Clermont code board reduces fines, orders repairs and sets compliance dates across eight cases

The City of Clermont Code Enforcement Board met March 17 and issued rulings on eight cases, approving reduced fines for several property owners, ordering structural repairs for a condominium building found unsafe, and setting compliance deadlines and daily fines for properties that remain out of compliance.

Why it matters: The board’s actions convert long-running code disputes into enforceable orders with payment dates, deadlines for repair plans or permits, and per-day fines that can become liens on property titles if unpaid. Several cases involved repeated violations or properties that the city said were unsafe for occupancy.

In a consolidated case covering one building with four parcels (cases C2404-0046, -0048, -0049 and -0050, identified in the record as Lakefront Village, LLC), staff told the board that permits were issued after a compliance deadline and that 22 days of fines had accrued, totaling $5,280. Respondent Ross Germano told the board the project had been submitted for expedited review and that city review delays — including a reviewer’s vacation in the fire department — contributed to the lateness. The board accepted staff’s recommendation to reduce the total fine to 20% ($1,056) payable within 30 days, reverting to the original amount if unpaid.

In a repeat-violation matter (case C2405-0019) involving property at 1870 Veil Drive, the board returned a prior reduction to 20% in 2024 but heard the owner had not paid within the 90-day window. Staff recommended a 50% reduction of the $30,500 fine; the board instead granted a second reduction to $6,100, payable within 10 days (March 27), with the original amount to be reinstated if payment is not received.

For case C2409-0031 (Edward Emrick III, weeds and property maintenance), staff reported the property was in compliance as of Feb. 17 and recommended reducing the $2,500 fine to $250 (10%). The board approved a reduction to $250, payable by April 16, or the original fine would be reinstated.

The board approved a staff recommendation in case C2406-0022 (Libra Real Estate LLC, vacant parcel with weeds) to reduce an $85,000 fine to 20% ($17,000), payable within 30 days (April 16), reverting to the full amount if not paid. One board member registered opposition during the vote; the motion passed 4–1.

In a materially different proceeding (case C2501-0036, Lake Mineola Condominium Association), staff and inspectors presented photographs, prior HOA meeting minutes and two structural reports indicating corrosion and concrete spalling around a steel column and other structural distress. The building official and staff recommended finding a violation for unsafe structure. The board ordered the HOA (the recorded owner) to correct the violations by May 16, 2025; if the respondent does not comply, the board set a fine of $250 per day for each day the violation continues after that date. Multiple HOA representatives and a unit owner who filed the complaint said they have hired a structural engineer and will submit plans.

In case C2412-0006 (Colonial Tile and Pavers LLC), staff said pavers and display areas had been installed without required permits and that the property was now in compliance. The board ordered correction of the violation by April 16, 2025, and set a $250-per-day fine for continued noncompliance after that date.

In case C2409-0026 (Kendra Elam, White Magnolia Loop), code staff reported multiple alterations to a dwelling (sheds, a screen enclosure and French doors) and rejected plan reviews requiring an engineer’s letter; permits for some items remained in review. Staff initially listed a vacation-rental complaint but told the board the short-term-rental issue was not supported and removed that allegation from the list. The board ordered the respondent to correct the violations on or before May 16, 2025; the board set a fine of $150 per day for every day the property remains in violation after that date. Elam told the board she had delivered engineer letters and was awaiting plan-review results.

In case C2402-0005 (Alexandra and Adam Sedlmager, 26 Sunnyside Drive), staff described a stop-work order and an earlier building-inspector determination that a structure was unsafe. The board ordered correction by April 16, 2025, and set a $250-per-day fine for each day of noncompliance after that date.

Votes at a glance: - C2404-0046/48/49/50 (Lakefront Village, LLC): fine reduced to $1,056 (20%); due within 30 days; original fine reinstated if unpaid — outcome: approved. - C2405-0019 (1870 Veil Drive): fine reduced to $6,100; due March 27 (10 days); original fine $30,500 reinstated if unpaid — outcome: approved. - C2409-0031 (Edward Emrick III): fine reduced to $250; due April 16; original $2,500 reinstated if unpaid — outcome: approved. - C2406-0022 (Libra Real Estate LLC): fine reduced to $17,000 (20%); due April 16; original $85,000 reinstated if unpaid — outcome: approved (4–1). - C2501-0036 (Lake Mineola Condominium Association): found in violation; ordered correction by May 16, 2025; $250/day fine after that date — outcome: order issued. - C2412-0006 (Colonial Tile and Pavers LLC): ordered correction by April 16, 2025; $250/day fine after that date — outcome: order issued. - C2409-0026 (Kendra Elam, 2950 White Magnolia Loop): ordered correction by May 16, 2025; $150/day fine after that date — outcome: order issued. - C2402-0005 (Alexandra and Adam Sedlmager, 26 Sunnyside Drive): ordered correction by April 16, 2025; $250/day fine after that date — outcome: order issued.

Board and city staff emphasized that permit status and plan review remain subject to separate building-department timelines; the board’s orders set correction deadlines and civil fines but do not substitute for building-permit approvals. Respondents and owners repeatedly told the board they had engineers preparing plans or had submitted engineer letters and asked inspections and plan reviews proceed promptly.

The board also noted that if reduced fines are not paid by the deadlines, fines revert to the original amounts set in prior orders and may be pursued as liens or through other enforcement mechanisms.

What’s next: Each order includes a compliance date and a requirement to contact code enforcement to arrange inspections; cases will return to enforcement if deadlines and payments are not met.