02-B Comprehensive Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comprehensive Plan, City of Paris, Texas Future Land Use The rental rehab has been accompanied by a rent increase of $100 to $150 per month per unit. The attractive rate of return has created a supply of capital. Capital is the constraint to any private investment venture. The internal rate of return on the project is 15% to 20%, which is a relatively high yield; therefore, the investments retain their value. Pre-occupancy Programs Some communities have implemented proactive programs to assist owners or tenants in securing timely and problem-free occupancy of their newly completed buildings or structures. The goal of the program is to provide a framework within which the owner or tenant and the City can work as partners to transition smoothly from the construction phase of a project to occupancy with the least amount of disruption to all involved. Developers meet in a pre-occupancy meetina with the City staff inembers relevant to a project, including inspections, engineering and other plan examiners. The City upon conclusion of the meeting will provide a summary of items to be addressed before occupancy. Property Maintenance Incentives Some communities are finding success in encouraging property maintenance and reducing court case loads by implementing property maintenance incentives focused on clear communication of violations and actions to be taken. One such City has adopted a code enforcement policy called "Hot Docket" to work with residents in complying with City codes. The intent of "Hot Docket" is to reduce the number of violations that must go to municipal court. This program was developed in response to non-voluntary compliance with the City's property maintenance program. The purpose of the program is to create a procedure that promotes quick voluntary compliance with violation notices. Code enforcement officers work with property owners by providing courtesy notices and numerous opportunities for property owners to comply with the property maintenance program. The approach allows the City to resolve non-code items that affect neighborhoods, such as getting houses painted. Accelerated Court Case Work Some cities have increased code compliance by addressing offenders through an expedited code enforcement program. Once such City accomplished this goal through ambitious changes in their code enforcement program. They have increased the number of code enforcement officers, reduced the amount of time for property maintenance corrections, and coordinated the process with the police department and municipal court. The City historically had been relatively lenient with compliance of violation notices. The original compliance period was between 30 and 60 days, extensions for compliance were often granted and some violations were never followed-through. The new policy requires 14 days for compliance before the violation notice is forwarded to the municipal court. S:U82881WPOfinul rcpun ?-Ol.ikx 59 BWR