Board reduces $9,200 lien to $2,000 after owners document permitting work and added expense
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Summary
Owners of 122 SW 12th Ave described contractor errors and permitting confusion; the board reduced the accrued lien from $9,200 to $2,000 with 60 days to pay or revert to the full amount, citing documented remediation and communication history.
Phil Cartwright, code enforcement supervisor, presented the case for 122 Southwest 12th Avenue, citing an original notice on April 23, 2025, and accrued fines of $9,200. Property owner Soraya Martins said the owners relied on a contractor who applied incorrectly for permits (one unit permitted, the other not), traveled from Boston multiple times to resolve the issue, and spent substantial additional funds to bring both units into compliance. The owners provided a chronology of permit submissions, communications with planning staff, and evidence that the work was eventually accepted and closed out on Dec. 16, 2025.
Board members referenced state guidance requiring consideration of gravity of violation, corrective actions and prior history. Staff noted the permit closed and the work was accepted on Dec. 16. After discussion a board member moved to reduce the lien from $9,200 to $2,000; the motion provided 60 days to pay the reduced amount, with the lien reverting to the original amount if unpaid. The motion passed by voice vote.