Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board Tackles Bank-Owned Property Violation Amid Title Confusion
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Meeting Date:
01/08/2025
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Recording Published:
01/09/2025
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Duration:
42 Minutes
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Towns:
Temple Terrace
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County:
Hillsborough County
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State:
Florida
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board, discussions centered on various property violations, with particular attention given to a complex case involving a bank-owned property on Renald Boulevard. The board addressed challenges faced by Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC due to a recent foreclosure, while also navigating procedural intricacies surrounding the issuance of the certificate of title.
One notable issue before the board concerned case number 24-3721, where Dolores K. Owens was initially cited for violations related to the exterior walls and roof of the property on Renald Boulevard. Code Compliance Officer Lori Smith presented evidence from a proactive inspection dating back to August 2, 2024, which identified overgrown grass, low-hanging branches, and deteriorating exterior walls. Although some progress was made by August 30, 2024, with the grass cut and branches trimmed, the exterior walls remained a concern, leading to a notice of violation with a compliance deadline of September 16, 2024.
Roberta Count, representing Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC, explained complications resulting from the bank regaining ownership through foreclosure. She noted that the bank was constrained in its ability to address the violations until the certificate of title was issued on September 12, 2024. She emphasized that the property was currently vacant and that the bank was working on the necessary improvements.
Count also questioned whether certain repairs would require permits, potentially delaying compliance efforts. She requested leniency in the form of a continuance without fines, citing the bank’s limited action capability prior to the title transfer. The legal representative for the city expressed a cautious willingness to consider the continuance, stressing the importance of a realistic compliance timeline.
The board engaged in a discussion about the feasibility of the proposed timeline, contemplating the implications of a 30-day versus 60-day extension. The potential need for further hearings if compliance was not achieved within the set timeframe was also considered. Count affirmed that the property was “looking a lot better today” and offered to share the certificate of title with the board to support her request.
In another notable case, the board addressed the dismissal of a property violation due to an error in identifying the correct respondent. The property, sold on September 12, 2024, had its title issued to a bank, which was not initially present for the proceedings. The board decided to dismiss the case with the possibility of restarting it if compliance was not achieved within 30 days, and discussed how to appropriately serve notices to the new owner, Reverse Mortgage Funding.
The meeting also covered several other property violations. Case number 24-449 involved a property at 13202 North 53rd Street, where overgrown grass and weeds were initially found in November 2024. Compliance was achieved before the hearing, leading the board to approve a finding without imposing fines.
Another case, 24-4576, focused on unauthorized construction at 12406 Pagoda Place. A shed slab addition was installed without a permit, but the property owner subsequently obtained the necessary permit and complied with city regulations. The board confirmed compliance and decided against imposing fines.
Further discussion revolved around a violation concerning the parking of a commercial vehicle in a residential zone at 12608 North 52nd Street. A commercial truck was identified parked unlawfully, but compliance was achieved before the hearing, resulting in no fines. The board discussed the implications for the homeowner, who owned the towing truck, and highlighted the potential for repeat violations if the vehicle returned.
The session also addressed an unfinished case involving the Terrace Oaks Homeowners Association, which requested an extension to address pool maintenance compliance issues. An HOA representative explained delays caused by the holiday season and sought an additional 30 days to secure the pool area. The board granted the extension, emphasizing the need to prevent unauthorized access and ensure community safety.
Andy Ross
Code Enforcement Board Officials:
David Redding, Bryan Hubert, David Pogorilich (Chairperson), Bill Snelling, Juan Gomez, Raed Khawaja, Gina d’Angelo
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/08/2025
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Recording Published:
01/09/2025
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Duration:
42 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Hillsborough County
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Towns:
Temple Terrace
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