Temple Terrace code board issues rulings across 12 property cases, fines and compliance deadlines set

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board of the City of Temple Terrace on March 12, 2025 heard a series of property enforcement cases and issued rulings that ranged from daily fines for ongoing violations to no-fine findings where respondents brought properties into compliance before the hearing.

The board pronounced a repeat violation and daily fine against Circle K at 5602 E. Fowler Ave.; ordered multiple restaurants to submit site plans or remove outdoor seating to meet revised code and ADA-clearance rules; set April 9, 2025 as the compliance deadline for several matters including permit-related and RV/trailer cases; and granted extensions for other ongoing matters such as a demolition project at a fire-damaged house.

The board’s actions followed testimony and photographic evidence presented by city code officers and statements from respondents or their representatives. Laurie Smith, the city’s code compliance officer, presented multiple cases and submitted photographs and affidavits as evidence. She told the board that the city’s findings were based on sworn testimony and documents entered into the record.

Votes at a glance: - Case 25-0620 (City v. Circle K, 5602 E. Fowler Ave.): The board found violations of city code sections 12-1047 (landscape maintenance), 12-1049 (landscaping perimeter) and 12-1043 (plant material and design) and designated the property a repeat violator. The board assessed a daily fine of $75 beginning Feb. 5, 2025 and continuing until the site is brought into compliance. Code compliance officer Laurie Smith presented photos and a prior board finding from 2024; Teresa Wilson, identifying herself as Circle K’s regional director, said she had…