Vero Beach code board gives property owner 45 days to submit demolition or permit documents at 1050 Old Dixie Highway

The Vero Beach Code Enforcement Board on an evidentiary finding ordered the owner of 1050 Old Dixie Highway to bring the property into compliance within 45 days or face continuing civil penalties of $100 per day beginning March 30, 2024.

Board staff presented the case. "Good afternoon, mister chairman fellow board members David Keiki licensing investigator, Indian River County Building Department. This is an evidentiary case involving a structural alteration, construction, and demolition of a commercial building without a permit at 1050 Old Dixie Highway in Vero Beach," Keiki said, describing post-occupancy structural work, demolition and air-conditioning work observed on the site and a stop-work order posted by staff. Staff said the initial $500 citation was paid but that the owner had not submitted a complete demolition or alteration permit package as required.

Owner representative Michael (Mike) Bishop told the board he had submitted required items to the county health department and expected to resubmit to the building department: "That's a good summary of what it was. We fully intend to get the permit demo permit within the 45 days. We did go to the health department. I was just not clear on the procedures so we've we've already submitted to the health department the pre demo, inspection and the the, tank removal, abandonment." He added he expected to complete the submittal within the 45-day period.

Board members debated how to start any daily fines if the owner missed the deadline. Board member Lehi asked staff whether the recommended period was sufficient: "Lehi. Mister chair if I may mister Keiki with you, you just laid out for us, are you comfortable with the time frame or do you feel we should give a little bit more?" Keiki replied he had no problem with 45 days if the owner submitted a fully executed application.

The board voted to find a violation exists and issued a board order requiring correction within 45 days from the date of the board order. The order states continuing civil penalties of $100 per day shall commence as of March 30, 2024, if the violation is not corrected. The board noted the initial citation payment had been received. The motion carried on an affirmative vote.

The stop-work order remains in place until the owner either completes demolition or submits and pursues a permitted alteration or demolition package, per building department staff.