All Forum Posts by: Tom Reynolds

Daria,

Foundation repair is structural and subject to The Florida Building Code. Building permit(s) and inspection approvals would be required. Check with the local building department to find out if permit(s) were obtained. Building permit(s) and associated documentation is public record and should be available upon request. Any engineering reports and a description of the proposed work should be contained in that information. You may also find names of contractors who performed the work and  benefit from any plan review or field inspection notes.

Wesley,

Cut out the middle man and contact Code Enforcement directly yourself. Ask to speak with their Board Clerk or the Enforcement Officer who was involved with the case. Find out what brought about the fine in the first place and what needs to be accomplished to resolve the issue(s). Then discuss what your chances are of seeing the total fine waived or at least reduced to their costs (for staff time) once the cited issue(s) have been corrected. Review Florida State Statute 162.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets and Central Florida.

Nicole,

What you're asking is a local issue. You may want to contact your local zoning/planning department and inquire about their requirements for assisted living facilities in a residential zone. Ask them what is their maximum allowable occupancy. If it's allowed by the local zoning ordinance, you will need to work with a State of Fla. licensed architect or engineer, come up with a plan for renovation(s) that will comply with the building, fire and health code requirements. Then obtain the required permits and inspection approvals before working in that capacity. Your local jurisdiction may also have additional requirements.    

Eric,

Typically jurisdictions in Florida have Code Enforcement Departments with officer(s) that follow up on complaints. If property owners are cited per section 162 in The Florida Statutes and no corrective action is taken, the case goes before the local Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate. If the case if found in violation, some type of a fine is put against the property. This is usually a one time thing or a monthly fine, growing over time. The fine is in the form of a lien and is noted in the land records. You might want to try contacting the local Code Enforcement Board Clerk who most likely keeps a record of properties with running fine/liens. It should be public record.

Steve,

You may want to listen to the (BP) podcast number 29. It is an interview with Dawn Anastasi, an investor in Milwaukee.

You might try contacting the local Code Enforcement Board clerk. There may be a list of properties available with fines running. The Building Code Enforcement Department may have a list of open cases available to the public.

Walter,

You may want to check with your local zoning department and inquire about permitted uses in. There are areas where a second kitchen is no allowed or a variance may be required. 

Hello Jamiah,

Welcome to BP. This is a great place to begin, grow and find answers. Read the blogs, the how to guides and listen to the podcasts. If you have questions, there's a good chance someone else has already asked the same question and you can find it in "search the site" or ask questions, someone will usually come back with an answer. Deland is a small town with potential and growing. Determine your goal(s), choose your direction and make good decisions. 

Good points Steve. Thank you for your insights