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Moving Forward <br />Therefore, the City Code appears to be in place to perform any of the procedures envisioned <br />to undertake and enforce the residential rental program. It would further the City's <br />commitment to a safe and healthy environment for all residents by requiring all property <br />owners/landlords to be responsible for their buildings. It will also ensure that all residential <br />units have up-to-date facilities relating to health, safety and welfare for their clients. <br />Concerns will undoubtedly be raised from landlords regarding additional licensing fees that <br />they must incur, plus any additional costs to bring their building into code compliance. <br />Some of the regular items that would be inspected under the International Housing Maintenance <br />Code are: <br />^ smoke detectors <br />^ COZ detectors <br />^ basement egress (escape window) <br />^ proper venting of furnace, washer, dryer, water heater, etc. <br />^ plumbing traps, vents, etc. <br />Many communities within the area have instituted this program. All have alicense/permit <br />application but not all charge a fee (axe just interested in establishing a database of rental <br />information). And, the frequency of licensing periods in other communities varies -from <br />annually to every three (3) years. <br />Building Safety Department <br />With the current housing market sales in decline, we are seeing more single-family residential <br />dwellings available for rent. Through discussions with Building Official Bob Ruprecht, the <br />Building Inspectors are ready to proceed and include this in their regular inspection <br />responsibilities. Additionally, Building Inspector Bill Bandar is scheduled to obtain his fire <br />inspector certification in early 2009 which will add value to the inspection program. He will <br />then be able to perform fire code inspections in addition to his regular duties as a building <br />inspector. Fire Chief Bruce West was also part of the discussion in review and planning of <br />this program. <br />Recommendation <br />1. Review the City Code with the City Attorney to verify whether the Code is accurate <br />as written or requires any revisions. <br />2. Establish an annual license application and inspection cycle ($45 per addressed <br />residence, and $15 per rental unit as recommended in the 2009 City Fee Schedule). <br />3. Add this to the Building Inspector's duties (Fire Inspector would continue with <br />apartments of 4 or more rental units). <br />