Lake Clarke Shores code board records liens, fines and continuances in Jan. 22 meeting

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores Code Enforcement Board on Jan. 22, 2025 recorded a certified lien, imposed daily fines on multiple properties for ongoing violations and continued one case to allow staff and the town attorney to investigate whether a home-based mechanical repair operation is permitted.

The board acted on multiple case files during the public meeting. Key outcomes included a lien-recording motion for case 24-0260, a fine for a home-remodel case (24-0391), an ongoing-violation order for expired or unregistered vehicles at 1511 Palm Circle (case 24-0405) with compliance required by Jan. 28, 2025, and a continuance of case 24-0414 so the town attorney and staff can determine whether a mechanic business at a residence is preempted by state law and whether zoning allows the activity.

Votes at a glance

- Case 24-0260 (Koonan LLC): The board found the respondent in violation and voted to record a certified copy of an order to impose a lien in the public records of Palm Beach County; the order constituting a lien on the respondent’s real and personal property carried by voice vote.

- Case 24-0391 (Jessica Hazard / Michael McKenzie): The board found the respondents failed to comply with a finding of violation dated Oct. 17, 2024, and imposed a fine of $250 per day commencing Jan. 22, 2025. Staff said permit applications had been submitted but did not include required documents; no final inspection or full plan set was on file.

- Case 24-0405 (Khaleesi Cappino and Jeremy B. Speckman, 1511 Palm Circle): Enforcement staff reported multiple complaints and observed several vehicles with expired or missing registration on the property. The board ordered the respondents to comply by Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, and authorized a fine up to $250 per day for continued noncompliance; staff will mail the final order certified because the code officer is not currently permitted to step onto the property.

- Case 24-0414 (Celeste Caponeau / Jeremy Speckman – alleged home mechanical repair business): The board continued the matter to the Feb. 26, 2025 hearing to allow the town attorney and staff to determine whether the activity is permitted under local ordinances or is preempted by state statute; staff indicated a future notice or different violation may be issued after review.

Board members acted unanimously on recorded motions where voice votes were taken; the meeting record shows motions moved and seconded and carried after the “aye” vote without roll-call tallies.

What happened in the meeting: Code enforcement officer Eric Richwagen presented each case and described inspection history, efforts to contact property owners and plan-review status. The board considered staff recommendations to impose maximum fines in several cases because of repeated violations or continued noncompliance, and it ordered follow-up inspections, certified mailing of final orders and a status hearing schedule for continued review.

Next steps: Staff will record the lien in Palm Beach County public records for case 24-0260, mail certified final orders where necessary, accept any permit plan submissions that meet town requirements and report back at the scheduled follow-up hearings (typically Feb. 26, 2025, or earlier where the board specified a fixed compliance date).