2022.07.12 WS Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ord 892: Rental Licensing Requirements City Council Work Session Initial DRAFT Review; 7-12-22 Page 8 DRAFT RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY INSPECTION POLICY OVERVIEW As previously noted, Ordinance 892 would include language allowing the City Manager authority to set a policy on inspection schedules. For the purposes of the Work Session meeting on July 12th, staff has penned a DRAFT of what such a policy could look like. This is very much a work in progress, but is an important supplement to the ordinance itself as this policy would implement some additional goals of Council expressed last February: 1. Multi-Family buildings would be put on a schedule such that every unit in each building would always be inspected at least once every five years. This both ensures we are getting eyes on every unit in the community over time, but also establishes defined thresholds for the number of units staff will need to inspect on a year to year basis. 2. Single-Family and Duplex units would all need to be reviewed in year one of getting a license, but thereafter properties in good condition which do not generate excessive police calls would be on an every other year inspection cycle (which could be expanded if desired by Council). The incentive to qualify for this option will be a substantially reduced fee for renewals with a waived inspection (fees TBD at this time). In addition to addressing Council goals for inspections, presenting a draft policy at this time also allows staff to get feedback from Council on our current recommendations relating to single-family and duplex inspections. Whereas multi-family buildings are given fairly extensive reviews (please see the final attachment on our current Multi-Family Licensing Process), staff would propose, at least initially, to review single-family and duplex units by concentrating solely on: 1) Safety Core Elements, 2) Health Core Elements, and 3) Police Calls. Using this approach, the City could ensure that each unit met minimum standards for habitation while not driving up rent costs by requiring upgrades that could be considered more cosmetic as opposed to necessary in a single-family home setting. As part of the draft policy, you see an example “demerit” review system we are envisioning to be used in the review of single-family and duplex units. For example, “Safety” core elements would have us focus on: • Smoke detectors and CO detectors – are they present, not expired, powered, working, installed in required locations, etc? • Electrical – are all outlet and wall plate covers present and no exposed wiring in the home? • Ingress/Egress – are doors operational with no obstructions? • Windows – are they intact and usable? • Locks – are they available on ground level doors and windows? Do they work? Yes there are more items that could fall under a “safety” review (and options are provided), but staff would strongly recommend focusing (at least to begin with) on only the most important issues, and expanding our scope of review in the future if/when deemed necessary. Given the number of units being added to the licensing program (anticipating 500+) and limited staff availability, it’s important that we design a program capable of successful implementation.