Code board orders repair of peeling freestanding sign at 1880 North Belcher Road

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board found a respondent in violation of the city sign-maintenance code for a freestanding sign at 1880 North Belcher Road and ordered repairs by March 26, 2025, or a fine of $150 per day per violation will begin to accrue.

Inspector Stephen Burger of the City of Clearwater told the board he first noticed the freestanding sign in need of maintenance on Aug. 6, 2024, and that a notice of violation was mailed Sept. 9, 2024, with certified mail receipt on Sept. 19, 2024. Burger said the sign’s face panel was “peeling” and the structure showed mildew and rust. He told the board the store manager at Walgreens provided a work order showing the issue had been reported to the company on Aug. 7, 2024, but the face panel remained unrepaired as of a Feb. 24 site check even though the sign structures had been painted.

The board’s order states the respondent must remove peeling paint and rust, repaint or replace damaged parts, and remove or repair peeling lettering on the face panel by March 26, 2025. Inspector Burger recommended a fine of $150 per day for each day the violation continues. A board member moved to find the respondent in violation and to enter the corrective order; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The code cited for the case is Section 3-15.0.02 (sign maintenance), which requires all signs to be maintained in the form originally approved and free of mildew, rust, or loose material. The order notes the city may file a lien and pursue collection procedures if fines remain unpaid.