Board imposes $4,600 penalty for prolonged noncompliance at 322 East Grace Street

The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on May 28 found that the property at 322 East Grace Street remained out of compliance with a prior November 27, 2024 code order and imposed a monetary penalty of $4,600 representing $50 per day for 92 days of noncompliance, plus unpaid case costs totaling $81.36.

Code Compliance Officer Meredith Achtenberg summarized the prior compliance order issued on Nov. 27, 2024 that required repair or demolition, building permits and removal of cement blocks and other materials within 90 days. Achtenberg said the property remained noncompliant at reinspections on April 24 and May 27, 2025 and that notices and a subsequent notice of noncompliance were mailed and posted; the property owner had applied for a demolition permit but zoning rejected the application because a certificate of appropriateness was required for the historic property.

Board members discussed the timeline and the administrative process for certificates of appropriateness and historic‑preservation review. The board debated penalty amount; some members said a larger penalty would get attention, others urged consideration of bureaucratic delays in the permit process. Board counsel advised fines are calculated from the end of the compliance period. After debate, the board amended and then approved a motion to impose $50 per day for 92 days (total $4,600) plus applicable interest (9.5% per annum) and required payment of unpaid case costs of $81.36 within 30 days. The board specified compliance means either repair in conformance with the prior order or complete demolition and removal after obtaining required permits.