Weeks given notice of violations and hearings

Building and Code Enforcement Manager, Wil Franke, reported to Historic City News that former mayor Claude L. Weeks, Jr. and his wife, Kristina G. Weeks, have been officially notified of various violations of the Code of Law and Ordinances of St. Augustine, in connection with unpermitted construction work that resulted in the collapse of the Don Pedro Fornells house on September 25, 2014.

The building at 62 Spanish Street was originally constructed over 200-years ago. An investigation that included interviews with a number of city personnel, found Len Weeks ignored rules and warnings from the planning and building department regarding steps necessary to protect the exposed foundation of the historic structure; including violations of Archaeological Zone Regulations.

“My continued involvement with the Historic Architectural Review Board may be seen as a distraction for other members of our Board, applicants, the city commission, staff, residents and business owners,” Weeks wrote in a one-page letter resigning his position as HARB Chairman.

The City of St. Augustine conducted an inspection and review of City records regarding the subject property on September 25, 2014 which revealed violations under Chapter 2, Section 2-319, Code Enforcement; Chapter 6, Section 6-6, Archaeological Zone Regulations; Chapter 28, Section 28-89 (2)(d), Zoning; Chapter 28, Section 28-89 (3), Zoning; Chapter 28, Section 28-90, Zoning; Chapter 28, Section 28-91, Zoning; and Chapter 162, Section 162.09, Florida Statutes.

A hearing before the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board to take action on this matter will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Alcazar Room at City Hall located at 75 King Street in St Augustine.

Violations being heard include:

• Demolition of a colonial structure without Historic Architectural Review Board and City Commission approval. A fine up to $5,000.00 may be imposed by the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board.
• Removal of a coquina wall in a historic district without Historic Architectural Review Board review and without demolition permit. A fine of up to $5,000.00 may be imposed by the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board.
• Failure to obtain an archaeological permit in an archaeological zone. A fine of up to $100.00 may be imposed by the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board.