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Council to send certified notices, set 30‑day compliance deadline in long-running sheds and animal-structure case
Summary
Following years of noncompliance and a denied appeal, the Cleveland council directed staff to send a certified letter giving 30 days to fix unpermitted sheds and animal structures; fines of $50 per day were discussed and the council said it will document monthly statements and involve counsel if noncompliance continues.
Council members reviewed a long-running code-enforcement matter involving unpermitted sheds and animal structures that were built too close to the sidewalk and in violation of setback rules. The council said a court had denied the property owner’s appeal and that fines had been accruing at $50 per day; members reported the accumulated amount had reached tens of thousands of dollars.
Officials discussed practical remedies: moving the structure west to meet the five-foot setback, providing photographic evidence in correspondence, and keeping a paper trail to support any future legal steps. The council agreed to have staff send a certified letter that sets a 30‑day deadline from the date of the letter for compliance; the letter will also request the property owner describe actions taken to remedy the violation. Council members said if compliance is not achieved they will begin monthly statements and continue to pursue fines and attorney involvement.
The discussion also covered a related dog/kennel complaint and whether the town should send follow-up letters with photographic evidence. The council emphasized the objective is not punishment but ensuring the issue is fixed; staff will coordinate with the town attorney to ensure consistent enforcement and documentation.
