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Clewiston staff to pursue magistrate review of unpermitted golf‑cart/auto sales site; staff seeks new temporary‑power authority
Summary
City code officials reported multiple code violations at a conditional‑use golf‑cart/auto sales site, including unpermitted storage containers, a canopy, a porta‑potty plumbed to city utilities and an apparent illegal sewer tap. Staff will pursue magistrate action and proposed a temporary construction power agreement to allow administrative power shutoffs.
City code and building staff told the Clewiston City Commission they have opened two code cases against a business operating a golf‑cart and auto sales operation after staff found unpermitted structures, storage containers and an apparent illegal sewer connection.
Chris, the city staff member handling the cases, said the city approved a conditional use for a mechanic shop but the operator has used a temporary construction office as a public sales office, placed Connex/storage containers without permits and added a canopy and a hard‑plumbed porta‑potty. “We actually have a application that we're presenting tonight that I think would solve this problem and keep it from happening in the future,” Chris said, describing a temporary construction power agreement that would give administrative authority to cut power if progress is not being made.
Staff identified two properties by address — 815 East Sagamore and 820 East Sugar Land — and said they will pursue the code cases with the magistrate. Chris said he expects the magistrate to order removal of unpermitted structures and indicated the city could place property liens if owners fail to comply.
Commissioners also raised an apparent illegal sewer tap. The mayor suggested the city could pursue utility‑theft charges depending on how long the connection has been used. Officials said they will coordinate utilities, building and police to determine whether the sewer connection should be disconnected immediately and to identify appropriate enforcement steps.
Next steps: staff will present a temporary construction power agreement that requires a permit or permit application to receive temporary power and includes 60‑day progress reviews; the city will move the two code cases to the magistrate and explore fines, disconnecting illegal service and property liens if noncompliant.
