Clearwater board addresses neighborhood code violations and property safety concerns

The Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board convened on June 25, 2025, to address ongoing code compliance issues affecting local neighborhoods. A significant focus of the meeting was a long-standing case involving a vacant property in the Woodgate 1 and 2 Homeowners Association (HOA), which has been deemed a health hazard by residents.

Patrick Raftery, vice president of the Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition, presented the case, highlighting that the property has been uninhabitable for 18 months. He described the house as an eyesore that detracts from the neighborhood's appeal, noting issues such as an unsafe pool and a deteriorating fence. Raftery expressed frustration over the lack of action taken to resolve the situation, urging the board to expedite the process to address the violations.

Barbara Fidler, a resident and HOA board member, echoed Raftery's concerns, labeling the property a health hazard and suggesting it may need to be demolished. She emphasized the dangers posed by the property's condition, including risks to children and potential vagrants.

In response to the residents' concerns, the board moved to find the property owner in violation of the municipal code and set a compliance deadline of August 25, 2025. If the owner fails to address the violations by this date, the board may impose fines of $150 per day for each ongoing violation. The board also discussed the possibility of the city taking further action, including potential demolition of the property if compliance is not achieved.

The meeting also included a separate case regarding a sign maintenance violation at another property, where the respondent admitted to the violation, leading to a similar motion for compliance.

The board's actions reflect a commitment to maintaining neighborhood standards and addressing the concerns of residents regarding property conditions. The next steps will involve monitoring compliance and ensuring that the necessary actions are taken to resolve these issues.