Lake Clarke Shores hears multiple code enforcement cases; liens imposed, fines set and one matter continued

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores Code Enforcement Board on April 23 addressed multiple enforcement cases, recording a lien in one matter, setting compliance deadlines and daily fines in others, and continuing one case for additional evidence. The meeting also included a town attorney orientation on board conduct and the Sunshine Law.

Key outcomes: the board moved to record a certified copy of an order imposing a lien in case 24-0391 (7990 Westlake Drive, respondents Jessica Hazard and Michael McKenzie). In case 25-0048 (1921 Korandis Road), the board found the respondent in violation for a mildewed/unclean driveway and ordered compliance by April 30 or fines up to $50 per day. The board found violations at 1511 Palm Circle across multiple code sections (open storage, yard maintenance and pool work): it found the property in violation for open storage (case 25-0053) and for yard maintenance (case 25-0054), setting compliance deadlines and fines; for the pool work without a permit (case 25-0055) the board continued the matter to May 28 to allow staff to present additional evidence that work was actively being done without a permit.

What the board decided: - Case 24-0391 (7990 Westlake Drive): Based on staff testimony the board authorized recording a certified copy of the order imposing a lien; fine/assessment details remain in the file and the board left the case active for enforcement steps.

- Case 25-0048 (1921 Korandis Road): Code enforcement staff reported multiple items observed on the property (mildew on driveway, overgrown lawn and a trailer). The board found a violation of section 34-19(9)(b) for the driveway and ordered compliance by April 30, after which a fine of up to $50 per day may be imposed; staff said other violations on the property will be brought back if not corrected.

- Cases 25-0053, 25-0054 (1511 Palm Circle): For open storage in the backyard (34-19(7)) the board found a violation and ordered compliance by April 25 and a fine up to $50 per day if not corrected. For the backyard overgrowth (34-19(4)) the board ordered compliance by April 30 with fines up to $50 per day. Staff reported prior unresolved fines/liens on the same property and said the owner had not made contact with code enforcement.

- Case 25-0055 (1511 Palm Circle — pool): The code officer presented photographs showing an empty or partially stripped pool and bags of concrete near the pool; staff reported no pool-related permits on file. Several board members questioned whether the photos and available evidence established active work without a permit. The board continued the pool matter to the May 28 hearing and asked staff to gather additional evidence, including testimony from the complaining neighbor, before imposing fines.

Town attorney orientation: Town Attorney Charlie Sheikh reminded board members about the Florida Sunshine Law, limitations on off‑record communications, disclosure obligations for site visits or ex parte contacts, and the standard of “substantial competent evidence” required for findings. Sheikh advised members to disclose any contacts about matters on the agenda and cautioned that pre-hearing opinions could require a member to recuse or abstain.

Why this matters: The meeting followed routine enforcement practice but included several escalations — recording a lien and pending fines — and highlighted board concern about evidence sufficiency in permit-related cases. The attorney’s orientation underscored procedural safeguards that shape how the board evaluates evidence and interacts with staff and residents.

Next steps: Staff will record the lien in the 24-0391 matter, follow up on compliance checks for 25-0048 and the Palm Circle matters, and present additional evidence in the continued pool case on May 28. The board signaled interest in reviewing ordinance language where ambiguity about permit compliance arises.