New Mount Dora residential project cited for multiple code violations

ABOVE: The Notice of Violation posted at the project at 650 Liberty Avenue, Mount Dora

A Mount Dora Code Compliance Inspector recently initiated an inquiry into tree removal after observing clearing activity at the southwest corner of Liberty Avenue and Clayton Street during the week of January 27, 2025.  Initially, there was some internal confusion at City Hall, as the approved duplex project on that parcel included a permitted landscape removal plan, according to the City.  The property owner is Cottage Way LLC (previously named Bungalows Mount Dora LLC), whose registered agent and managing member is Gerry Guenther, the principal of G3 Development (G3 MD, LLC).

The City of Mount Dora  did not receive any formal complaints from residents regarding this project, although there have been numerous inquiries and comments expressing interest and concern, according to a City official. The City of Mount Dora has a policy of informing code violators of who reported them, which effectively discourages residents from submitting formal complaints.

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On February 3, 2025, it was determined that the general contractor had exceeded the scope of the approved permit. The City promptly contacted the General Contractor of Record to report these observations and the multiple alleged code violations (see attached Notice of Violation below). Additionally, City staff held a verbal discussion with the property owner to inform them of the violations. 

The City requested a mitigation plan from the property owner, and the contractor took some initial measures to protect the site from stormwater runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. However, the submitted mitigation plan lacked several key details, and the City is currently awaiting additional information, according to the City’s Communication Director, Misty Sommer.

In the meantime, the City of Mount Dora instructed the contractor to preserve the remaining trees on the property. Despite this directive, three additional trees were removed without the required permit, and the only remaining tree has not been properly protected during construction, according to information from Sommer.

notice_of_violation_at__650_liberty_ave_mount_dora.pdf
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In response, the City issued a Notice of Violation and Notice of Hearing (see attached file above), which were delivered via certified mail, posted on-site, and posted at City Hall, as required by Florida Statutes. The case is scheduled to be heard before the City’s Special Magistrate on April 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at City Hall, where the property owner can present their side of the issue.

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