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Punta Gorda code board orders roof repairs, 60-day compliance for Naranja Street property
Summary
The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board found a prima facie case for tall grass and a deteriorated roof at 1975 Naranja Street, ordered the owner to bring the property into compliance within 60 days and to pay $41.05 in case costs.
The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on March 25 found the city had established a prima facie case against the owner of 1975 Naranja Street for tall grass and a roof in disrepair, and ordered the property brought into compliance within 60 days.
Code compliance officer Meredith Ocktenberg testified that she inspected the property on Sept. 17, 2024, and again on Jan. 31 and March 6, 2025, documenting tall grass in excess of 12 inches and a torn tarp on the roof. "The pictures submitted for evidence are a true and accurate representation of the site at the time the pictures were taken," Ocktenberg said during the hearing. She told the board the tall grass was mowed by March 25 but the roof remained in disrepair.
The board voted to find the city had proved its case and later voted to find the respondent in violation of Punta Gorda Code chapter 9, section 9-2(h) (tall grass/weeds) and chapter 26, section 8.11(b) (property maintenance—structure). The board issued a cease-and-desist order for future violations, required the respondent to bring the property into compliance within 60 days of receiving the order, and ordered payment of case costs of $41.05 within 30 days. The board warned failure to comply could result in fines of up to $250 per day plus applicable interest.
Board members and staff discussed whether a roof permit had ever been applied for; Ocktenberg said she was not aware of a permit application. Nick Faulkner, code supervisor, told the board that building permits are typically processed by the building department and that turnaround can be about one to two weeks depending on volume. During the hearing members noted some notices to the property had been returned undelivered and discussed that the city also posts notices at the property and at City Hall Annex if mail service fails.
The board record shows a motion and second were made, and the motions carried. The board did not record an alternate fine or additional penalties beyond the notice that fines up to $250 per day may be imposed if the owner fails to comply.
