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Ocala board approves $17,390 lien after demolition, reduces accrued fines to 10%
Summary
The board approved filing a lien totaling $17,390 against a Marion County property to cover demolition hard costs and a reduced portion of accrued daily fines; the respondent said he attempted permits and paid toward fines but could not complete remediation prior to demolition.
The Ocala Code Enforcement Board voted to file a lien of $17,390 against the property in case 202310361 to cover remaining hard demolition costs and a reduced portion of accrued fines. Staff said the total outstanding included roughly $11,850 in remaining hard costs and $55,400 in accrued daily fines; staff recommended reducing the fines to 10% ($5,540) and adding the hard costs for a $17,390 lien.
Staff explained earlier negotiations had allowed a partial payment in good faith to enable sales of other properties, but the primary property remained noncompliant and the city proceeded with demolition after abatement deadlines were not met. "This would be a lien filed against the property, a lien of standing and binding for a period of 20 years unless refiled," a staff member told the board.
Respondent Wade Yang said he acquired the fire-damaged house at a county auction in late 2023 and attempted to engage engineers and architects to obtain permits. He told the board he paid for engineering and faced back-and-forth with building staff over requirements such as energy calculations. "I am willing to pay for the demolition cost. That's very fair to ask me to do that. But I am asking to be fair to me too, not to levy any additional liens," Yang said.
Board members discussed the case at length and acknowledged the partial payments tied to the property; staff said the city paid for demolition after continuing noncompliance. Board member Daryl O'Kane moved to accept staff's recommendation to file the lien at the reduced amount; Kevin Steiner seconded, and the motion passed.
The lien as approved will remain until paid or until its 20-year statutory life unless the board orders otherwise. Staff will provide the respondent with details about how prior payments were applied and will meet with him to discuss any remaining questions.
