Code board issues cease‑and‑desist, orders $17.08 case cost for 1601 Taylor Road tall‑grass violation

The Punta Gorda City Code Enforcement Board found Jan. 14 that the city established a prima facie case for tall grass and weed violations at 1601 Taylor Road and issued a cease‑and‑desist order and a case‑costs assessment.

Frank Coppinger, code compliance officer, told the board he inspected the property on Dec. 2, 2025, and found grass and/or weeds exceeding 12 inches in height, a violation of Punta Gorda Code chapter 9, §9‑2(h). A notice of violation and order for corrective action was mailed; Coppinger said a reinspection on Jan. 4 and Jan. 14 found the property in compliance but that a certified notice and hearing had been required because prior related cases existed on the property.

Coppinger requested a cease‑and‑desist order for future violations and submitted an invoice for $17.08 in case costs. Board members discussed consistency across cases about charging case costs when respondents come into compliance before the hearing. One member said waiving costs had been done before in similar situations, while others said code allows recovery of administrative costs and that issuing an order creates a record and deterrent effect.

The board voted to find that the city established a prima facie case, issued a cease‑and‑desist order for future violations of Punta Gorda Code chapter 9, §9‑2(h), and ordered the respondent to pay $17.08 in case costs within 15 days of receiving the order.

The board noted the order warns that continued noncompliance could result in fines up to $250 per day plus interest. The case file shows notice and certified‑mail receipts and photographic evidence were submitted by the officer.