Code Compliance Board imposes fines for landscaping violations on local businesses

The City of Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board convened on April 23, 2025, to address various code violations and compliance issues. The meeting began with a motion to require a respondent to correct violations by August 1, 2025, with a potential fine of $150 per day for each ongoing violation. The board emphasized that if fines remain unpaid for three months after a lien is filed, the city may take further action, including foreclosure.

The board then moved on to case number 22-25 involving Osni A. Perez Cardosa, who was found in violation of short-term rental regulations. However, it was reported that the property had returned to compliance before the hearing, leading to a motion to impose no fines, with a warning that future violations could incur fines of up to $500 per day.

Next, case number 24-25 addressed a violation by Ortold Ben Yayish regarding roof maintenance. Similar to the previous case, the violation was corrected prior to the hearing, resulting in no fines being imposed, but future violations could also lead to fines of up to $500 per day.

The board continued to case number 27-25 concerning Clearwater Pharma LLC, which was cited for landscaping violations at their property. The inspector reported that the landscaping was not in compliance with the approved plan, and the board set a compliance deadline of May 23, 2025, with a fine of $250 per day for any ongoing violations.

The meeting also included the acceptance of affidavits of compliance for several cases, indicating that those properties had rectified their violations. However, for case number 97-24, involving Byrd J. Smith's estate, and case number 99-24, concerning Jonathan Wade Sr., the board accepted affidavits of noncompliance, which will result in fines if the issues are not resolved.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to enforcing municipal codes and ensuring compliance among property owners, with clear deadlines and penalties established for ongoing violations. The next steps for several cases will involve monitoring compliance and addressing any further issues as they arise.