Ocala City Council grants 30 days for demolition permit amid building compliance issues

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board convened on August 14, 2025, to address ongoing issues related to property violations and permit approvals. The meeting primarily focused on two cases involving property owners seeking extensions for demolition and compliance with building regulations.

In the first case, property owner Noye Hernandez discussed plans to demolish a building at 4651 Southwest 10th Place. Hernandez explained that after evaluating the costs of repairs, he decided it would be more feasible to demolish the structure and build anew. He is currently awaiting a demolition permit from Marion County, which has not yet been applied for but is in processing. Hernandez requested a 30-day extension to secure the necessary permit, which the board agreed to, setting a deadline of October 2 for compliance.

The board's staff recommended a timeline that would allow Hernandez ample time to complete the demolition, with 90 days allocated for repairs if needed, or 60 days for a quicker demolition process. The board unanimously supported this recommendation, emphasizing the importance of keeping communication open throughout the process.

The second case involved a lien against property owner Alexis Noel Richard for noncompliance related to building permits at 1109 Northwest Second Street. Richard expressed confusion over the fines accrued, stating that he believed he had complied with all requirements after obtaining the necessary permits. The city staff acknowledged that misunderstandings may have occurred and proposed reducing the total fines from $9,750 to $684.45, which the board also supported.

The board clarified that the lien would remain on the property for 20 years unless paid or removed, and there was no immediate deadline for payment. This case highlighted the complexities of property compliance and the challenges faced by homeowners in navigating city regulations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to facilitating compliance while addressing the concerns of property owners, ensuring that both community standards and individual rights are respected. The next steps for both cases will involve monitoring progress and maintaining communication with the respective property owners.