INDIALANTIC, Florida. – There finally appears to be a resolution to a dispute between Brevard County and a homeowner who built a “man cave” out of shipping containers in his backyard.
Earlier this year, a judge ruled in the county’s favor, saying Joe Traska’s stacked containers violated code and needed to be removed to comply. But at a new hearing Wednesday, Traska and the county reached a compromise.
With approval from the county commission, Traska can now keep his “man cave” as long as he changes the exterior so it no longer looks like a shipping container.
Traska testified at Wednesday’s hearing that he paid more than $2,000 for the permit, which he said the county granted him in error.
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“I want my peace and the freedom to do what is legally right in my backyard, and I don’t think this code was even written appropriately for my situation,” Traska said.
The county said Traska’s construction deviated from the approved plan and therefore violated building codes.
“The county ordinance clearly prohibits the stacking of shipping containers,” said attorney Sarah Beazley. “The actual structure is different from what is permitted.”
Traska’s neighbors also spoke during the hearing.
One person called for the demolition of the “man cave” and called it a “monstrosity.”
Another hoped for a compromise.
Other details of the proposal to be presented to commissioners include landscaping around Traska’s property to provide more privacy.
Traska also agreed that the Man Cave cannot be used for living because, for example, it will have no kitchen and no one will use it at all between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
If the Commission agrees, Traska will no longer face fines.
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