2022.02.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession February 8, 2022 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Ben Gozola Guests in Attendance: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held both virtually and in person. Rental Inspection and Licensing Policy Discussions Massopust stated this would be a continuation of a policy discussion that the Council has had regarding the City’s housing stock. He reported last year the Council passed an ordinance that regulates short term rentals. He indicated the City has regulations in place for multi-family rentals and noted staff was now looking for guidance on single family rentals. Gozola explained historically, the City of New Brighton has tended to take a minimalist approach to regulation, but such an approach requires the City to periodically review its policies to ensure they are working as intended. Complaints in recent years from renters about living conditions in our non -licensed single family homes and duplexes have called into question whether the City’s current threshold of 3+ units to tr igger rental licensing and inspection is still the appropriate approach. Staff commented further on the number of rental homes in New Brighton. The pros and cons of having a rental licensing and inspection program in place were discussed. He then requested the Council discuss the City’s current rental and licensing policy, and to provide direction on whether any changes are warranted at this time. Councilmember Abdulle asked how this type of program would impact affordability. Gozola commented he has done no research and has no data, but anticipated the inspection fees charged to landlords would be passed along to the tenants. Councilmember Dunsworth thanked staff for the detailed presentation. She explained she had no idea the sheer volume of single family rentals in the City. She stated she supported this type of regulation because it would protect the renter. She questioned what a rental license may cost for a single family rental property in New Brighton. Gozola stated he did not have a fee in mind, but noted if the Council supported moving forward with a single family rental inspection program, staff would need to evaluate how much staff time would be needed to inspect 550 additional properties. Massopust commented the licenses and fees charged by the City were used to offset City costs for a program.