Coral Gables code enforcement officers will present a packed docket the morning of Wednesday, July 2, with thousands of dollars in potential fines tied to violations ranging from tree abuse to unauthorized obstructions in the public right-of-way. The hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Development Services Building, will address 16 separate citations—most carrying $500 or $1,000 fines.

The largest penalties stem from a series of tree abuse violations, which have become a growing point of emphasis for city enforcement teams amid increased scrutiny over canopy loss and unpermitted landscaping work.

$1,000 fines: Tree felling crackdowns

Three $1,000 cases appear at the top of the docket, each citing severe violations of Section 82-29 of the city code, which regulates tree protection and pruning.

At 8245 Los Pinos Circle, city officials allege that Martel Mata of Martel Landscape Design LLC cut down two live oak trees located in the city right-of-way without permits. Live oaks are a protected species in Coral Gables, and violations involving their removal without authorization carry some of the city’s harshest penalties. The city has deemed the action a violation of the tree abuse clause, which treats nonviable or effectively destroyed trees as illegal removals.

Two additional $1,000 violations are tied to similar offenses on private property. At 12631 Ramiro Street, Louis Toledo is accused of cutting two trees improperly and without permits, while at 5740 Michelangelo Street, Julissa Rodriguez allegedly engaged in excessive pruning without approval. In both cases, the remedy includes obtaining after-the-fact permits and arborist reports detailing species, condition, and prescribed corrective action.

$500 fines: Private pruning, right-of-way obstructions, waste dumping

Most of the remaining cases carry $500 fines, many involving either improper tree work or unauthorized obstructions on public land.

At 909 Algaringo Avenue, Guenther Koehne is cited for cutting a tree without a permit—another violation of Section 82-29. Similarly, Evelyn Azel, owner of 6636 Riviera Drive, allegedly pruned a tree improperly on the waterway side of the property, rendering it nonviable under the city’s definition of tree abuse.

A related pruning violation is listed at 1131 Manati Avenue, where Antonio Friguls is charged with cutting an oak tree limb of significant diameter without a permit or licensed trimmer, in violation of subsection (d) of the city’s tree code.

At 840 South Alhambra Circle, William Candela faces a $500 fine for pruning a tree on private property without proper documentation or city approval. The violation requires an arborist report specifying the species and viability of the tree.

Obstructions in the city right-of-way make up another significant portion of the docket. At 7133 Lago Drive West, Ahmet Aydin Acar allegedly placed large landscaping boulders on city property, triggering an emergency response clause under Section 62-153. The city demands their immediate removal.

The same code section is cited at 1252 Obispo Avenue, where Ramesh and Aruna Airan face two separate fines: $500 for rebar left in the right-of-way and $100 for failing to protect public trees during nearby construction work. The combined $600 in citations stem from longstanding requirements that property owners prevent harm to city-owned greenery and infrastructure during projects.

Another $500 citation was issued to 361 Miracle Mile LLC, which allegedly blocked an alleyway with a tent and BBQ setup, violating the city’s code on public obstruction.

A separate dumping violation, also tied to trash in a public alleyway, appears under Miracle Center at 86 Coral Way, which faces a $200 fine for an overflowing dumpster.

At 234 Santillane Avenue, the property owner is accused of improperly disposing of refuse or yard waste on city property. The $500 violation invokes multiple city ordinances barring the deposit of external waste on Coral Gables streets, parks, and waterways.

Public hearing and possible outcomes

Wednesday’s hearing will take place in the first-floor conference room of the Development Services Building at 427 Biltmore Way, beginning at 9 a.m. Property owners or their representatives will have the opportunity to contest the citations, explain mitigating circumstances, or propose remedies. In cases where violations are upheld and fines go unpaid, the city may impose liens on the properties.

Tree-related violations are expected to draw particular attention, as Coral Gables has stepped up enforcement of its strict canopy protection rules. The city’s greenspace division encourages residents and contractors to contact arborists before conducting any significant pruning or removal. Failure to do so can lead not only to fines but also requirements for restoration, mitigation planting, or formal arborist evaluations.

The hearing reflects Coral Gables’ broader code enforcement priorities: preserving the city’s historic aesthetic, protecting public greenery and maintaining safety and order in public spaces.