Temple Terrace code board finds multiple properties in violation, sets compliance deadlines and fines

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board of the City of Temple Terrace on April 9, 2025 found multiple properties in violation of city code, set or confirmed compliance deadlines and daily fines, and continued one commercial case for further administrative follow-up.

The findings came after code officers presented evidence including photographs, stop-work orders and notices of violation in a sequence of hearings. The board repeatedly set May 14, 2025 as the compliance date for several matters or confirmed earlier short extensions where progress was reported.

Why it matters: the board enforces local building, permitting and property-maintenance rules intended to protect public safety, neighborhood character and city infrastructure. Orders carry daily fines that become liens on property if unpaid, and permit the city to inspect retroactive work.

Tom Barone, co‑compliance director, told the board that several cases involved construction or alterations performed without required permits. In the proceeding over 518 Coach Lane (case 250070), Barone said the city issued a stop‑work order after a neighbor complaint and that permitting records showed no permits had been issued. The board found a violation and ordered the property into compliance by May 14, 2025, with a fine set at $25 per day if the order is not met.

At 808 Beverly Drive (case 244597), Code Enforcement reported partial remediation but stated concerns remained about a heavily cluttered carport. Resident Wayne Southern told the board he had just finished cleanup the morning of the hearing and explained that items removed from the rear yard were temporarily stored in the carport. After discussion, the board approved a short extension to April 16, 2025 for the remaining work and instructed the respondent to meet with code staff for direction; members warned fines would begin if the new deadline passed without compliance.

For 11305 East Queensway Drive (case 242353), related to a fire‑damaged structure, code staff reported a demolition permit had been obtained and utilities were disconnected, but no demolition had yet occurred. Owner Jim Evans told the board he had put the property out for bid for demolition and had contractor timelines that could start in May. The board granted an extension to May 14, 2025 to allow demolition to proceed and to cure the nuisance.

The board found a roof violation at 12910 Terrace Springs Drive (case 244582) after code inspections documented a blue tarp and ongoing dispute between the homeowner and Heritage Insurance about repair versus replacement. The board ordered the roof corrected by May 14, 2025 and set a $25‑per‑day fine for noncompliance.

A commercial case involving an installed storefront sign at 1002 N. 50th Street (Metro Plaza LLC, case 25‑0636) was continued to May 14, 2025 to allow the property manager and contractor to coordinate with the city’s permitting and billing staff. City staff explained the electric work permit had not been paid and therefore could not be inspected; the board continued the case to resolve whether fees would be paid and permits issued.

Several other cases also resulted in 05/14/2025 deadlines and $25‑per‑day fines where the board found work had been performed without permits: 13105 N. 50th St. (case 25‑0086), 504 Lantern Circle (case 25‑0087), and others. In one matter, 9851 Morris Glen Way (case 25‑0445), the city accepted an affidavit of compliance and the board ordered no fines because the violation was corrected prior to the hearing.

A commercial landscape case at 5601 E. Fowler Ave. (case 25‑0624, Radiant Oil Company of Tampa) was found not in compliance for dead/missing plant material, broken irrigation and missing perimeter screening. Because the site is a visible commercial corridor location, the board set a daily fine and moved a higher daily fine rate for that site (the motion set a daily penalty of $75 per day) with a May 14 compliance date.

Board members repeatedly emphasized that a permit, when required, must be obtained to cure violations so the city can inspect the work; completing unpermitted work may generate new violations during inspection. The chair and code staff also reminded respondents that if fines accrue and are recorded, they become liens against the property and must be resolved at sale or title transfer.

Quotes from hearing participants included: “The property was issued a stop work order,” Code Compliance Officer Tom Barone said in the 518 Coach Lane case. Maria Amaro, speaking as a family member for respondents at 518 Coach Lane, said: “We did stop the work. … Ever since we found out that we committed the violation, we've been attempting to do everything.”

What’s next: Most properties were given until May 14, 2025 to achieve compliance; respondents were told to work directly with code staff and permitting to secure permits or submit documentation. Cases not resolved by that date may subject owners to daily fines and potential liens.

Votes at a glance (selected formal actions taken April 9, 2025): - Case 250070 (518 Coach Lane): Violation found (Section 8‑28(a)(1) — permit required). Compliance by 05/14/2025; fine $25/day if not corrected. - Case 244597 (808 Beverly Drive): Short extension granted to 04/16/2025 (final extension noted) to complete cleanup; fines to begin if not corrected. - Case 242353 (11305 East Queensway Drive): Extension to 05/14/2025 to allow demolition to proceed; board directed owner to return if more time needed. - Case 244582 (12910 Terrace Springs Drive): Violation found (roof); compliance by 05/14/2025; fine $25/day. - Case 25‑0636 (1002 N. 50th St., Metro Plaza LLC): Continued to 05/14/2025 for permitting/payment resolution. - Case 25‑0086 (13105 N. 50 2nd St.): Violation found (concrete work without permit); compliance by 05/14/2025; fine $25/day. - Case 25‑0087 (504 Lantern Circle): Violation found (windows/exterior doors/garage door); compliance by 05/14/2025; fine $25/day. - Case 25‑0445 (9851 Morris Glen Way): Affidavit of compliance accepted; no fine imposed. - Case 25‑0624 (5601 E. Fowler Ave., Radiant Oil Co.): Violations found (landscaping/irrigation/buffer); compliance by 05/14/2025; motion set fine at $75/day.

Board guidance and common clarifications from staff: - Work done without a required permit can be cured only by obtaining the permit and allowing inspection; retroactive permitting may generate additional corrective work requirements. - Deadlines set by the board are enforceable; fines accrue daily past the compliance date and may be recorded as liens. - Extensions may be granted, but the board warned they are not guaranteed and usually intended when demonstrable progress or scheduling (contractor/insurance timelines) exists.

Ending: Respondents were encouraged to coordinate directly with code staff and permitting (contacts referenced at the hearing) and to appear at the next board meeting if additional time is necessary. For cases continued, the board scheduled follow‑up on May 14, 2025. No new policy changes were proposed at the meeting.