Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clearwater code board orders compliance for dozens of permit and maintenance violations; most set May 22 deadline
Summary
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board found multiple property owners in violation of city codes for unpermitted work, roof maintenance and signage, issuing orders (commonly with May 22 compliance deadlines) and authorizing fines of $150 per day for continuing violations.
At its May 21 meeting the Municipal Code Enforcement Board heard a steady series of code-enforcement cases alleging unpermitted work, roof maintenance failures and unsafe conditions across residential and commercial properties in Clearwater. Inspectors presented evidence (photos and prior notice records) and the board consistently found respondents in violation and issued compliance orders.
Inspector Cat Reese and other code inspectors described repeated patterns: unpermitted interior remodels (including electrical and plumbing), unpermitted pavement or signage, and roof maintenance problems. For many commercial and residential properties — including cases at 104 South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue (cases 76-26 and 77-26), 1450 Franklin Street (case 78-26) and 21104 Brigadeon Drive (case 74-26) — inspectors requested permits be obtained by May 22, 2026 with six months to complete work after permit issuance. The board approved each recommended order by voice vote; motions carried on the record.
Standard enforcement language included a compliance deadline, a $150-per-day fine for each continuing violation and a city right to foreclose or place a lien if fines and fees remained unpaid three months after filing. In several instances inspectors said previous permits had expired or prior inspectors had closed cases before final inspections, creating the present enforcement actions.
Votes at a glance (selected items): - Case 74-26 (21104 Brigadeon Drive): roof maintenance violations; compliance by June 1, 2026; $150/day fine if noncompliant. (Motion carried) - Cases 76-26 & 77-26 (104 S Martin Luther King Jr. Ave): unpermitted interior work and parking-lot repaving; obtain permit by May 22, 2026 and complete within six months; $150/day fines for ongoing violations. (Motions carried) - Case 78-26 (1450 Franklin St): unpermitted asphalt surfacing; obtain permit by May 22, 2026 and complete within six months; $150/day fine for continuing violation. (Motion carried) - Multiple residential cases (screen patios, pools, etc.) at 1623 Windsor Place and other addresses: orders requiring permits by May 22, 2026 and six months for completion; $150/day fines. (Motions carried)
Inspectors repeatedly emphasized that permits and final inspections are the route to compliance; several board members asked staff to check permit-issuance progress before assessing harsher penalties. Most motions were unanimous on the record. The board also accepted several affidavits of compliance in bulk and entered non-compliance findings in other matters where inspectors reported no progress.
