Special master orders removal or compliance for unlicensed vehicles and unauthorized accessory‑structure use

Citrus County code officers presented several cases at the July 15 hearing involving unlicensed or inoperable vehicles and alleged use of accessory structures as living quarters. The county relied on registration checks, photographs and on‑site observations to support notices of violation.

Erica Olsen and Joanna Coutu testified that vehicles with expired registration and RVs were present at some properties and that in one case a shed appeared to be used as living space with associated personal effects. In the Uvasik matter (5189 South Nob Hill Terrace), officers reported an unlicensed vehicle whose registration expired in 2021 and the presence of an RV; an on‑site tenant claimed ownership and said the person had been living in an accessory structure since hurricanes the prior year.

The county recommended daily fines; the special master granted short compliance periods and set $200‑per‑day fines in those cases: a 10‑day deadline for accessory‑structure occupancy and $200 per day if not brought into compliance; 14 days and $200 per day for unlicensed vehicles in related cases. Officers said they had run plates, reviewed photos and spoken with tenants or caretakers in some matters.

The special master admitted county photographs and posting affidavits as evidence and reminded parties that county code prohibits storage of junk or living in accessory buildings without required permits. Where evidence showed ongoing occupancy of an accessory structure, the order required the owner to correct the violation or face the assessed fines.