Sandusky panel upholds $1,000 penalty for property at 1921 Tiffin Ave after no repairs

The Sandusky Boards & Commissions on Monday denied an appeal by property owner Kevin Roth and upheld a third administrative penalty tied to maintenance violations at 1921 Tiffin Avenue, directing the matter toward criminal proceedings if the fine is not resolved.

The decision follows code compliance testimony that inspectors found little to no corrective work since the case began; Roth was not present at the hearing but had been notified. The board's vote affirms the use of administrative penalties in the local enforcement process and signals a possible court referral if compliance and payment do not occur.

Inspector Ron Snyder summarized the case history and showed photographs the board said indicate no meaningful progress on required repairs since the initial notices. Snyder told the board he had spoken with Roth about materials and building-department requirements but that he had not heard back after providing contact information for the building inspector.

A member moved to deny Roth's appeal and to require payment of the $1,000 third-tier administrative penalty; the motion was seconded and approved by a majority. The recorded vote was Yes from Chairperson Gamblin, Member Johnson, Member Warner and Member Sharra; Member Mazunga voted No. The board noted the administrative process began in late 2022 and that staff would pursue the penalty and possible court action now that the appeal has been denied.

Roth was absent though the board stated he had been notified of the hearing. Inspector Snyder will continue to document the property's status and inform the board of any further developments leading to court referral or compliance.