PUNTA GORDA — Kevin Doyle didn't contest a violation before the Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board for not planting sod on his vacant property where he plans to build a hotel.
During a recent code board meeting, city staff showed photos of alleged violations on Doyle's property and two other properties owned by his partner, S4 Global Investments, at 210 Nesbit St.
The lots are across from Doyle's Celtic Ray Bar in Punta Gorda.
Doyle and S4 Global Investments plan to build a five-story hotel, brewery and English pub, across the street from Celtic Ray, 145 E. Marion Ave., on the vacant properties.
They were supposed to break ground in March but were delayed by Southwest Florida Water Management District permit requirements.
While awaiting permits and drawings, the property is used as Celtic Ray and Laishley Park overflow parking.
A code enforcement citation stated the properties did not have sod on the exposed soil on the three lots where vehicles and rain eroded the sod.
The board gave Doyle and S4 Global 60 days to re-sod the properties or face a fine of $250 per day. In addition, the board levied fines against Doyle and S4 Global of $14.46 and $28.92, respectively.
Doyle said installing the sod would cost about $20,000, and it would only be there until his permits are approved and he can remove the trees from the site.
Doyle also can't get a tree permit until he has a building permit, which could delay the process as well.
"The sod will be tore up again," Doyle said.
Project designer Graham Tyler told the code board he didn't think sod was right for the vacant lots.
"Gravel or shell would be a lot cheaper," he said. "It's crazy to spend $20,000 on sod only for it to be torn up in a few months."
City staff told the code board that Doyle hasn't yet submitted his plans for the hotel and pub.
A staffer said Doyle and S4 Global could go before the Punta Gorda City Council and request an alternative ground covering like shell or gravel instead of sod. Doyle can also ask for a waiver of the land development code for sod replacement because he plans to build on the vacant property by the end of the year.
It could take two to four weeks before it goes to the City Council for consideration.
Over the years, cars and rain destroyed sod on the lots, exposing the soil. Doyle said he had the lots leveled to help with the problem.
Tyler said he and Doyle spoke to the city manager and other city staff.
"They tend to agree with us," he said. "We could comply with shell in the next 60 days."
Doyle said he wants to appear before the City Council to explain his dilemma. He said with the rainy season approaching, there could be more delays with construction of the multi-million dollar project.
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