St. Pete Beach Magistrate Extends Compliance Deadlines Amid Property Code Violations

The recent St. Pete Beach Special Magistrate meeting focused on various property code violations within the community, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by property owners in maintaining compliance with city regulations. The meeting, presided over by Special Magistrate Erica Aello, addressed several cases involving non-compliance, ranging from unsightly conditions and unpermitted structures to beachfront lighting violations. The magistrate granted extensions and imposed fines in cases where properties remained non-compliant, emphasizing the importance of addressing code violations to maintain community standards.

00:00One of the most notable discussions involved the property on South De Basin Avenue, which was found to be in compliance before the issuance of an order, leading to its sale shortly thereafter. The magistrate engaged in deliberations about the scheduling of a future hearing, with considerations for adjusting the date due to potential availability conflicts. This case underlined the importance of timely compliance, as it allowed for a smooth transition during the property sale process.

01:55:19A case involving Jennifer Franco at 490 82nd Avenue highlighted the issues surrounding unpermitted work. Despite a stop work order, Franco had completed alterations to the property, including drywall installation and the addition of an exterior door, without the necessary permits. The magistrate granted a 14-day period for Franco to apply for after-the-fact permits, with a follow-up scheduled for August. This case underscored the city’s strict policies regarding unpermitted work and the potential consequences for property owners.

01:16:52The magistrate also addressed a case against Coconut in LLC, concerning violations of beachfront lighting regulations. The property was cited for non-compliance with turtle-friendly lighting standards, with fines of $250 per day proposed until corrective actions were taken. The managing partner expressed awareness of the regulations and outlined steps taken to address the issue, including unscrewing light bulbs and informing guests about the importance of reducing light pollution during turtle nesting season.

30:57In another discussion, the case involving Jeffrey Meyers illustrated the challenges of managing a property deemed a chronic nuisance due to accumulated debris and unsightly conditions. The magistrate explored the procedural distinctions between chronic nuisance and nuisance abatement codes, ultimately granting Meyers additional time to address the violations. Meyers shared personal challenges, including health issues, that hindered his ability to maintain the property.

02:11:19The meeting also addressed multiple cases involving non-compliance with property maintenance standards, such as that of Rhonda Schroeder at 640 59th Avenue. The property was found in violation due to overgrown grass, weeds, and a dead tree, resulting in a proposed fine of $250 per day until compliance was achieved. Although no representative was present for this case, the magistrate allowed 14 days for the property to be brought into compliance.

01:02:48These challenges were evident in cases involving unpermitted structures and delayed repairs, with property owners seeking additional time to rectify the issues. The magistrate consistently emphasized the importance of securing necessary permits and adhering to city codes, while also showing understanding of the obstacles faced by property owners.

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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