Code board finds Hayes Road property in violation, gives owners until July 15 to fix sidewalk and driveway

The Winter Springs Code Enforcement Board on Feb. 25 found the property at 147 Hayes Road in violation of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and ordered the owner to repair a hazardous sidewalk and driveway condition by July 15, 2025.

Chris Alban, code compliance inspector for the City of Winter Springs, told the board the case began from a citizen complaint and that inspections on July 31, 2024, Oct. 21, 2024, Jan. 7, 2025, Feb. 4, 2025 and Feb. 24, 2025 showed the walking surface remained “in disrepair and failed to be maintained free from a hazardous condition.” Alban recommended the board find the property in violation and set a compliance date.

The board heard from property owners Martha Cortez Mendez and K. Jose Cortez Mendez, who said they had obtained contractor estimates and intended to fix the driveway but did not yet have sufficient funds. Martha Cortez Mendez said a full repair could cost in the “$8,000 to $10,000” range and described the family’s plan to seek temporary measures while saving for a permanent repair.

Board members discussed whether a temporary patch would satisfy the code and whether building permits or public-works participation would be required. Alban said cosmetic or temporary fill would not necessarily satisfy the sidewalk requirement and recommended the owners talk with the city’s permitting and public-works departments about acceptable materials and whether the city would assume any sidewalk work.

After discussion, a motion to find the property in violation and order correction by July 15, 2025 carried unanimously. The board set a civil fine of $25 per day per violation to begin if the property has not been brought into compliance by that date. Board members also urged the owners to consult permitting and public works (including the city’s public-works director) about options for sidewalk repair and whether the city would repair a sidewalk in the public right-of-way.

The board did not report any injuries or falls connected to the condition, and Alban said while he had not received reports of falls the condition’s deterioration could increase hazard risk over time. The board stressed that contacting permitting and public works was only advisory; the compliance deadline requires physical correction unless a different arrangement is approved and recorded by the code office.

The board’s order requires the owners to repair the sidewalk/walking surface and driveway so the walkway is continuous and free of hazardous depressions and undulations by July 15, 2025. If the property is not brought into compliance by that date, the $25-per-day fine will be assessed until code enforcement verifies correction.