FlaglerChat.com Forum

Rent-A-Husband · July 28th, 2012, 11:31 AM

PC Code now requires some type of visual screening, whether it be shrubs or fencing, to be installed when replacing your AC unit. This can be an additional hardship when a cash strapped family has already shelled out thousands for a new AC.

I received a call last week from a woman who had just replaced her failing AC unit. The following morning, there was a citation taped to her garage door. She had no idea why she was being penalized for upgrading. On her behalf, I called Barbara Grossman at CE and asked if this was required for all AC upgrades or just for new construction. Turns out it's for both. So I asked what options the woman had. She told me a small fence or some shrubs would fulfill the requirements.

The woman told me she prefered a white vinyl fence, so I set out to price the materials for my estimate. Before I could even get back to her with my price, CE was at her door threatening her with a $5000.00 a day fine for non-compliance. They gave her until Monday the 23rd to have something in place. Fortunately, I was able to have it installed by Friday the 20th.

As soon as I get this new computer figured out, I'll post some photos.

TrickyRicky · July 28th, 2012, 11:53 AM

We talked about this the later part of last year I believe. But sorry, I'm not buying the quickness that CE put the notice up right after the a/c unit was installed. Was the inspection done already on the install? They have to give you a certain amount of time to put in the fence or srubs and a few hours is hard to believe. Then threaden to slap her with a 5,000.00 fine. Maybe $500.00 but not $5,000.00. Regardless, if it were me I would have said go ahead and fine me then I'd go to the CE meeting a reem them another hole they could blow smoke out of.

I'm thinking the woman didn't follow through with the fence or shrubs after the install and inspection was complete and then that's why they put the initial notice on her door. However, something isn't right. IMO.

Rent-A-Husband · July 28th, 2012, 12:02 PM

She told me she had no idea of the fence requirement until receiving the citation. Neither the inspector nor the AC company told her anything.

december · July 28th, 2012, 12:20 PM

Something strange here, we had our a/c serviced yesterday and just for haha's asked about that, said only apply's to new construction the unit has to be set farther back from the house for air to circulate, short vinyl fence would be best because bushes attract snakes.
My door neighbor had bushes, now trimmed to look like a full size bonsai and snake he found there had to find a new home.

Rent-A-Husband · July 28th, 2012, 12:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TrickyRicky

We talked about this the later part of last year I believe. But sorry, I'm not buying the quickness that CE put the notice up right after the a/c unit was installed. Was the inspection done already on the install? They have to give you a certain amount of time to put in the fence or srubs and a few hours is hard to believe. Then threaden to slap her with a 5,000.00 fine. Maybe $500.00 but not $5,000.00. Regardless, if it were me I would have said go ahead and fine me then I'd go to the CE meeting a reem them another hole they could blow smoke out of.

I'm thinking the woman didn't follow through with the fence or shrubs after the install and inspection was complete and then that's why they put the initial notice on her door. However, something isn't right. IMO.

Here's the initial post from the thread you mentioned:

Palm Coast Code Enforcement Out Of Control
We wanted to upgrade our air conditioner so we hired an AC contractor - he took out a permit for the work - the contractor did a beautiful job - inspector came out two days later and said nice neat job - signed off on the permit. Twenty minutes later a knock came on our door - code enforcement and slaps me with a ticket - I have ten days to plant two shrubs around the ac unit or I would be subject to $1,000 fine per day of noncompliance. What a joke. They came up with a new law that when you upgrade your ac unit you have to put shrubs around it. I fought them and won but will probably be the last one to get through. It's getting worse and worse to live here - the problem is every one complains but no one votes.

Jane Doe · July 28th, 2012, 12:21 PM

We had to do this when we built 10 years ago and it's been nothing but problems. Every time they try to service the AC the bushes have grown in and I get scolded.

Now we got 2 less there and when I wanted to call to get a service done finally ( maintenance, not broken ) those had grown in! I've had it!

I recommend a little fence unless one person in the household will take care of the plants around the AC.

Rent-A-Husband · July 28th, 2012, 12:30 PM

This is what I built for her. No issues with snakes or air circulation. Back side is open to allow plenty of room for servicing. Posts are cemented in so this puppy ain't going nowhere.

Rent-A-Husband · July 28th, 2012, 12:38 PM

View from the back side.

Jane Doe · July 28th, 2012, 12:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rent-A-Husband

This is what I built for her. No issues with snakes or air circulation. Back side is open to allow plenty of room for servicing. Posts are cemented in so this puppy ain't going nowhere.

That's cute! I like it!