[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6264780,"mediaKeyId","3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13","parentId",3095844,"title","Code enforcement board receives refresher on quasi-judicial hearing procedures, sunshine and ethics","audioSeconds",817,"startMs",3646000,"endMs",4463000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13&start=3646&end=4463","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13/thumbnail_3646000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264780/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Code-enforcement-board-receives-refresher-on-quasi-judicial-hearing-procedures-sunshine-and-ethics","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264780-66a9e1c787b3e2c2de4d69dd36918f3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192920&Signature=cmIkTiheSSOgufUQDQm-AOOGUO3070zkMLG9KOHpZ95rEecIubcVwWW9VUF-3BD5Z4Pf63oKABsCJpuFPQdQfGLl32~9~2beTe6NWCQr~MSRjLoCkhKPF64EpW0bGyZh35g8JINA4BLoaGW29CWG4rjMWQ6T0sE~MMQDkpdgo-YVvW230Fz~o4ubwoOEHfJRYSvbr1IQB~GylKhml7lkFc3p9BVbc-kYy8MxMVelcV9PuTiCoTejThZCD9W4iDVR6Yz8ZI9~iQeDFlEqgsluxeNgCyJ2I5yTxqAfQ4QV-hZLSrWbxs7TfbqmNPwBwXMm9QFhTRfOkq~iBRiY93U~1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Punta Gorda, FL","date","2025-04-23T16:29:47.473Z","article","The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board received updated training on quasi-judicial hearing procedures, evidence rules, the Sunshine Law, public records and ethics aimed at reducing due-process risk and improving the board's handling of code cases.

Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Faulkner and board attorney Dan Lewis led the session and emphasized that the board acts as a quasi-judicial body: members must base rulings on competent, substantial evidence presented in hearings, avoid ex parte information, and disclose any outside information received. Faulkner said the training would focus on hearing procedures and the “order of operations” for enforcement proceedings and that staff had revised slides to emphasize practical steps for hearings.

Lewis described common pitfalls that create reversable due-process errors: board members conducting independent research, undisclosed site visits or communications, or hearing testimony not tied to the notice of violation. He advised that if a board member has outside information relevant to a case it must be disclosed on the record and the member should consider recusal if impartiality is affected. \"You can be a witness or you can be a judge; you can't be both,\" Lewis said.

Training covered evidence standards (competent, substantial evidence), hearsay (may supplement but not form the basis of a decision), and the distinction between witnesses (must be disclosed and relevant) and members of the public (no public comment in enforcement quasi-judicial hearings unless called by a party). The presenters recommended that board motions state the factual bases for time frames and fines to create a clear record for any appeal.

On sunshine law, staff reminded members not to discuss board business outside public meetings and that quorum requires four physically present members under current procedures; members were cautioned against exchanging substantive emails or conducting research that could create ex parte problems. The clerk's office also highlighted the requirement that board members file Form 1 financial-disclosure statements with the Florida Commission on Ethics and use the city's retention email for any record the member believes should be preserved.

The training concluded with a Q&A addressing site visits, how to handle neighbors who wish to provide testimony, when the city should call witnesses and how penalty hearings differ from repeat-violation hearings. Faulkner said the city will include a flowchart summarizing the enforcement timeline with future notices of violation to help respondents understand steps before a hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Code Enforcement Board 4-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board received a detailed training on hearing procedures, evidence rules, sunshine law, public-records obligations and conflict-of-interest reporting to reduce due-process risk and improve procedural consistency.","taxTitle","Punta Gorda City, Charlotte County, Florida","taxId",54477,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264785,"Code board continues two cases, dismisses two others; meeting approves minutes and schedules next session",75,2617000,2692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13&start=2617&end=2692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13/thumbnail_2617000.jpg","/articles/6264785/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Code-board-continues-two-cases-dismisses-two-others-meeting-approves-minutes-and-schedules-next-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264785-a33d5b9466d51614815e257e0106c5a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192920&Signature=U-9r7LUlpgasY1O~bGRVmGsmLBET6i3yJMai3mOBUkIsq-Ta9G1bhsPyaUp2wsuSxmIdPyKgrwKrnautuHdMpUP19ohtc47dUROCUEL6IjF0EmcuW1eWE5w0zz-9z9gdPFMhG2xLbvidUbAvrI2EM4Yjp2zbVT-N5GiZVqN5ESfRTW93f0L3Ps1sVmvRZdVir2~sCznpVoMEZGEEPjMVp84SpxFNIV9Xg8rQHMaMySHqYaU1ITX5jY3AC4gebqFiDOoPrVtrqWmxb0cjclFoswfmEAlx3WS0QViTXGy~8huChfKyQyJl97oBBCKCatgA5-JBp6u19SW0pDQklLPWQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on the meeting's agenda finished a mix of procedural votes: it continued two active enforcement matters, dismissed two others as compliant, and approved the meeting minutes and the next hearing date.

City staff requested continuances for case number 24-86638 (470 Bal Harbour Boulevard) and case number 24-86858 (415 Cooper Street), saying the respondents had obtained permits or were working with staff and needed additional time. The board approved both continuances; the items were continued to the May 28, 2025 Code Board meeting.

The board approved motions to dismiss two matters after staff reported the properties had come into compliance: case number 24-86868 (2489 Flora Lane) and case number 24-86332 (1640 Via Bianca). Code compliance supervisor Nick Faulkner presented each dismissal by affidavit and photographs and the board voted to approve staff motions to dismiss.

The board also approved the minutes of the previous meeting by voice vote and confirmed the next meeting will be held at the Lashley Community Room on Wednesday, May 28 at 9 a.m. At the start of the agenda staff swore witnesses for testimony for the day's hearings.

Votes at a glance

- Case 24-86638 (470 Bal Harbour Blvd.): Continued to 05/28/2025 (city motion approved).
- Case 24-86858 (415 Cooper St., 24 7 Automotive Performance LLC): Continued to 05/28/2025 (city motion approved).
- Case 24-86868 (2489 Flora Lane, Curtis L. and Sherry Fulham): Dismissed as in compliance (city motion approved).
- Case 24-86332 (1640 Via Bianca, Nancy Hoagland Morrissey): Dismissed as in compliance (city motion approved).

All continuances and dismissals were recorded on voice votes; staff used photographs and building/permit records as the evidentiary basis for each motion.","Punta Gorda code board continued hearings on two properties to the May 28 meeting, dismissed two matters found in compliance, and approved prior meeting minutes. The board also confirmed scheduling and sworn testimony procedures before hearings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264790,"Code board finds Brit Properties in violation after demolition work, orders site compliant within 60 days",726,2890000,3616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13&start=2890&end=3616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13/thumbnail_2890000.jpg","/articles/6264790/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Code-board-finds-Brit-Properties-in-violation-after-demolition-work-orders-site-compliant-within-60-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264790-c74b4fb2045442f117bfe1ce9381ac7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192920&Signature=d8sGQ878li8oCqmfWpLNWven0S06RTDo2rQWNBYF~2wNGYAycTZaloeIAFvstXZsb3zpTShYUkQox5AOxUFU6asULvY2TQfZG87F4MSrHXYjACGZp03zUYkJss6j4GLeNu9zL6r1ijzEWSbesX8qXXLn32npFgPrYUP~94tFQePfhECNQg~fgwd7LESyheqjFaXbQ702~qKJnEGltdQjeFPujheHytWU6bOff1bgZZs02W~ikY74702y9CJ1cPNiJM9Gnzof37lyNXkXEZE0wSNEKnJh7P5VkYBNCBrEVmkeMuAEqBL9vrJKrGzI66nUwq7MquLVr6ivN1yI73MRIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on a voice vote found multiple violations at 821 West Marion Avenue after reviewing city inspections and records from the demolition of a single-family residence.

Nick Faulkner, code compliance supervisor, testified that photos and property-appraiser records showed a shadow-box fence structure remained on the lot after demolition and demolition stabilization requirements had not been met. Faulkner said staff found tall grass and weeds reappeared and that while a demolition permit had been issued and a final building inspection occurred on 04/15/2024, the lot had not been stabilized by seeding or sodding as required. \"On 03/19/2025, I re-inspected the property and found that the violations had not been corrected and that the demolition requirements had not been achieved,\" Faulkner said. He submitted 17 photos and reported case costs of $28.62.

The board voted to find Brit Properties LLC in violation of Punta Gorda Code chapter 26 section 16.5(c)(1) and 16.5(g), and chapter 9 section 9-2(h). The motion ordered the respondent to bring the property into compliance within 60 days of receipt of the order and to pay case costs of $28.62 within 30 days; the board warned that failure to comply could result in fines up to $250 per day plus interest.

Board members discussed demolition stabilization requirements (strip sod or seed and sod acceptable) and confirmed the city had sent notices by certified mail and posted notices when mailings were returned. Faulkner told the board the owner had previously communicated plans to seek permits to rebuild but had not submitted a current building permit. Board member Carl Rich explained he chose 60 days to allow time for plan approval and permit issuance if the respondent pursued rebuilding.

The board's order makes the city’s enforcement contingent on the property owner meeting demolition stabilization steps or facing fines for continued noncompliance.","The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board determined demolition requirements and tall-grass violations at 821 West Marion Ave. and ordered the owner to meet demolition stabilization requirements, remove a fence structure and pay $28.62 in case costs within 30 days; board allowed 60 days for overall compliance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264795,"Code board orders owner of 509 Palm Ave. to obtain final fence inspection, comply within 30 days",592,2008000,2600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13&start=2008&end=2600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095844-b46c183a51a1d4829bb8c462d324eb13/thumbnail_2008000.jpg","/articles/6264795/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Code-board-orders-owner-of-509-Palm-Ave-to-obtain-final-fence-inspection-comply-within-30-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264795-f8446c1ca8b8f4725bfa04d17366c299/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192920&Signature=FUmZktlmAg7PGATk-aMNnOEkIQtpKJP5EMASVx-jQ7j23ozIUTG2KZgmokBqhskKb1I5h616JiWWb6qlSnNQ1ghtQyoMr84dvsBMhc10gqII3CWjzGAHe9kF4H5Fb6cE5yph9dQZsXPhsqtqKrbkcNWJpTDhlhkGMIE6TxVf6rB-ZmNltCGU20SFGYTJPtIqQE0GO9olAFOy66YHRUMJcpM8dIoFgZi8bgjALr89UWzP0BSsya25Xa6hjjBKgTOkx9zoDfsyM3~zXRxQVE29XC3IP93qlqiQ1ua-YkFMMvlxZdYl13F-6aDD8a~PFA~e9irCOEK~D--PsoROfTqsWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on a voice vote found that the property at 509 Palm Avenue was in violation of three permit-related sections of the Punta Gorda Code and issued a cease-and-desist order and a 30-day compliance deadline.

The finding followed testimony from Frank Coppinger, a code compliance officer for the City of Punta Gorda, who said inspections and department records showed a rear-yard fence was installed without a permit and that a notice of violation had been sent and received. \"On 03/19/2025, I reinspected the property and found that the violations have not been corrected,\" Coppinger told the board. He also said a permit application had been submitted and obtained on 03/20/2025 but the fence lacked a final inspection. Coppinger submitted photos and listed case costs of $15.93.

The board chairman found the city had established a prima facie case on Punta Gorda Code chapter 26 sections 1.4, 1.5 and 1.1, and approved a motion ordering the respondent to bring the property into compliance within 30 days of receipt of the order. The order also requires the respondent to pay the assessed case costs of $15.93 within 14 days and warned that failure to comply could result in fines of up to $250 per day plus interest. Chair Adele Higgins announced, \"The board has found that the respondent violated chapter 26 sections 1.4, 1.5, and 1.1 of the Punta Gorda code and issues a cease and desist order.\"

Board members and code staff noted that the building department had scheduled the fence final inspection for the same day as the hearing; board members kept the 30-day compliance window in case the inspection later showed violations of height or materials. Code supervisor Nick Faulkner explained that Section 1.4 addresses applicability, 1.5 addresses compliance, and 1.1 covers permits and certificates, and that the three sections applied to the single unpermitted fence installation.

If the fence passes final inspection and the building department closes the permit, staff said the case will be closed; if not, the board's compliance order and potential fines remain in effect.","Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board found violations for an unpermitted rear-yard fence at 509 Palm Ave., ordered compliance within 30 days and assessed $15.93 in case costs; building inspection for the fence was scheduled the same day.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Code enforcement board receives refresher on quasi-judicial hearing procedures, sunshine and ethics

Code board continues two cases, dismisses two others; meeting approves minutes and schedules next session

Code board finds Brit Properties in violation after demolition work, orders site compliant within 60 days

Code board orders owner of 509 Palm Ave. to obtain final fence inspection, comply within 30 days