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Code board continues review of disputed restaurant permits at 401 North U.S. Highway 1792
Summary
The Winter Springs Code Enforcement Board continued a complaint alleging unpermitted alterations at 401 North U.S. Highway 1792 to its Oct. 28 meeting after staff and respondents disagreed about whether permits had been filed or finalized.
Chair Steve Gilde called the meeting to order and the board opened a public hearing on case 2025 CE 001153 involving alleged unpermitted construction at 401 North U.S. Highway 1792.
Code compliance inspector Chris Elvon presented the case and recommended the board find the property in violation of Florida Building Code section 105.1 (permits required). Elvon summarized inspections and photographic exhibits and said his permit checks showed no issued permits for the construction work observed, which staff say began around 2018 and continued through 2025. He told the board staff recommended an order requiring correction by Oct. 23, 2025, and said the board could consider a daily fine if the violation remains.
Property owner Brian Reese and co-respondent Rodrigo Mora addressed the board. Reese said the building had changed hands multiple times and that electrical work had been performed and finalized; he also said he paid "$25,000 for the city that I be able to put 100 people there," and that permit paperwork and architect comments had been submitted recently. Respondents argued some permit activity might be tied to the adjacent unit (409 rather than 401), producing an apparent mismatch with staff records.
Board members and staff pressed for documentary proof. Officers and the board noted the city permitting system showed no final permits for the referenced construction, the Seminal County Fire Marshall had raised life-safety concerns, and several prior permits appear to have expired without final inspections. Members requested a printout from the city permitting system and any documents the respondents could provide to clarify whether permits were issued, finalized, or applied for under a different address.
Given unresolved discrepancies about addresses, permit records and outstanding safety concerns, the board voted to continue the case to the Code Enforcement Board’s next regular meeting on Oct. 28, 2025, so staff can locate permitting records and the respondents can submit documentation. Officer Elvon will report back with permitting-system printouts and any updated findings; the board left open any future vote on fines or orders pending that information.
The board emphasized its goal that the property come into compliance while ensuring the record is complete and accurate before imposing a penalty.
