Sarasota City Council Tackles Various Permit Violations in Recent Sessions

Key Information

• Event: Code Compliance Hearing
• Date: September 18, 2025
• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Property Owner: Gary Easterling
• Contractor: Robert Howard
• Compliance Issue: Violation of Florida building code related to unpermitted interior work
• Permit Issuance Date: August 22, 2025
• Next Hearing Date: November 6, 2025, at 8:30 AM

During a recent Code Compliance Hearing in Sarasota, Florida, discussions focused on a violation of the Florida building code regarding unpermitted interior work following hurricane-related damage. The hearing, conducted on September 18, 2025, involved Robert Howard, a general contractor who represented the property owner, Gary Easterling.

City representative Mr. Spence summarized the situation, noting that while a permit for the work was granted on August 22, there had been no inspections requested yet. This raised questions about compliance with the building code, particularly Code 105.1, which requires permits for construction work.

Mr. Howard addressed the concerns by explaining the delays in acquiring the necessary permits. He mentioned that the city’s policy of issuing permits one at a time post-storm complicated matters. After addressing issues related to a prior open permit for a gas line, they were able to finally apply for the building permit for drywall installation. However, a required revision for the permit review extended the process by an additional two to three months.

Despite these hurdles, Mr. Howard assured that the construction work was complete and they were prepared to call for inspections. He requested more time for the gas company to complete their work, as some walls had been left open for this purpose. The hearing officer agreed to defer the case for 45 days, rescheduling it for November 6 at 8:30 AM.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by contractors and homeowners in Sarasota as they deal with the complexities of building regulations, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. While the city’s stringent permitting process aims to ensure safety and compliance, it can also result in significant delays in recovery efforts for residents. The upcoming hearing will provide an important opportunity to evaluate progress and ensure that all required inspections are completed.