Indian River County halts unpermitted construction at Old Dixie Highway site

During the recent Vero Beach City Council meeting on February 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around code enforcement cases that directly impact local businesses and community safety.

One of the key topics was the case involving 1050 Old Dixie LLC, which has faced scrutiny for conducting structural alterations and demolition of a commercial building without the necessary permits. David Keiki, a licensing investigator from the Indian River County Building Department, presented the case, detailing how the issue was brought to light by the Vero Beach Police Department last year. Upon inspection, staff found ongoing construction activities that violated local regulations, leading to a stop work order and a $500 citation for the property owner.

The council learned that despite the citation being paid, there has been little progress in addressing the violations. The owners have been given until today to submit a complete demolition or alteration plan to the building department. If they fail to comply, they could face a daily fine of $100. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring that local businesses adhere to safety and regulatory standards, which ultimately protect the community.

In addition to this case, the council addressed several other items on the agenda. Notably, two cases were pulled from consideration after the civil penalties were paid, indicating a proactive approach by property owners to resolve their compliance issues.

The meeting underscored the city’s commitment to maintaining safety and compliance within the community, as well as the importance of timely action by property owners to avoid further penalties. As the council continues to navigate these enforcement issues, residents can expect ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of Vero Beach’s commercial landscape.