06/09/2004
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEAL ON BUILDING/FLOOD CONTROL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 9, 2004
Present:
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member - arrived 2:07 p.m.
John H. Logan, Jr.
Edward H. Walker, Jr.
Pankaj Shah
Gary Richter
Arthur Shand
Also Present:
Bill Wright
Kevin Garriott
Brenda Moses
Building Construction I nspector II
Building Official
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
A. Approval of Minutes - April 14. 2004
Member Shah moved that regarding the minutes of April 14, 2004, that sentence one of
paragraph two on page two read: "... a pool bar below the required..."
Member Shah moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 14, 2004, as
amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
B. Continued Requests - None.
C. New Requests
1. Case #BAA04-02 - 1254 Grove Street; Owners: Chatram Amnav. 1254 Bettv Lane N.,
Clearwater, FL . Request a variance to the Unsafe Building Code. Needs more time to find a
contractor. Location: Moore Property of A.J. Lots 14 & 15; Parcel 15-29-15-58788-000-0140.
Building Construction Inspector Bill Wright said during a routine inspection of the area on
April 15, 2004, he had observed property owner Chatram Amnay performing construction work,
without permits, on the subject three-unit rental property at 1254 Grove Street, which includes
two lots. The building's interior was stripped to the framework, with cabinets, bathroom fixtures,
and a hot water tank removed, leaking water lines being re-routed, and drywall, windows, etc.
being replaced without permits. The property owner was cited for violation of the Unsafe
Building Code. Photographs of the property indicate water and termite damage to wood floors
on the first floor; boarded windows on the first floor; open and unsecured windows on the
second floor; exposed wiring on exterior electrical receptacles; deterioration to the roof; exposed
wiring on a ceiling fan, and a missing vent/screen in the attic area.
Mr. Wright reported Mr. Amnay had claimed he intends to convert the rental property into
his personal residence. Mr. Amnay had stated three contractors he contacted were not
interested in performing work on the property, and one contractor had estimated it would cost
$80,000 to bring the structure into compliance with Code.
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In response to a question, Mr. Wright recommended the building be razed, as repair
costs would exceed its value. Staff received letters from two neighbors opposing this request to
allow more time for Mr. Amnay to hire a contractor. Mr. Wright said 65% of flooring on the first
floor is termite-ridden, and 25% to 30% of flooring on the second floor is damaged. In response
to a question, Building Official Kevin Garriott reviewed the demolition process. Mr. Wright said
the property owner did not provide information regarding contractors he had contacted.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that the owner was not present to state his
case or answer questions, that the owner had done nothing to come into compliance since April
2004, and that the owner continues to request time extensions. It was indicated if the request is
approved, Mr. Amnay would require time to apply for building permits, obtain architectural and
engineering drawings, etc.
Member Walker moved to grant Chatram Amnay 30 days, until July 10, 2004, to apply for
a building permit according to required City procedures for property at 1254 Grove Street and to
begin work within 30 days thereafter, by August 9,2004. The motion was duly seconded.
In response to a question, Mr. Wright said Mr. Amnay was informed of the importance of
completing necessary repairs and scheduling inspections according to Code.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
ir
oard of Adjustment and Appeal on
Building/Flood Control
Attest:
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Building-Flood Control 2004-06-09
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