Clearwater code board orders multiple compliance deadlines, approves one lean reduction

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board met June 24 in Clearwater and issued a series of orders requiring property owners to correct code violations or face daily fines.

The board opened by approving the minutes and granting continuances for two pending cases to the July 22 hearing. The board then heard a succession of new‑business and old‑business items, with inspectors presenting photographic evidence and recommending compliance dates and fines.

The most immediate orders set July 24, 2026 as a common compliance date: Inspector Cat Reese asked the board to require a permit and inspections for a garage conversion at 2021 North Betty Lane (case 80‑26); the board found a violation and ordered compliance by July 24 or a $150 daily fine. Inspector Daniel Casman secured a similar order for exterior storage at 405 North Highland Avenue (case 108‑26) with the same compliance date and $150/day penalty. Inspector Kevin Maddox presented an expired outdoor‑cafe permit case at 486 Poinsettia Avenue (case 115‑26); planning staff said the permit involves right‑of‑way insurance and layout review, and the board ordered compliance by July 24 or a $50/day fine.

Owner testimony featured prominently in several cases. Jose Jones, the property owner at 1834 North Washington Avenue (case 107‑26), acknowledged failed repairs and described recent medical and financial setbacks; the board found a violation but extended the compliance date to Sept. 1, 2026, with a $150/day fine if the exterior work is not completed by that date.

Short‑term rental cases drew sustained attention. Sarah Green, the city’s code manager, presented evidence (reviews and Granicus screenshots) that two properties had documented stays shorter than their advertised monthly minimums in March–April 2026. Counsel advised the board that, for a first offense that has already been corrected, state statute generally requires a compliance period before per‑day fines apply; the board entered declarations of violation in multiple short‑term rental cases but postponed or declined retroactive per‑day fines in those matters while warning that repeat violations can carry penalties up to $500 per day.

Vehicle and parking enforcement also resulted in orders. For 908 Evelyn Avenue (case 121‑26), an inspector measured a commercial truck exceeding the 7‑foot height limit for vehicles parked between a principal structure and the right‑of‑way; the board ordered removal or correction by Aug. 7, 2026, or a $150/day fine. The owner asked for additional time, citing work needs; the board extended the compliance date to Aug. 7.

On an old case (case 196‑17) involving recorded liens for exterior‑surface and abandoned‑building violations, a representative for the property’s trust said the house had been brought back into compliance in 2024. City staff confirmed a 2024 reinspection showing compliance. The board voted to reduce the outstanding lien to administrative costs only ($1,291.20) and recorded that reduction.

The board also accepted a slate of nuisance‑abatement items (lot clearing, inoperative vehicles, accumulation of debris) and issued standard five‑day correction orders after the board’s written decision. Inspectors warned that if property owners do not comply within the time allotted the city may abate the nuisance and place a lien for abatement costs.

Throughout the meeting board members asked for clearer staff packet materials on historic cases and lean‑reduction requests. City counsel and staff agreed to present more explicit case summaries and a standardized recommendation format at a future meeting so members have consistent evidence to evaluate reductions and deadlines.

Representative quotes from the hearing include Inspector Cat Reese summarizing a permit requirement: “This is going to be for case 800‑26 at 2021 North Betty Lane… compliance by obtaining an issued permit on or before July 24th, 2026 and completion of the permit 6 months from the issuance”; owner Jose Jones describing personal constraints: “I had a double hernia surgery… I cannot lift more than 15 pounds”; and Sarah Green explaining short‑term rental evidence: “the evidence I have in here is that they have reviews that say people stayed for a six night and a seven night stay.”

What happens next: the board’s written orders will set the official compliance windows; inspectors will re‑inspect properties and the city will schedule abatement contractors if owners fail to meet deadlines. The board asked staff to return with a clearer lean‑reduction packet template and recommended evidence checklist at the next meeting.

Votes at a glance - Case 80‑26 (2021 North Betty Lane): violation found; compliance by July 24, 2026; $150/day if not complied. (Inspector Cat Reese) - Case 107‑26 (1834 North Washington Ave): violation found; compliance by Sept. 1, 2026; $150/day if not complied. (Greg Dixon) - Case 108‑26 (405 North Highland Ave): violation found; compliance by July 24, 2026; $150/day if not complied. (Daniel Casman) - Case 113‑26 & 114‑26 (short‑term rentals): declarations of violation entered; violations were corrected prior to hearing; no fine imposed now; repeat violations may face up to $500/day. (Sarah Green) - Case 115‑26 (outdoor cafe permit, 486 Poinsettia Ave): violation found; compliance by July 24, 2026; $50/day if not complied. (Kevin Maddox / Rebecca Moulder) - Case 121‑26 (908 Evelyn Ave — oversized commercial truck): violation found; compliance by Aug. 7, 2026; $150/day if not complied. (Andrew Hobbs) - Case 196‑17 (Basset Trust lean): board reduced the outstanding amount to administrative costs ($1,291.20) after staff confirmed the property was brought into compliance in Oct. 2024. - Multiple nuisance abatement cases (154–159 series): found violations; ordered correction within five days of the board’s written order or city abatement and lien.

The board adjourned after instructing staff to standardize lean‑reduction packets and evidence presentations for future hearings.