Seminole Code Board Addresses Range of Property Violations
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Meeting Date:
07/25/2024
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Recording Published:
07/25/2024
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Duration:
185 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 met to address various property violations, with cases ranging from uncultivated vegetation to unauthorized concrete crushing. The meeting featured discussions on the complexities of code enforcement and the need for a collaborative approach to resolving these issues. Property owners were given the opportunity to present their challenges, including financial struggles and health issues, while the board deliberated on appropriate actions and fines to ensure compliance with local regulations.
One of the most discussions revolved around the case on Helen Street, where Miguel and Maria I Leon were cited for uncultivated vegetation. The property had been in violation since 2019, with a repeat infraction observed in 2024. Officer Cameron recommended a fine of $4,900 for 98 days of repeat violation, in addition to a $50 daily fine for continued non-compliance. Reuben Leon spoke on behalf of the Leons, detailing health complications and tenant problems. The board advised seeking help from relevant authorities for the tenant issue and considered allowing time for the eviction and cleanup before imposing fines.
In a related matter, the board addressed additional violations on the same property, including rubbish and junk vehicles, considering a fine of $8,600 for non-compliance, plus $50 per day going forward. A motion was made to table the matter until August 24th, allowing the property owners time to address the situation with illegal residents in the home. The board voted in favor of the continuance.
Another case of note involved concrete crushing in the M1 zoning district, which is not permitted without a special exception. The property, currently in compliance, had a repeat violation leading to a $6,000 fine for 60 days of non-compliance. The board sought clarification on the number of compliance breaches and the specifics of the violation, and the respondent’s attorney questioned the code violation and the permitted use table.
The board also discussed violations on Sand Lake Road related to unpermitted storage use on a vacant parcel and uncultivated vegetation. Despite the respondent’s efforts to comply and their expressed lack of awareness of maintenance requirements, the board voted to issue orders to correct the violations and imposed fines for non-compliance.
A serious case involved Londa Jones, who faced a violation for using a vacant parcel for storage in a residential zone. Officer Cameron presented evidence of progress in cleaning up, but remaining violations warranted a lien of $3,100 for 31 days of non-compliance, with a $100 daily fine for ongoing violations. The property owner’s representative, acknowledging over 45 years of property ownership, described efforts to remediate the issue. The board accepted the staff’s recommendation for the lien.
The board considered the case on Alina Court, Winter Park, where multiple violations were present, including rubbish accumulation, an unpermitted camper, stagnant water in a koi pond, and uncultivated vegetation. The code enforcement officer recommended various fines for 75 days of non-compliance, with daily fines set to continue accruing. The respondents disputed the violations and expressed frustration over property rights infringement, but the board emphasized the need for compliance.
Another discussion focused on a property with overgrown grass, debris, and a non-functional pool pump. The owner cited health and family issues as impediments to maintenance. However, the board imposed fines until the violations were resolved. Similarly, a case involving abandoned vehicles led to a recommendation for a substantial fine, with the owner requesting more time due to financial constraints.
The board also addressed rubbish violations on another property, recommending a deadline for removal and emphasizing the importance of compliance. The meeting saw orders issued to correct violations by specified deadlines, with discussions on the nature of the violations, efforts made by property owners, and the potential impact of fines.
Additional cases included Scholars Investment Group LLC, which faced an order to correct the remains of a structure by August 8th, 2024. Edward Sarapin and Frank Quinelo were found in violation due to uncultivated vegetation, with a similar deadline and fine. Joshua Walls and So Hang Chen had an unsecured swimming pool, with the board recommending a deadline and fine for non-compliance. Communication efforts and attempts to secure the pool were mentioned during the discussion.
Code Enforcement Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/25/2024
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Recording Published:
07/25/2024
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Duration:
185 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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