James Easley, code enforcement officer with the city of Delray Beach Clean and Safe unit, told the Code Enforcement Board the property at East Atlantic Avenue (case 25000301) was cited on Oct. 4, 2025, and repeatedly re-inspected on Dec. 9, Dec. 30 and Jan. 8, 2026. Easley introduced 20 photographs showing trash, boxes and a clogged drain in the dumpster area and said the site remained out of compliance with city code section 7.80.3 covering maintenance of buildings.

Owner representatives Mike Covelli and William Himmelreich told the board they received the certified notice in October, had the drain jetted on Oct. 22 and believed the immediate corrective action had been taken. Covelli and Himmelreich said communication lapses—delays in certified-mail receipt and limited follow-up from staff—meant they were unaware the case remained open; they offered sworn photos taken the day of the hearing as evidence of cleanup.

Board members pressed both sides over the timeline. Easley said the city re-inspections showed repeated noncompliance after the original notice; the owners said tenant behavior, delivery trucks blocking dumpster access and inconsistent notice placement contributed to recurring problems. One board member urged that daily cleaning be required rather than a one-time jetting of the drain.

After discussion, a board member moved and the board found that the facts supported a violation. The board ordered the respondent to correct all violations within 30 days or face a $100-per-day fine for each day of noncompliance, directed the respondent to notify the code enforcement officer when compliance was achieved, and authorized staff to report back and pursue a lien if the property failed to comply.

The board admitted Easley’s photographic exhibits into evidence during the hearing. The case was continued administratively for compliance verification rather than immediate abatement action.