Code board gives Rockland Palace 30 days

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July 3, 2008

By Vanessa Fultz, Democrat Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Thu Jul 03, 2008, 06:08 PM EDT

vanessa.fultz@gaflnews.com

The Live Oak Code Enforcement Board voted Thursday to give the Rockland Palace on Railroad Avenue 30 days to obtain a building permit in order to come into compliance with the city building code. However, Building Official and Zoning Administrator Roy Rogers said the city cannot issue a permit because the business does not conform to local zoning regulations.

Rogers said the business has two options: obtain a demolition permit or obtain a permit to rebuild the structure as a residence. Rogers said the business is considered non-conforming because it is operating in an area that is zoned residential. Non-conforming structures cannot be structurally altered, he said.

The city council voted 3-2 in April to grant a zoning change from residential to commercial, which would have allowed the business to obtain a building permit to remedy a variety of code violations. However, Mayor Sonny Nobles vetoed the decision.

Some councilmen and citizens said they didn't want to see a business that had been in operation for more than 60 years shut down.

The Rockland Palace, a local nightspot, was condemned by the city in January for code violations. According to city records, the business is unsafe for occupancy and needs repairs to the walls and roof, as well as electrical work.

The owner of the Rockland Palace, Calamity White, told the council she was working to comply with regulations and had hired an engineer to draw up plans for the repairs. White inherited the property in July 2007, at which time she began trying to resolve violations.

White has said she is prepared to appeal the city's decision in court.

Rogers said a $250 daily fine will be levied if White doesn't comply within 30 days of receiving formal notification from the city.

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