Code enforcement board finds owner in violation over unpermitted hurricane repairs; $250-per-day fine set

A City of Largo staff member told the Code Enforcement Board on May 13 that inspections and owner-submitted photos show unpermitted hurricane repairs at 1818 Indian Rocks Road and recommended the owner be ordered to obtain all required permits and pass final inspection.

The staff member said the initial inspection occurred on 10/02/2024, an amended notice set a compliance date of 05/12/2026, and a reinspection on 05/13/2026 found the property still noncompliant. "A Tetra Tech third-party estimator placed the property in flood zone AE with a base flood elevation of 9 and estimated 15.7% damage, which is considered not substantially damaged," the presenter said.

The board heard staff say the city sent permit-requirement notices to the previously recorded owner, White Wing Lodge LLC, on 06/26/2025 and to the current owner, Joelle Butler, on 11/07/2025, and that notices had been mailed via certified mail and posted on the property and at City Hall. No one appeared in the chambers to speak for the respondent.

Mr. Bach, a member of the Code Enforcement Board, moved "to find the respondent, Joelle Reginald Butler, in violation of the City of Largo code sections and Florida Building Code provisions for building without permits at 1818 Indian Rocks Road and to assess a fine of $250 per day beginning on 06/19/2026 until compliance is achieved, with the fine not to exceed the just market value established by the Pinellas County property appraiser," and directed the respondent to contact the Community Standards Division to arrange reinspection. The motion was seconded and the presiding official called the ayes; the motion passed. The public transcript does not record a roll-call vote.

Staff recommended setting a final compliance date of 06/18/2026; if compliance is not achieved the board authorized the $250-per-day penalty beginning 06/19/2026. During the presentation staff cited the property's just market value using two slightly different figures in the record ($249,024 and $249,002.24). The board ordered staff to arrange a reinspection through the Community Standards Division to verify compliance.

After the vote, members and staff discussed heavier future agendas driven by hurricane-damage cases and options to start meetings earlier. The meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m.

Next steps: the board's order leaves the property subject to reinspection by city staff; if the owner does not obtain permits and pass final inspection by 06/18/2026 the $250-per-day fine will begin on 06/19/2026.