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Board orders removal of pavers in swale after sight‑triangle, safety concerns
Summary
After an HOA complaint and engineer review, the Code Enforcement Board ordered the removal of pavers installed in a swale that obstructed a sight triangle, giving the owner until Aug. 25 to replace the area with sod or face $100/day in fines.
The Fort Lauderdale Code Enforcement Board on June 23 ordered the owner of 2538 Northeast 8th Street to remove pavers installed in the swale and replace the area with sod, citing engineering concerns that the paved swale impaired the sight triangle and created a safety hazard.
An assistant for the owner, who said the pavers were donated and pre‑existing, told the board the work had not yet been performed and that the property had simply been seeking to repair deteriorated pavers. Inspector testimony and engineering review, however, found the paved swale to be noncompliant and noted the area was being used to park vehicles, which exacerbated sight‑line problems.
"We were simply just replacing the existing pavers that has already been there," the owner's representative said. The inspector replied that, regardless of prior condition, the swale serves drainage and sight‑line functions and cannot be paved in that manner.
The board debated timelines and possible fines. Several board members argued the correction — removing pavers and installing sod — is a short, safety‑oriented fix and should not be extended for months; the city recommended 35 days, while the owner asked for more time. The board ultimately set a compliance date of Aug. 25, 2026, and adopted a $100/day fine to accrue after that date if the pavers are not removed.
The board also asked the owner to avoid using the swale area for vehicle parking while the matter is resolved and directed Community Enhancement staff to verify the sight triangle after work is completed.
What to watch: The owner must present proof of removal and regrading by Aug. 25 or face accrual of the daily fine; neighbors and HOA officials may report subsequent noncompliance to code enforcement.
