07/11/2001BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEAL ON BUILDING/FLOOD CONTROL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 11, 2001
Present: John H. Logan, Jr. Chair
Michael D. Corcoran Board Member
Pankaj Shah Board Member
Absent: Edward H. Walker, Jr. Board Member
Carroll Nall, Jr. Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Garriott Building Official
Bill Wright Building Construction Inspector II
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #A - Approval of Minutes
Member Corcoran moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 11, 2001, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM #B - Continued Requests – None.
ITEM #C - New Requests
#C1 - 1540 Scranton Street: Ruby J. Yates, Owner. Request time extension to make repairs or sell property at Parcel 22-29-15-07938-001-0290. BAA 01-06
On May 9, 2001, the City cited the building at 1540 Scranton Avenue as an unsafe structure. Associated problems relate to trash and debris in the structure and the deterioration of
wood beams, fascia, siding, the carport roof, and wood decking. The ceiling is stained from the leaking roof. The plumbing stack is broken. The rear door is open. Glass panels are
missing from the door and the lock is broken. The ceiling is falling and switch sockets are open.
Building Construction Inspector Bill Wright distributed photograph sheets from the Unsafe Structure Report dated May 9, 2001. Mr. Wright said the owner has a contractor. The roof has
been repaired. The owner has worked diligently to repair the structure. Planned repairs include new floors, plumbing, and electric work. Mr. Wright recommended a 90-day extension.
Member Shah moved to approve a 90-day extension for the completion of necessary repairs to the structure at 1540 Scranton Avenue to meet Section 47.161 City Code of Ordinances regarding
unsafe buildings. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
#C2 – 1812 North Highland Avenue: Grace Lutheran Church, Owner: Collman & Karsky Associates, Representative. Request permission to relocate exhaust fan HEF-1 flush to exterior non-combustible
wall at Parcel 02-29-15-00000-320-1200.
BAA 01-07
Collman & Karsky Associates representative Ned Stacy discussed aesthetic issues related to the completed project, which renovated the church’s fellowship hall and kitchen. The exhaust
fan has a vertical draft. He said the surface, under the eaves and above the fan, can be covered with a UL listed blanket and wrapped with a metal tube. He said the fan is 10 feet
from combustible material. The exhaust fan extends from the wall and is unattractive. He said the beam above the eaves is considered heavy timber. He requested permission to relocate
the exhaust fan so that it is flush with the exterior wall. If a fire occurs, he said the fan has an electric disconnect. Mr. Stacy said no problems with grease buildup will occur,
as the church only holds put luck dinners.
Fire Marshal Randy Hinder said he had not had sufficient time to evaluate the proposal. He expressed concern the proposed design would not be sufficient as fire could wrap over the
soffet and quickly spread and heat could be transferred to the wood. Building Construction Inspector Bill Phillips indicated the City could not assume a grease buildup would not occur
in the future. Building Official Kevin Garriott said the Code does not address one-hour wraps and the mechanical code does not address side-mounted fans. Discussion ensued regarding
combustion issues related to the fan’s location. It was recommended the architects and staff work together on a solution.
Member Shah moved to postpone a decision related to the requested relocation of the fan at 1812 North Highland Avenue to provide time for Fire Department and Building Department officials
to consider the mechanical aspects of the request and work with the representatives toward a solution. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
#C3 – 1130 Engman Street: Dan McKinney, Owner. Request time extension to make repairs or build new home at Parcel 10-29-15-33552-004-0480. BAA 01-08
Mr. Wright reported fire had destroyed the structure at 1130 Engman Street on March 10, 2001. On May 9, 2001, the City cited the building as an unsafe structure. While the owner has
indicated he is waiting for his insurance to be resolved, the building remains unsecured. Mr. Wright distributed photograph sheets from the Unsafe Structure Report dated May 9, 2001,
which indicated fire damage to the structure. The owner was not present. Staff received a letter supporting an unlimited extension.
Member Shah moved to approve a 30-day extension for the completion of necessary repairs to the structure at 1130 Engman Street to meet Section 47.161 City Code of Ordinances regarding
unsafe buildings. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
#C4 - 1111 Blanche B. Littlejohn Trail: Maria Smith-Pernell, Owner. Request time extension to have drawings made and locate a contractor to rehabilitate the structure to meet Code.
Parcel 10-29-15-65718-000-0070. BAA 01-09
On May 15, 2001, the City cited the building at 1111 Blanche B. Littlejohn Trail as an unsafe structure. Associated problems relate to improper and open interior and exterior wiring,
an open exterior electrical box, incomplete framing, missing section of wall support post, broken, missing, and boarded windows, missing door, trash and construction debris, deteriorating
canopy, and evidence of homeless occupancy. Mr. Wright distributed photograph sheets from the Unsafe Structure Report dated March 26 and May 15, 2001.
Owner Maria Smith-Pernell said this is her childhood home. She had taken an emergency leave from her Virginia home to attend today’s meeting and correct problems related to the property.
She said her contractor has presented drawings and obtained a permit to rehabilitate the structure to meet Code. She said it will not be a rental property. Her mother, who previously
managed the property, is elderly and retired.
Mr. Wright said the property has been unsatisfactory for three years and continues to deteriorate. Fines total between $30,000 and $40,000. Minimal repairs completed last year stopped
the fines from accruing. He recommended a 30-day extension to complete the project. As long as work is progressing, staff can extend the deadline. Ms. Smith-Pernell plans to appear
before the Municipal Code Enforcement Board and request a reduction of fines.
Tom Sehlhorst objected to the extension. Staff received a letter supporting an unlimited extension.
It was felt the owner has the right to repair her house. Ms. Smith-Pernell requested a 60-day extension. Mr. Wright concurred. Mr. Garriott said the City wants the project completed
and the structure maintained.
Member Corcoran moved to approve a 60-day extension for the completion of necessary repairs to the structure at 1111 Blanche B. Littlejohn Trail to meet Section 47.161 City Code of Ordinances
regarding unsafe buildings and for the City to implement condemnation procedures if repairs and inspections are not completed by September 9, 2001. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM #D -Pending Matters – None.
ITEM #E - Adjournment