OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board Meeting – May 27, 2026 Summary

Clearwater Municipal Meetings — Wednesday, May 27, 2026
BodyClearwater, Florida
SessionClearwater Municipal Meetings
DateWednesday, May 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:27:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:52

Today's meeting of the municipal code enforcement board is called to order on March of May 27th.

0:58

Welcome everyone.

1:00

Please rise with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:19

Please be seated.

1:26

Agendas of today's meeting are on the wall at the entrance to chambers.

1:30

Please remember to turn off your cell phones.

1:34

The code municipal code enforcement board consists of seven members who are appointed by the city council.

1:41

We serve voluntarily.

1:43

It is this board's intention to promote, protect, and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Clearwater by providing this equitable, effective, and inexpensive method of enforcing certain codes within the city.

1:57

The board considers new business items in two parts.

2:00

First a violation and then affirmative relief.

2:04

Formal rules of evidence do not apply.

2:06

Each side is limited to 15 minutes.

2:09

The board may grant additional time.

2:11

All proceedings will be conducted in a calm civil manner.

2:15

Individuals who conduct themselves otherwise will be asked to leave.

2:35

Thank you.

2:37

Thank you.

2:40

Our first order of business is to review and approve the minutes of last month's meeting.

2:47

Make a motion.

2:50

All in favor?

2:52

All opposed.

2:54

Motion carries.

2:56

Next on the agenda are new business items.

3:05

Our first case 3.1 on the agenda is continued from January 28th, 2026.

3:12

It's case 14-26.

3:14

Find respondents Richard and Janet Carnivalli at 681 Castler Avenue in violation of code for permits and issue an order with compliance deadline and fine compliance is not met.

3:29

Sir, would you come forward and state your name?

3:31

Your address.

3:49

Good afternoon, Cobard.

3:50

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

3:52

Um I am Inspector Kat Reese with the City of Clearwater.

3:56

This is for case 14-26 at 681 Castler Avenue.

4:04

This is going to be for one violation for section 4-203.

4:19

Specifically, this is for a permit required for the structure that was with a concrete pad on the property.

4:39

I've also posted on the property.

4:48

And this is the original inspector's photos of the structure that was being built at the time.

5:04

It's just and this is as of today, which it's very difficult to see about the tree, but the roofing is still there.

5:13

You can still see the window through the fencing from Street View and there is the route as well.

5:21

So I have been in communication with Mr.

5:23

Carnivalli.

5:24

He has attempted to he needs an FLS, which is why didn't the first continuance of a flexibility.

5:32

Okay.

5:32

I don't want to say the V word, but most of you know it is that.

5:36

Um so he did come in the office and started the FLS, however, it it was incomplete for quite you know for the time frame that they allow, um, which they um had to end up voiding out, which he was advised of.

5:50

I from what I understand he was out of town on business, wasn't able to come back in and complete it.

5:56

He also has a lot of confusion on that, so I did speak with him this afternoon and gave him some suggestions to go speak directly to zoning after um today.

6:08

So this is just um some of the issues that need to be done for that the the flexibility to be accepted for the DRC to hear.

6:19

So the first step for him is getting an approved flexibility and FLS.

6:26

Once it's approved, which needs to be heard first, um, then he can move on with the permit process.

6:32

So it is some steps for him.

6:36

Um this is just the screenshot that it was voided uh February 2nd of 2026.

6:44

So the compliance can be met by obtaining an issue permit and completing a permit.

6:50

We are requesting compliance by obtaining a permit on or before June 29th, 2026 with the completion of permit three months from issuance of the of the permit.

7:01

I am willing to budge on that date because I know realistically now that he's here and I've spoken to him today.

7:08

That's that's not really feasible for him.

7:11

So I'm gonna let him come up and speak his piece on what time frame he believes he needs realistically to get the FLS actually completed to be heard to then move on to the next step.

7:23

Thank you.

7:25

Sir before you begin, I have a question to ask you that I should have asked you before our inspector presented.

7:33

Do you admit or deny the violation?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Code Enforcement█████████████████████████████████████████████77%
Procedural█████8%
Public Engagement█████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure██3%
Legal Affairs██3%
Community Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board Meeting – May 27, 2026

The Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board met on May 27, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers to hear 27 agenda items, including new business (violation hearings), old business (fine reduction request), affidavits of compliance/non-compliance, and nuisance abatement lien filings. The board took action on numerous permit, property maintenance, and zoning violations, imposing fines and compliance deadlines.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes Approval (Item 2.1) – Approved minutes of the April 22, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Case 14-26 (681 Casler Ave.) – Respondent Richard Carnevali stated he needed until end of August to complete an FLS (flexibility) and zoning permits. He admitted the violation.
  • Case 29-26 (3804 Brigadoon Cir.) – Respondent Conor Petren admitted the violation and requested until July 29, 2026, to find a contractor; stated the original contractor did not pull permits 20 years ago.
  • Case 61-26 (1303 Sunset Dr.) – Respondent Michael Roy admitted violation, explained difficulties finding an engineer; provided a contract with Belt Engineering. Neighbor Tom Bellini expressed frustration, stating the structure has been a long-standing eyesore and that additional unpermitted work was done.
  • Case 94-26 (107 S Aurora Ave.) – Respondent Brandon Smith initially denied violation, then explained boats were parked but believed they were compliant; after clarification from inspector, he indicated he would sell the boats rather than install a permitted surface.
  • Case 100-26 (519 Florida Ave.) – No respondent appeared; inspector reported Airbnb listing violated short-term rental code and no business tax receipt.
  • Fine Reduction Request (Case 128-25) – Attorney Clint Morrell for Karoly Windows & Doors LLC requested lien reduction for fence permit violation. City opposed because other open code violations exist. The board allowed withdrawal without prejudice, pending full property compliance.
  • Case 183-25 (200 Leeward Is.) – Owner Elizabeth Anderson spoke about financial hardship and FEMA assistance; board expressed sympathy but accepted affidavit of non-compliance (moved city process forward).
  • Case 26-26 (522 Cleveland St.) – Tenant Pierre Daniel for City Square LLC stated they were actively working with city staff but cited miscommunication; board accepted affidavit of non-compliance over tenant objections.
  • Case 107-Aurora (continued) – Additional testimony from Mr. Daniel for Case 33-26 (4004 Brigadoon Cir.) after vote; board had already ruled, and attorney advised him about lien reduction process.

Discussion Items

New Business – Violation Hearings
The board heard 15 cases (Items 3.1–3.22, 3.25). For each, the board first found a violation (unanimous votes) then set compliance deadlines and daily fines (typically $150/day unless noted). Key cases and deadlines:

  • Case 14-26 – Permits for shed/pad; compliance by August 26, 2026.
  • Case 29-26 – Patio enclosure permit; compliance by July 29, 2026.
  • Case 57-26 – Fence permit (wrong orientation); compliance by June 29, 2026, permit completion 6 months from issuance.
  • Case 59-26 – Shed and outdoor kitchen permits; compliance by June 29, 2026.
  • Case 60-26 – Shed permit; compliance by June 29, 2026.
  • Case 61-26 – Structure attached to residence; compliance by June 29, 2026.
  • Cases 62-26 & 63-26 – Fence and windows/doors at 202 N Glenwood Ave. (fines $150/day); continued to June 24, 2026 per secretary’s request.
  • Case 80-26 – Continued to June 24, 2026 to arrange interpreter.
  • Case 93-26 – Parking lot surface repair; compliance by June 27, 2026; fine $150/day.
  • Case 94-26 – Residential grass parking (boats); compliance by July 6, 2026; fine $150/day.
  • Case 98-26 – Fence and exterior storage; compliance by June 27, 2026; fine $150/day.
  • Case 99-26 – Shed in front yard; compliance by June 17, 2026; fine $150/day.
  • Case 100-26 – Illegal short-term rental and missing business tax receipt; compliance by June 6, 2026; fines: $150/day for rental violation and $50/day for tax receipt violation.
  • Case 103-26 – Unsafe building (abandoned, deteriorated); compliance by June 7, 2026; fine $250/day; city authorized to enter and demolish if not in compliance.

Old Business – Fine Reduction (Item 4.1)
Request by Karoly Windows & Doors LLC to reduce $10,500 lien for fence permit violation. City recommended denial due to other open violations. Board allowed withdrawal without prejudice pending full property compliance.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Minutes – Unanimous.
  • Approved Affidavits of Compliance (Item 5.1) – For 8 cases (28-24, 02-26, 16-26, 35-26, 46-26, 47-26, 89-26, 106-26) in one motion, unanimous.
  • Accepted Affidavits of Non-Compliance (Items 5.2–5.9) – For cases 183-25, 186-25, 20-26, 26-26, 28-26, 33-26. Each approved unanimously, authorizing fines and potential foreclosure after 3 months of non-payment.
  • Nuisance Abatement Liens (Items 6.1–6.7) – Approved for properties with inoperative vehicles or lot clearing, with 5-day compliance deadlines and city authority to abate and lien costs. (Cases 123-26, 124-26, 126-26, 127-26, 128-26, 129-26). Case 125-26 continued to June 24, 2026.
  • Board Member Farewell – Recognized counsel Jerry Simpson, who is leaving for private sector; his last day is June 12, 2026.

Meeting adjourned after approximately 4 hours.

Meeting Transcript

Today's meeting of the municipal code enforcement board is called to order on March of May 27th. Welcome everyone. Please rise with the Pledge of Allegiance. Please be seated. Agendas of today's meeting are on the wall at the entrance to chambers. Please remember to turn off your cell phones. The code municipal code enforcement board consists of seven members who are appointed by the city council. We serve voluntarily. It is this board's intention to promote, protect, and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Clearwater by providing this equitable, effective, and inexpensive method of enforcing certain codes within the city. The board considers new business items in two parts. First a violation and then affirmative relief. Formal rules of evidence do not apply. Each side is limited to 15 minutes. The board may grant additional time. All proceedings will be conducted in a calm civil manner. Individuals who conduct themselves otherwise will be asked to leave. Thank you. Thank you. Our first order of business is to review and approve the minutes of last month's meeting. Make a motion. All in favor? All opposed. Motion carries. Next on the agenda are new business items. Our first case 3.1 on the agenda is continued from January 28th, 2026. It's case 14-26. Find respondents Richard and Janet Carnivalli at 681 Castler Avenue in violation of code for permits and issue an order with compliance deadline and fine compliance is not met. Sir, would you come forward and state your name? Your address. Good afternoon, Cobard. I hope everyone had a good weekend. Um I am Inspector Kat Reese with the City of Clearwater. This is for case 14-26 at 681 Castler Avenue. This is going to be for one violation for section 4-203. Specifically, this is for a permit required for the structure that was with a concrete pad on the property. I've also posted on the property. And this is the original inspector's photos of the structure that was being built at the time. It's just and this is as of today, which it's very difficult to see about the tree, but the roofing is still there. You can still see the window through the fencing from Street View and there is the route as well. So I have been in communication with Mr. Carnivalli. He has attempted to he needs an FLS, which is why didn't the first continuance of a flexibility. Okay. I don't want to say the V word, but most of you know it is that. Um so he did come in the office and started the FLS, however, it it was incomplete for quite you know for the time frame that they allow, um, which they um had to end up voiding out, which he was advised of. I from what I understand he was out of town on business, wasn't able to come back in and complete it. He also has a lot of confusion on that, so I did speak with him this afternoon and gave him some suggestions to go speak directly to zoning after um today. So this is just um some of the issues that need to be done for that the the flexibility to be accepted for the DRC to hear. So the first step for him is getting an approved flexibility and FLS. Once it's approved, which needs to be heard first, um, then he can move on with the permit process.

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