Highland Beach Residents Navigate Permit Troubles at Code Enforcement Meeting

At the Highland Beach Code Enforcement Board regular meeting, a case involving permit issues surrounding kitchen renovations at a local residence dominated discussions. The property, owned by Michael and Sarah Gortz, was represented by their son Jeffrey Gortz who detailed a series of complications with contractors and subcontractors leading to an expired permit for electrical work. The town recommended finding the respondents in violation of the town code with a potential fine of $250 per day after a set compliance date, alongside a prosecution cost of $250.

The Gortz family encountered issues when their initial contractor, hired through Lowe’s, was reportedly rude and unprofessional, leading to his replacement. However, the replacement failed to call for a final inspection, resulting in the permit’s expiration. Jeffrey Gortz presented evidence of his attempts to resolve the issue, including text messages with the contractor. After threatening legal action, the original contractor reopened the permit, but the final inspection was still pending.

During the meeting, the possibility of extending the compliance deadline was discussed. The board proposed granting additional time until June 15, 2024, to allow the Gortz family to complete the necessary inspection. If the inspection is not scheduled by this new deadline, the family could be fined $250 per day, and they would be responsible for the prosecution cost.

The board’s discussion emphasized the need for diligence in dealing with contractors in Florida and acknowledged the steps taken by the Gortz family to rectify the situation. They urged ongoing communication with the town’s code enforcement officer to ensure the process moves forward.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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