Owner of Cottonwood Drive accessory structure given until July 31 to obtain permit or face $200 daily fine

The City of Winter Springs Code Enforcement Board on May 27 found the owner of 206 Cottonwood Drive in violation of Florida Building Code Section 105.1 for constructing an accessory structure without a required permit and ordered the owner to obtain the permit by July 31, 2025.

Inspector Chris Alban presented images and county property-appraiser imagery showing that the screened structure did not appear in October 2023 imagery but was present in November 2024. Alban said a permit application (RESD2025-2948) was submitted on March 4, 2025, but had not been issued as of multiple re‑inspections through May 22.

Homeowner Joseph Areola and witness Isabella Barini, who was sworn in, described permit-review comments that required corrected square footage, setback information and clearer drawings. Areola said he performed the work himself and had been responding to permit-office requests about setbacks and drawings; Barini said the permit review had returned requests for corrected square footage and color information.

Board members said the board's role was to bring the property into compliance, not to punish, and noted the permitting department and applicant must resolve outstanding review comments. The board approved a motion to find the property in violation and give the respondent until July 31, 2025, to remedy the violation; the order specified that a $200 per day fine would be assessed if the structure remained without an issued permit after that date. The vote was unanimous by roll call.

Board members advised the respondent to stay in touch with the code inspector so staff and the applicant can resolve outstanding permitting issues before the compliance date.

Votes at a glance: 206 Cottonwood Drive — violation of Florida Building Code Sec. 105.1 (permits required); compliance deadline 2025-07-31; fine $200 per day after that date; outcome: approved (unanimous).