Collier County Code Enforcement Board accepts stipulations, grants continuances and reduces or imposes fines

The Collier County Code Enforcement Board met May 28 and handled a slate of stipulations, continuances and fine decisions in cases involving unpermitted structures, right‑of‑way work and business licensing.

Chair called the hearing to order and staff reviewed procedures and time limits. The board accepted several stipulations presented by code investigators requiring respondents to pay operational costs, obtain required Collier County permits or demolition permits and complete inspections, with fines to accrue for noncompliance. Stipulations accepted unanimously included matters listed on the modified agenda and several cases where respondents agreed to abate violations and pay operational costs.

In a contested hearing for case CEAU20230005361 (2330 19th Street), Investigator Charles Marinos said multiple unpermitted structures — including a chicken coop, canopy frames and corrugated sheds — lacked building permits. Respondent Todd Paulman said some buildings predated his purchase of the property as a HUD sale and said he had removed debris and was working to obtain a spot survey. The board found a violation exists and granted Paulman six months to come into compliance, warning that $100‑per‑day fines would apply after that period; the board also ordered payment of the operational cost recorded for the case within 30 days.

The board granted a 60‑day continuance to Kathleen Purdy to allow a contractor to obtain the correct hurricane‑rated door permit she has contracted for; staff and the chair noted operational costs remain due and that fines may continue to accrue until full compliance is shown. The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District received a 30‑day extension to replace unpermitted directional signage after staff confirmed a permit was in process.

College Park Holdings LTD was found in violation for right‑of‑way work without final approvals at 6404 College Park Circle. Staff outlined a protracted permit history; the board ordered 60 days to finalize right‑of‑way permits or restore the right of way and warned that fines would follow if the deadline is not met.

Several imposition‑of‑fine matters drew board action. One respondent faced fines that had accrued to roughly $36,059; after reviewing payments and recent progress the board voted to reduce that assessed amount to $1,500 plus today's operational cost ($59.49), for a total of $1,559.49 (motion carried). In another matter the board reduced the assessed fine to $400 plus operational costs after staff confirmed permit work and inspections had progressed. In a case where the respondent was absent and prior costs were unpaid, the board voted unanimously to impose fines and refer collection and enforcement to the county attorney's office.

For a high‑exposure matter with multiple unpermitted electrical and plumbing installations, staff reported fines that had accrued to a significantly larger total (reported in the case history as $182,400 as of the April accounting). The board granted a 60‑day continuance to permit staff to reinspect and monitor progress; fines continue to accrue until compliance is established.

Throughout the meeting board members and staff repeatedly emphasized that continuances are contingent on demonstrable progress. Staff said that in several cases partial permit work or prior fee payments weighed in favor of reductions; in other cases long histories of noncompliance caused the board to favor shorter extensions or imposition of fines.

Votes at a glance - Stipulations accepted (various case numbers): accepted unanimously; respondents ordered to pay operational costs and abate violations per stipulations. - CEAU20230005361 (Todd Paulman): board found violation; granted six months to comply; $100/day thereafter; operational cost due in 30 days. - Kathleen Purdy (imposition/continuance): 60‑day continuance granted; operational cost due; fines may continue to accrue. - CES 20250447 (Ave Maria signage): 30‑day extension granted; operational cost recorded. - CEROW20240006466 (College Park Holdings LTD): violation found; 60‑day deadline to obtain right‑of‑way permits or restore condition; fines to follow if not complied. - CESD2025001144 (single‑family case): assessed fines reduced to $1,500 + $59.49 operational cost (total $1,559.49); motion carried. - Multiple other cases: mix of continuances (60–120 days), fine reductions where permit activity was shown, and at least one case where fines were imposed and referred to the county attorney when the respondent was absent.

What the board said it will do next The board set reinspection and follow‑up dates, stressed that continuances are intended to allow compliance rather than permanently delay enforcement, and reminded respondents that abatement responsibilities remain with property owners. The meeting adjourned with the board scheduling its next session per the posted calendar.

Note on procedure and records: the board repeatedly reminded attendees that anyone seeking to appeal a decision must ensure a verbatim record is available and that the board’s orders and timelines are recorded in the official minutes.