Board orders multiple property cleanups and abatement options; several owners given five days to clear nuisances

The Clearwater Code Enforcement Board on July 23 issued a series of orders requiring property owners and occupants to remove trash, address overgrown lawns, repair dilapidated structures and vehicles, or allow the city to abate and place liens for costs.

Inspector testimony and site photos presented a pattern of similar violations across several properties. Code staff described wet, decaying cardboard and accumulated refuse at 1261 (or 1259) Pierce Street, overgrown lawns at multiple addresses, and an inoperative boat trailer at a Mandalay Avenue address. The board repeatedly authorized administrative abatement if property owners fail to act within five days of the board’s written orders and said the city may file liens for recovery of abatement costs three months after lien filing.

Key outcomes from the meeting included:
- 1261 Pierce Street (case 66-25): John Stevens presented that recurring piles of cardboard and household refuse had been posted. The tenant, Chris Steiner, said he was working to move and had difficulty getting the landlord to respond. The board ordered the property cleared within five days; if not, city crews may abate and lien the property.
- 430 Lotus Path (Conklin case): Inspector Daniel Kasman presented multiple violations for exterior surfaces, roof maintenance, doors/windows and a hazardous pool. The pool was brought into compliance before the hearing and the board entered a declaration of compliance for the pool with no fine; for three remaining exterior and roof-related violations the board ordered compliance by Sept. 24, 2025, with $150 per-day fines available thereafter.
- 3431 Deerfield Lane and 2523 Fawn Circle (overgrowth/lot-clearing cases): Staff documented lawns and right-of-way vegetation exceeding allowed heights; the board ordered action within five days or authorized city abatement and liens.
- 1916 Macumber Avenue (case 83-25): Inspector Dixon said accumulated debris behind the mailbox remained; the board ordered removal within five days or city abatement.
- 927 Bruce Avenue: A boat trailer with flat tires remained on private property after a grass-mowing action; the board ordered repair or removal within five days.
- 809 Glen Oak Avenue: Earlier pool-health concerns were presented and the board ordered abatement or corrective action in five days if not resolved; staff will monitor.

Code managers told property owners and tenants that staff generally will work with owners who show movement toward compliance, but will file affidavits of noncompliance and proceed administratively if there is no communication or progress. Several owners said they face financial or logistical obstacles; inspectors reminded them that personal property of value should be moved inside to avoid forced city disposal, and that abatement costs become liens on the property.

Each abatement order authorized the city to cut grass, remove refuse and perform reasonable actions to abate nuisances; if costs remain unpaid three months after lien filing the city may foreclose to collect. Board members stressed the short, five-day timeframes were aimed at addressing public-health hazards and hazards to neighbors.