09-13-1990 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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C.C. and P.C. Minutes September 13, 1990 Page 3 e adult entertainment industries, rather it would place controls on these types of businesses. 6. RENTAL INSPECTIONS - Cliff Skogstad, Building Official, stated that the Building and Zoning Department is requesting that the ci ty adopt the Uniform Housing Code, which would address health and safety issues for rental property. He stated that in doing so, the city would need to license apartment buildings, and charge a license and inspection fee in order for the units to be inspected. Mr. Skogstad also stated that currently the city has 49 apartment buildings with roughly 950 rental uni ts. He went on to state that if all of these units were to be inspected for compliance with the Uniform Housing Code, a new staff person would need to be hired. Councilmember Holmgren questioned whether or not the fire chief could do the inspections. Mr. Skogstad responded by stating that the fire chief currently checks for smoke alarms, rated walls and doors and other fire related issues. However, the Uniform Housing Code addresses a much broader list of concerns with rental property. e Mayor Tralle stated that he was more concerned with home rentals being in violation of the Uniform Housing Code than apartments. Mr. Skogstad responded by stating that he has received more complaints from apartments than homes. Councilmember Kropuenske stated that home renters probably complain less often because their rent is lower and they don't feel that they have a right to complain, whereas apartment dwellers, who pay higher rent, will complain more readily. Mayor Tralle stated that with roughly 25% of the city's population li ving in rental property, the issue of rental safety needs to be addressed. Mr. Skogstad stated that the licensing and inspection fees would partially pay for the salary of a housing inspector. Commissioner Eberley questioned what fines would be associated with the Uniform Housing Code and how it would be enforced. Councilmember Kropuenske questioned how often the units would be inspected. Mr. Skogstad responded that one cycle of inspections would probably take two to four years to complete. He went on to state that the goal of this project would be to keep apartments safe and attractive and hopefully to reduce the number of police calls to apartments. Mayor Tralle stated that any fee levied on apartment owners will eventually be passed on to the renters. Mr. Skogstad responded that all apartments would be required to be inspected, therefore, no apartments would have an unfair advantage. e Discussion ensued on when an ordinance adopting the Uniform Housing Code would be ready and where additional staff would be located. The City council indicated that it would like to see the program implemented by the spring of 1991. Councilmember Holmgren stated that he would like to see the inspections coordinated with the County Assessor's Office. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission and City Council that the Building and Zoning staff should follow through with an ordinance amendment adopting the Uniform Housing Code and that they should develop a job description for a housing inspector.