Code board finds New Beginnings property uninhabitable in part, orders repairs and sets 10-day compliance deadline

The City of Claremont Code Enforcement Board on Sept. 15 found New Beginnings Central Florida (268/270 East Avenue, case C2505-0017) in violation of numerous International Property Maintenance Code and municipal ordinance provisions related to health, safety and habitability. Staff presented photos and a mold remediation follow-up report showing that remediation work had been performed and that a post-remediation verification report concluded internal fungal levels were acceptable. However, staff also reported outstanding issues at the time of the hearing, including an elevated sewer line that may be draining toward the house and no hot water in the unit; those conditions prompted staff to maintain a health/safety tag. The board heard testimony from a tenant and community advocates who described displacement and family hardship. After discussion, the board ordered New Beginnings to correct the remaining violations by Sept. 25, 2025, and set a $150-per-day fine to begin after that date if the property remains noncompliant. The board also found the violations presented a serious threat to public health, safety and welfare and ordered the city be notified pursuant to the applicable code sections cited in the order.