Board orders property repairs, 45‑day compliance at 561 Mary Street for siding disrepair and outside storage

The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on June 24 found that the property at 561 Mary Street (owned by respondent Gesunde Gamilia) violated Punta Gorda Code Chapter 26 Section 8.11(b) (property maintenance—siding/door in disrepair) and Punta Gorda Code Chapter 9 Section 9‑2(a) (outside storage). The board issued a cease‑and‑desist order, required the property be brought into compliance within 45 days of receipt of the order, and ordered payment of case costs of $22.07 within 30 days.

Frank Coppinger, code compliance officer, presented 23 photographs and explained that inspections beginning Dec. 2, 2024 found siding and door in disrepair and outside storage items — including siding, lattice and chairs — on the property. Notices of violation were sent by certified mail in December 2024 and an amended notice was returned in April 2025; Coppinger said a May 5, 2025 inspection showed outside storage had been removed but the siding remained in disrepair, and that as of the June 24 reinspection the siding issue had not been corrected.

Staff submitted $22.07 in case costs for the record. After the board established a prima facie case, a motion carried to find the respondent in violation, issue a cease‑and‑desist for future violations of Chapter 26 Section 8.11(b), and require compliance within 45 days. The board also warned that failure to comply could result in fines up to $250 per day plus interest.

Code staff clarified that simple siding repairs do not require a building permit, though full replacement could trigger permitting requirements. Board members placed the property geographically on the east side of U.S. 41 near Mary Street and noted the house is not listed on the local historic register. The board’s order directs staff to monitor compliance and return if the property remains out of compliance after the 45‑day period.