Seminole Code Board Debates Property Compliance and Fines
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Meeting Date:
03/28/2024
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Recording Published:
03/28/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Seminole County
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Towns:
Altamonte Springs, Black Hammock, Casselberry, Chuluota, Fern Park, Forest City, Geneva, Goldenrod, Heathrow, Lake Mary, Longwood, Midway (Seminole County), Oviedo, Sanford, Wekiwa Springs, Winter Springs
- Meeting Overview:
The Seminole County Code Enforcement Board meeting on March 28th, 2024, tackled various non-compliant property cases, with the board imposing deadlines for remediation and fines for continuous violations. The meeting focused on several significant cases, including a contested allegation against Above All Modular Inc., where property owner Mark W. Rice Jr. disputed a violation related to zoning regulations and the use of modular trailers on his property. The board also addressed cases involving overgrown vegetation, unsecured pools, and a property with substantial trash accumulation, which was deemed a health and safety issue.
The case involving Mark W. Rice Jr. and Above All Modular Inc. Officer Hill, representing code enforcement, contended that the modular trailers present on Rice’s property were a violation of the County Land Development code for an A1 zoning district. Rice argued that the trailers were his personal property and not associated with his business, emphasizing the agricultural use of the trailers. The discussion included evidence of the trailers’ usage, their title and ownership, and how the zoning regulations apply to the situation. Ultimately, the board had to consider the nature of the trailers and their compliance with local zoning regulations.
In another case of note, a commercial building with multiple units attracted the board’s attention, as the property owner faced questions regarding compliance with county codes. The buildings on the property, which were not being used for storage but for transportation stopovers, led the board to deliberate on whether the property was in compliance. A motion was made to fine the property owner if the property fell back into non-compliance after a set date.
The board also addressed several cases concerning residential properties, one of which involved uncultivated vegetation and another with rubble from a structure. Health issues and hurricane-induced relocation were cited by the property owner as reasons for delay in addressing the violations. The board moved to extend compliance dates, allowing the property owner additional time to resolve the issues.
A notable case discussed was case number 24-16 CB, where Londa Jones was found in violation for using a vacant parcel for storage, a non-permitted use in the R1 zoning district. The code enforcement officer recommended ordering the removal of all storage rubbish and instituted a fine for non-compliance. The property owner requested more time, citing age and the historical accumulation of items over 40 years. TMK Holdings, a neighboring property owner, raised concerns about the rubbish’s impact on county roads and drainage. The board deliberated over an extension and the proposed solutions from the property owner and TMK Holdings.
The board also dealt with a safety concern involving a property with large amounts of tires and debris. Officer D explained that the fire marshal had raised this issue, leading to a vote to extend the compliance deadline with a daily fine due to the public health and safety risks. Another property owned by Barbara Fredericks was found in violation due to a dilapidated structure. Fredericks cited financial difficulties in repairing the structure, leading to the board’s deliberation on possible solutions.
Moreover, a property with a hole in the roof required discussion as the homeowner could not afford the $27,000 repair cost. A neighbor’s concern and a cash offer from the homeowners’ association president were considered in the board’s decision-making. The board reduced the fine amount and encouraged the homeowner to seek community support.
The board also discussed violations at a property on Willoughby Court involving uncultivated vegetation and an unsecured pool, recommending fines for continued violations. A resident expressed concerns about the property owners’ lack of care, prompting debate on the timing of fines for future violations.
The meeting concluded with cases from two properties, one on Morning Glory Drive, where the owner faced financial difficulties, and another on East Molic Road, owned by Ovito Mullik LLC, with violations related to rubbish and uncultivated vegetation. The board tabled the first case for further consideration and issued orders for correction and fines for the second.
Code Enforcement Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/28/2024
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Recording Published:
03/28/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Seminole County
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Towns:
Altamonte Springs, Black Hammock, Casselberry, Chuluota, Fern Park, Forest City, Geneva, Goldenrod, Heathrow, Lake Mary, Longwood, Midway (Seminole County), Oviedo, Sanford, Wekiwa Springs, Winter Springs
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