The Palm Coast Code Enforcement Board convened on December 3, 2025, to hear numerous cases involving property violations ranging from improper parking and overgrown vegetation to a hazardous tree and an unregistered short-term rental. The board approved minutes from both the October 14 and November 5 meetings before proceeding with the day’s cases. Board members also learned that all code enforcement hearings are now being live-streamed to the public.
Unlicensed Vehicle Case Corrected
The board heard a recurring case involving Maria E. Cooper of 162 Rolling Sands Drive regarding an inoperable or unlicensed vehicle. Caesar Hernandez Cooper appeared on behalf of the property owner and explained that the vehicle’s license plate was placed inside the rear windshield rather than mounted externally because they lacked the proper hardware and were concerned about theft. The violation had been corrected as of November 17, 2025. The board voted unanimously to accept the city’s recommendation of no fine with a standing order and administrative costs of $53.50.
Hazardous Dead Tree Requires Removal
A case involving Patria Slandra Life Estate at 61 Fellowship Drive concerned a dead hazardous tree located between two houses. The property owner was not present and had not made contact with the city. Code Supervisor Lewis Mendes presented evidence that the violation, first noticed in September 2025, remained uncorrected. The board voted to accept the city’s recommendation giving three days to remove the tree or face a fine of $100 per day plus $69 in administrative costs. One board member voted in opposition.
Commercial Vehicle Violations Continue
Multiple cases involved commercial vehicles and trailers parked in residential areas. Yeta Harrison appeared on behalf of her son regarding a moving truck repeatedly parked at 41 Eptide Drive. She explained that her son occasionally visits but does not live at the property. The board imposed a fine of $300 for three days in violation plus $70 in administrative costs, voting unanimously to accept the city’s recommendation.
Cynthia Costa of 19 Bradock Lane faced a significant fine of $2,625 plus $69.50 in administrative costs for parking a recreational van in her backyard for 35 days. A representative explained the van was being repaired and converted into a travel vehicle, and the owner believed parking behind a fence was acceptable. The board voted unanimously to accept the city’s recommendation. The representative was informed that payment plans are available.
HVAC Screening Violation Addressed
Brent Robert Acs of 52 Westland appeared regarding a violation for failing to screen his HVAC unit as required by landscaping codes. He acknowledged he needed to rectify the situation and asked about compliance options. Board members informed him he could use a picket fence, panel fence, shrubbery, or vinyl screen. The board voted unanimously to give five days to comply or face a $25 daily fine plus $69 in administrative costs.
Abandoned Vehicle and Damaged Car Cover
Pamela K. O’Neal of 2 Palmwood Drive appeared regarding two related cases involving an abandoned vehicle and a damaged car cover. She explained the vehicle belonged to her deceased uncle and was being kept for younger family members to learn to drive. However, obtaining clear title has proven difficult because multiple family members must sign off on the transfer. O’Neal stated she had replaced the damaged cover the previous day and provided photos as evidence. The board voted unanimously on both cases, giving five days for compliance with fines of $25 per day if not corrected.
Short-Term Rental Registration Violation
The board heard its first case involving a short-term rental registration violation against Nomay Nursing LLC at 39 Fleetwood Drive. The property owner had not registered the short-term rental as required by city ordinance 2025-1, which took effect March 3, 2025. The property owner was not present and had not made contact with the code enforcement officer, though someone from the company had contacted another city department. The board voted unanimously to give 10 days to comply or face a $25 daily fine plus $69 in administrative costs.
Builder Faces Multiple Land Clearing Violations
Brightland Homes of Florida LLC was cited for land clearing violations at 16 Point Drive. Code Officer Romeo informed the board that when he contacted the company, representatives stated they were not planning to do anything as they are selling the property. The officer noted there are 10 additional Brightland properties in violation that will come before the board in the future. The board voted unanimously to give 10 days to comply or face a $75 daily fine plus $69 in administrative costs.
Roof Tarp Violation Ongoing
A property at 58 Post View Drive owned by Ronaldo Agular has had a tarp covering more than 50 percent of the roof since at least July 2025. The property owner has not made any contact with the city to explain the situation or indicate whether insurance litigation is involved. The board voted unanimously to give 15 days to comply or face a $50 daily fine plus $69 in administrative costs.
Repeat Offenders Face Mounting Fines
The board addressed a case involving Erica L. Clark and Coleman L. Robinson at 68 Smith Trail, marking the seventh repeat violation for improper parking dating back to May 2021. The property owners were fined $400 for two days in violation plus $72.50 in administrative costs. Board members expressed concern about the pattern of repeat violations and discussed the enforcement process with code enforcement staff.
Board member questioned why a property could accumulate eight violations over four years, noting it was “the most I’ve ever seen.” Code Supervisor Mendes explained that once violations reach repeat status, fines continue to increase, but code enforcement cannot physically remove vehicles from private property. “If someone chooses to continue, I can’t stop it. I can only continue to bring it in front of you,” Mendes said.
New Commercial Vehicle Ordinance Explained
Code Supervisor Lewis Mendes briefed the board on recently approved changes to the city’s commercial vehicle ordinance. The new rules now allow one commercial vehicle per residence with certain restrictions. Vehicles must not exceed 20 feet in length and 9 feet in height, and any equipment on top cannot extend more than two feet above or beyond the vehicle. Lettering on the one permitted commercial vehicle is now allowed without restrictions.
Trailers remain prohibited in residential driveways, as do covered or tarped commercial vehicles beyond the one permitted per property. Mendes explained that cases involving vehicles that now comply with the new ordinance have been withdrawn, which is why some scheduled cases were not presented at the meeting. The city council will review the ordinance in six months to determine if additional amendments are needed. Board members requested written documentation of the new guidelines.
Board Elections Scheduled
The board was advised that elections for chair and vice chair will be held at the January meeting. The meeting adjourned with holiday wishes exchanged among board members and staff.
