06:53The meeting commenced with a detailed examination of a case concerning a property on Leafwood Road, owned by Fred and Iliana Gonzalez. The focus was on a collapsed fence that had been leaning precariously against a guardrail over a pedestrian sidewalk. Code enforcement officer Mike Ralston outlined the timeline of events, explaining that a complaint had been lodged in late February. Despite communication attempts and a granted extension for repairs, the fence remained in disrepair by late April. Photographic evidence and documentation were submitted, leading the board to find the Gonzalez property in violation of city code. A daily fine of $50 was imposed, effective from March 17, until the fence is removed. Board members suggested a compliance deadline of May 15, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution.

13:17Next, the board shifted its focus to 1400 Poinsettia Avenue, managed by Home SFR Borrower IV, LLC, where unauthorized construction had been reported. The Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board had issued a stop-work order after discovering that garage doors were being replaced with windows in a flood zone, a violation of building codes. Officer Ralston stressed the importance of obtaining the appropriate permits and completing the work within a specified timeframe. The board recognized the challenges posed by federal and local regulations, which could complicate compliance efforts. Ralston proposed a compliance period of 30 to 45 days, acknowledging the current backlog in permit processing.

24:38The conversation shifted to a broader discussion about the difficulties faced by property owners in flood zones, with board members acknowledging the intricate web of regulations that must be navigated. They discussed the potential for further delays in securing necessary approvals for property modifications, highlighting the need for clear guidance and communication between property owners and regulatory bodies.

Another case involved a property on South Florida Avenue, where owners Michael Bruce Marlow and Michelle Marlow were cited for failing to clear storm debris. Despite previous notifications, a substantial amount of debris remained, prompting the board to impose a $50 daily fine starting May 22 until compliance is achieved. The owners, residing out of state, were mandated to arrange an inspection with the Code Enforcement Division to confirm adherence to city codes.

The board also deliberated on a property previously assessed for substantial damage, where delays in processing emergency notices had caused confusion regarding which entity would take action. A deadline for compliance was suggested for June 30, with a status update or additional fines to be discussed at the subsequent meeting if necessary. The board made a motion to find Home SFR Borrower, LLC in violation of city code concerning building permits for the Poinsettia Avenue property.