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Code board extends deadline for Park at Balenza after inspectors report major fire‑safety work remains
Summary
Inspectors said six of eight violation categories at Park at Balenza (6900 Aruba Ave.) are corrected but fire alarm and sprinkler work remain; the board extended the compliance deadline to Jan. 14, 2026 and told staff to monitor monthly progress.
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board for the City of Temple Terrace on Dec. 10 extended the compliance deadline for Blue Rock Premier Properties’ Park at Balenza apartments after staff said major fire‑safety work was underway but not complete.
Inspector Cleetus Squires told the board that six of eight violation categories had been corrected but that two categories — fire alarm systems and fire suppression/sprinklers — remained out of compliance. "They project approximately 6 months to go through that, do the inspections, and make the required repairs," Squires said, describing contractor work already begun by Pye Barker and other vendors.
John Jones, regional vice president for RPM Living, the property manager for Park at Balenza, said contractors have been hired and work is progressing. "Because of that, we are respectfully requesting a 120 day extension to allow Piebarker and our electrician to complete the remaining work with, continued oversight from inspector Squires," Jones said, adding that the owner has incorporated recurring vendor meetings and written progress reports into its compliance process.
The board did not adopt the 120‑day extension requested in that form. Instead it voted to extend the compliance deadline to Jan. 14, 2026 and directed staff to require regular status updates; Inspector Squires said he would "do an update every month." The board noted that the matter will return to the board on Jan. 14 and that the owner may request an additional extension at that time, but there is no guarantee an extension will be granted.
The property manager told the board that the sprinkler work will require many replacements — roughly 600 corroded sprinkler heads — and that Pye Barker estimated about 120 workdays to complete the sprinkler‑head replacements and related tasks. The owner asked that daily fines stop accruing while the work proceeds, provided the property remains on schedule and provides updates; board discussion focused on monitoring progress rather than immediately suspending fines.
The item will be back before the board at its next regular meeting on Jan. 14, 2026; the board’s order sets that date as the compliance deadline and leaves open the possibility of further extensions based on documented progress.
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