Short one person on the dais Monday, the Port St. Lucie City Council ultimately decided that there is no need for new rules and regulations just because there’s a “knucklehead” builder not following the already established rules.
Still, the council has encouraged the Treasure Coast Builders Association and the Public Works and Building Departments to work together to bolster the TCBA’s existing “good neighbor” program by asking builders and other contractors to notify adjacent property owners before work commences.
“Honestly, I think there’s one knucklehead builder” not behaving, Mayor Gregory Oravec said, adding that he believes the real issue is the clearing of residential land that’s not tied to the imminent building of a house.
Though he advocated for requiring that a residential land clearing permit be obtained for properties without building permits on file, his fellow council members – and representatives from the Treasure Coast Builders Association – disagreed.
The TCBA said that most lots are only cleared once building permits have been pulled. Given the expense of land clearing, developers are loathe to clear land without already having approvals for the other necessary work.
Oravec asked what recourse the city has when a contractor clears a lot without an associated building permit when that land clearing negatively affects drainage and the neighbors.
Colt Schwerdt, from Public Works, told the council if that should happen, the city notifies the property owner to remedy the situation. In the event it isn’t fixed, then Code Enforcement gets involved.
Regardless of whether or not a building permit is on file, the city still requires all properties to maintain proper drainage.
“I think the message is loud and clear,” Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan said, staying the course and reminding the building community to be good neighbors.
