Owner of 7990 Westlake Drive disputes permit denials; building inspector to inspect property

Michael McKenzie, owner of 7990 Westlake Drive, appeared at the Town of Lake Clarke Shores Code Enforcement Board meeting on Feb. 26 to discuss an open violation that had been heard previously.

McKenzie said he believed he only needed a demolition permit to remove a nonoriginal interior wall to allow terrazzo flooring to be polished and that subsequent permits for other work would follow. He told the board that attempts to submit permit materials through the town’s MGO portal had encountered repeated errors and that revisions requested by the building official had not been processed. "I did remove the one wall so the terrazzo floor company could polish the floor," McKenzie said; he offered to have the building inspector visit the house to see the scope of work.

Code enforcement officer Eric Richwagon told the board that Joe, the town building inspector, had requested clarification of the scope of work and that staff could not approve the application if the building official denied it. Melissa, building-department staff, said she had received revised drawings on the day of the meeting and would coordinate a site visit. The board asked Joe to visit the property to determine whether the work is properly described as interior demolition or whether additional permits are required; Joe agreed to go to the property the next day.

Board members advised McKenzie that if the outstanding work is brought into compliance, he could later request a reduction or elimination of any fines. Bill (town attorney) and staff said the proper procedural approach is for the building official to document the required scope and then for McKenzie to submit signed, corrected plans so the permit can be issued.

No formal action on fines or liens was taken at the Feb. 26 meeting because the matter was not on the night’s agenda; the board and staff agreed to the site visit and to follow up at the next hearing if necessary.