaged garage doors, roof damage that can cause interior leaks, or an unsecured or stagnant swimming pool is visible from a right-of-way, public property, or an adjacent lot. Under Section 9-5, the Wellington Planning, Zoning and Building Department first mails a notice of nuisance to the address on the Palm Beach County tax rolls, giving the owner up to 21 days to make repairs. If the owner misses that deadline, Wellington issues a notice of violation by certified mail and posts it on the property's front door or facade, allowing 15 more days to comply.
If the owner still fails to act, the Village Manager can authorize Wellington to correct the condition, including boarding broken windows and doors, and bill the owner the Village's actual cost. Unpaid invoices become a lien recorded in the Palm Beach County public records, and the Village Council can approve foreclosure on non-homestead property. Property owners may appeal a notice of nuisance or notice of violation to the special magistrate within ten days by submitting a written appeal and a $100.00 certified check or money order; the special magistrate must hold a hearing within 30 days.
Failing to appeal or to appear waives the right to contest the action. Wellington may also recover attorneys' fees and costs incurred enforcing a lien, including on appeal, under Section 9-5(F).
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a notice of nuisance or notice of violation lets Wellington correct the dilapidated structure itself, including boarding up broken doors and windows, and bill the property owner the Village's full actual cost under Section 9-5(B)(3) and (C). Unpaid abatement invoices become a recorded lien against the property in the Palm Beach County public records, and Wellington's Council can authorize foreclosure of that lien on non-homestead property, plus recovery of attorneys' fees and costs incurred in enforcement, including on appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't fix a dilapidated structure after Wellington's notice?
Can I appeal a notice of nuisance?
What if Wellington abates the nuisance and I don't pay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wellington
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle property blight.