Code board orders temporary fencing for unsecured pool; permanent fix set for later date

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores Code Enforcement Board on May 27 found that the backyard pool at 1416 Arabian Road East (Susan E. Downey Trust) is exposed and accessible and constitutes a public nuisance under town code. The owner, who did not attend, had communicated by email that she intended to install temporary fencing.

Code enforcement officer Bridal Twagan told the board the pool "is not properly secured and open to the public" and that she cited three violations; the owner had come into compliance on two but not the third. Twagan said the owner had asked whether temporary fencing would be acceptable and that the town had explained a temporary childproofing fence could be used as an interim measure but would not be treated as a permanent solution.

Board members discussed the owner's circumstances (staff said she is elderly and on a fixed income) and agreed to a two‑step compliance timetable. After debate about feasible dates — several board members suggested early June for a temporary fix and August for permanent screening repairs — the board moved and approved an order requiring a temporary fence by June 5 and setting August 26 as a target date for permanent repairs to the pool enclosure. The board also set a fine‑assessment hearing for June 17 to determine penalties if full compliance is not achieved.

During the discussion members asked staff to attempt contact and to have the marine unit obtain photos on Saturday to confirm whether temporary measures were in place. Staff said that if the temporary fencing is in place when checked, the town could reduce the urgency of the public‑nuisance designation but the citation and any continuing fines would remain in effect until the screening is fully repaired.

The board carried the motion by voice vote. The order requires compliance steps and schedules follow‑up inspections; staff will notify the property by mail and post and will report results at the June 17 hearing.