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Punta Gorda zoning staff report sharp rise in code cases; board, magistrate and enforcement options discussed
Summary
Zoning and code compliance staff presented case statistics showing more than 770 code cases opened so far in 2025, high voluntary compliance rates, and discussed enforcement tools including fines, liens, and the option to switch from a code board to a special magistrate.
Zoning and code compliance staff presented municipal code statistics and enforcement options at a City Council workshop, reporting a marked increase in case openings for 2025, high voluntary compliance before hearings, and several potential changes to speed or streamline enforcement.
Rachel Berry, the city zoning official, and Nick Wagner, code compliance supervisor, told the council the office opened 771 code cases between Jan. 1, 2025 and the workshop date and had closed 615 of those — a 79.7% closure rate. Berry said 21 of the 771 cases had reached the code enforcement board (about 2.7%); 10 of those had since come into compliance. She said 125 cases opened in 2025 related to dirty or damaged roofs and that staff had issued 17 work orders this year totaling $3,251.40 for emergency maintenance on vacant properties.
Berry reviewed the compliance process the city…
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