Punta Gorda code board orders Wayne Riggs to seek roof permit within 30 days

The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board found on May 28 that the roof at 329 Berlin Street is in violation of Punta Gorda Code chapter 26, section 8.11(b) and ordered the property owner to bring the structure into compliance within 30 days of receipt of the order.

Code Compliance Officer Meredith Achtenberg presented photographs and a timeline of inspections, saying, "The pictures submitted for evidence are a true and accurate representation of the site at the time the pictures were taken." She told the board the initial inspection was on July 2, 2024, and that reinspections in December 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and May 27, 2025 showed the roof remained unrepaired and no building permit had been submitted.

Co‑compliance supervisor Nick Faulkner told the board that the city first seeks a permit application and that the permit must be closed out by the building department before the code case is closed. He said, "When they apply for a permit, they have 6 months to complete the project." The board ordered the respondent to pay case costs of $61.12 within 30 days and warned that failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $250 per day plus applicable interest.

Board members found the city had established a prima facie case and later voted to find the respondent in violation and issue the compliance order. Board discussion noted staff had not had contact with the respondent since the prior continuance, and that outreach would include a referral to the county's IRIS (Integrated Response for Intervention and Support) team if the respondent contacts code staff.

The order requires the respondent either to obtain and pursue the building permit process or to complete repairs in conformance with the building department; otherwise daily fines may be imposed.