Cape Coral salon owner faces bankruptcy after permit battle

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A salon owner says she's devastated after months of filing for permits with the city and still can't open her business.

Renee Ronan got the keys to her unit off Cape Coral Parkway in November. She says six months later, she's still not able to open the doors for business.

"I tried for a temporary occupancy permit, got denied for that," Ronan said. "I just want to open."

Ronan says she saw the spot driving down Cape Coral Parkway and thought it would be amazing. Six months after she got the keys, she's still not open for business or even able to fix up the unit.

"I emptied my investment portfolio," Ronan said. "I am this close to filing bankruptcy."

Hair tools and stools sit empty waiting for clients. She says she's losing about $4,000 a day.

"I have all these employees that I've hired that are waiting, and I'm about…I already lost one because she can't wait, and I can't blame them," Ronan said.

Ronan received a rejection notice saying her permits didn't go through. She says she's filed them multiple times and feels like she has received little direction on how to fix what's wrong.

"It's saying that the plans are unclear," Ronan said. "We have asked them specifically, what are you looking for? Every time it gets rejected."

WINK News reached out to the city of Cape Coral about Ronan's situation. The city said the plans she submitted were held up because of incomplete plans, an unclear project scope and unresolved code requirements.

The city said the typical timeframe for change of occupancy applications is 30 days. They are often rejected or delayed because they're incomplete, inaccurate or not compliant.

"I am destroyed financially, mentally, I'm exhausted," Ronan said. "My saving grace is being here behind the chair, that's what saves me, because I'm doing what I love."

The city said staff is reviewing another submittal that is expected to be complete by May 27.

The city provided these tips for new business owners going through the application process:

• Reviewing the application checklist carefully
• Submitting all required plans and forms upfront
• Ensuring site plans and floor plans are accurate, complete, and clearly show the scope of work
• Addressing all applicable fire-related requirements early in the process
• Responding promptly to City staff requests for additional information
• Working with licensed contractors and design professionals who are familiar with current City codes and requirements