The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on Dec. 19 found several properties in violation of city code, ordered owners to correct violations within set deadlines and imposed fines or case costs where compliance was not achieved.

Board members established prima facie cases for a series of addresses after code officers presented inspection histories and documentation. For an East Henry Street matter involving a parked dual-axle trailer the board ordered the respondent to bring the property into compliance within 90 days and to pay $38.26 in case costs. Code supervisor Nick Faulkner explained the city’s view that ‘‘if multiple axle trailer is there overnight, the violation exists,’’ and zoning official Rachel Berry told the board that ‘‘in residential districts, home occupations are permitted, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you can have a contractor office.’’

Several penalty hearings followed. In one longtime noncompliance matter the board voted to impose a $17,850 fine, calculated at $50 per day for 357 days of noncompliance, plus case costs of $94.53; the board said the fine will continue to run until the ordered corrections are made. City attorney Steven Leskovich urged the board to find a violation and noted that ‘‘any lien placed on the home is gonna run with the home,’’ warning that litigation could take months or years.

Other outcomes at the meeting included: an order to bring a Fitzhugh Avenue property into compliance within 60 days and a $37 case cost; a 60-day compliance order and $65.32 case cost for a separate property on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; a $1,750 fine for siding noncompliance at 561 Mary Street; an $8,900 fine for prolonged junk/maintenance issues at 1239 Windward Court (set at $100/day for 89 days); and a $2,800 fine for an unpermitted dumpster and permit violations at 1623 Red Wing Court. In the only continuance, the board agreed unanimously to move a medical‑reason hearing to the Feb. 19, 2026 meeting.

Board staff also briefed members on planned code updates and administrative options. Zoning official Rachel Berry told the board a proposed ordinance before the planning commission ‘‘is not dissolving the code board’’ but would add an option for city council to use a special magistrate in some code matters. Code supervisor Nick Faulkner noted multiple previously listed cases have since moved into compliance and cautioned that when a case reaches compliance ‘‘that means that the fines have stopped; we’ll still record those fines, as liens on the property if they’re not paid.’’

A resignation from board member Raul Mouchon was read into the record; he said newly scheduled Thursday meetings conflict with an ongoing commitment and that his last meeting will be Dec. 19, 2025. The board wrapped with scheduling announcements and staff reminders about upcoming planning commission and council items.

Votes at a glance
- Hearing (East Henry / trailer): Compliance within 90 days; case costs $38.26; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 25-87986 (509 Fitzhugh Ave): Compliance within 60 days; case costs $37; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 25-88471 (512 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd): Compliance within 60 days; case costs $65.32; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 24-86129 (penalty): Fine $17,850 ($50/day × 357 days) plus $94.53 costs; motion carried unanimously; fines continue until compliance.
- Hearing 24-86836 (561 Mary St): Fine $1,750 ($50/day × 35 days) plus $56.29 costs; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 25-87667 (1239 Windward Ct): Fine $8,900 ($100/day × 89 days) plus $87.56 costs; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 25-88346 (1623 Red Wing Ct): Fine $2,800 ($50/day × 56 days) plus $75.12 costs; motion carried unanimously.
- Hearing 25-87828 (Thomas J. Setchel): Continued to Feb. 19, 2026 (requested for medical reasons); motion carried unanimously.

What’s next: Most orders set specific cure periods (60–180 days) and carry the possibility of a daily fine up to $250 for continued noncompliance; several cases were noted as having outstanding liens or ongoing legal complications that may delay remedy or enforcement.

Sources: testimony and evidence presented at the Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board hearing on Dec. 19, 2025, including statements by code staff and the city attorney.