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• Of the 92 homes with multiple structural deficiencies 79 are valued under $250,000 and 51 are valued under $200,000 The survey appears to show older homes valued under $250,000 and 40 years of age or older have a much higher rate of deficiencies for structural and code features. Areas of the City with older homes are typically receiving less maintenance than areas with newer homes. Typically the break seems to be 1970. Of particular concern is the increase in multiple deficiencies concentrated in particular areas. Common Problems The most common structural deficiencies include roofs, garages and siding/paint. Typically, these deficiencies will affect the value of homes and neighborhoods. At this time if maintenance is continually ignored on a home the City has no enforcement option to encourage repairs. The most common code issues found in the survey included vehicles and junk/debris. Inoperable, unlicensed and illegally parked vehicles are a nuisance which have increased from 2005 to 2008. Currently unlicensed and inoperable vehicles must be stored in a garage. With many complaints they may only need to be moved to a hard surface (i.e. concrete, asphalt or paving blocks). Junk and debris also increased from 2005 to 2008. One mans junk is another mans treasure may be true but it should be Mstored inside. Encouraging people to remove junk/debris and store it properly is the key. The most common phone calls regarding nuisances staff receives include tall grass and weeds, vehicles and garbage/debris. Currently the City considers tall grass to be 12" or longer. Vehicle complaints usually are in regard to parking on grass. Many times the complaints are for the same offenders. • Strategies Many deficiencies of concern found in the survey are reinforced as problems when looking at common complaints received by staff. In order to address these concerns the implementation of some code changes could help maintain property values and improve housing conditions in the City. These include adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), rental registration or inspection, additions to our nuisance code and a point of sale or truth in sale of housing inspection. Some changes will make a greater impact the sooner they are implemented. The IPMC or a maintenance code, a rental registration or inspection program and some updates to our nuisance code will make a difference in the Cities ability to deal with these issues more effectively. H:\Code Changm\MEMO FORM.doc