Daytona Beach Shores holds second compliance hearing for vacant property violations

A significant compliance hearing took place in Daytona Beach Shores, focusing on a property that has faced ongoing code enforcement issues since April 2021. The property was initially cited for 20 violations, including failure to register as a vacant building and obtain a certificate of compliance. Despite efforts to rectify the situation, the property owner struggled to meet compliance deadlines, leading to fines and liens being imposed.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the property owner was largely unaware of the violations due to a lack of communication from their property manager. This miscommunication delayed the owner's response to the code enforcement issues, which included life safety concerns that needed to be addressed before the property could be rented or leased.

Building official Steve Evans confirmed that while the property has made progress, it still faced several outstanding issues that needed resolution before full compliance could be declared. The hearing highlighted the challenges cities face in enforcing code compliance and the importance of clear communication between property owners and managers.

Attorney Glenn Storch, representing the property owner, emphasized that the fines should not be punitive but rather reflect the circumstances that led to the delays. He noted that the property owner was a victim of mismanagement and had taken steps to address the violations once made aware of them.

As the city continues to navigate these compliance challenges, the outcome of this hearing will likely influence future enforcement actions and the approach to property management in Daytona Beach Shores. The next steps will involve further inspections and a determination of appropriate fines, as the city seeks to ensure compliance while supporting property owners in their efforts to meet regulations.