13 - Property Management Ordinance revisionsItem No. 13
TO: Mayor & Council
FROM: John Godwin, City Manager
SUBJECT: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
DATE: August 1, 2019
BACKGROUND: The city council approved a property maintenance ordinance in July 2018 to
address a few very basic minimum standards for single family rental properties, including failing
roofs, failing foundations, dangerous electricity or gas, no functioning water or sewer, no
windows, and no doors. To date, we have directly utilized the new ordinance in a number of
instances, successfully working seventeen cases that removed renters, occupants, or squatters
from very dangerous structures. At the same time, we have received numerous complaints about
owner -occupied residential single family dwellings, but these are not covered by this ordinance.
Concerns include mold, holes in sheetrock, damaged roof gutters, broken AC units, damaged
foundations, poor drainage, lack of paint, rust, etc.
STATUS OF ISSUE: Now that a year has elapsed, and in response to discussions at the June
council work session, we are looking at the possibility of expanding the ordinance in two ways.
First, broaden its scope to also address all single family homes, including owner -occupied
structures. We have less direct authority to invoke some enforcement tools on these properties,
but such structures still need to be addressed, and as early as possible before they become un -
savable. Second, we believe it wise to consider expanding the types of violations that we can
attack. These might include: weatherproofing, flashing, gutters, roof drains, overhangs, exterior
wood and metal surfaces, masonry joints and siding, insect and/or rodent infestation, substandard
fencing, and vegetation that penetrates constructed surfaces. All of these changes would address
the integrity of the actual structure, and the most important thing we can do with this ordinance is
save structures from becoming so bad they must be destroyed and further damage our
neighborhoods. In the attachment, existing code is in black text and proposes changes are in
blue.
BUDGET: NA.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion only.
Life, Health and Safety Inspections
a) The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair; structurally sound; and sanitary so as
not to pose a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
b) Foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cradirs arid breaks, and shall be kept
in such condition so as to discourage the entry of rodents and other pests.
c) Exterior walls shall be free from large holes, breaks, and large areas of Or:rcraaae oIr rotted materials arrd
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d) The roof aafa(i flashnng shall be sound, tight, and free of defects that admit rain in an amount that
causes or may cause deterioration of the walls or roof structure. The roof must be free of significant
signs of deterioration, fatigue, or rotting; must have proper anchorage; and must be capable of
supporting all nominal loads. Wof kgutu:ena' aurrrf afrr Il l.raaa.irf:°a aaV4H! iie rna iii' rarrfrr d, rfu gx�r rJ
rr laa,rfi arraaf fii'ee Or ralrr Roof water shall not be discharged in such a manner as to create
a public nuisance.
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f) Exterior doors, door assemblies, cq' I a,aUair ,yst.ern aa, if f,rrravrriecf,, and hardware shall be maintained in
good functioning condition. Exterior windows shall be maintained in a sufficient condition to
prevent the ready access of water, vermin, insects, and other animals, and shall not present an
undue danger of bodily injury as a result of broken glass.
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j) All residential rental units shall be served with running water and functioning wastewater collection.
Fixtures shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary, and functional condition, and shall be properly
connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system, and shall also be
properly connected to either a public or private wastewater system or to an approved private
sewage disposal system. Plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained in as saafin"
„wi,A,,'.,�,ry, working order, and shall be kept free from obstruction, leaks, and defects and be capable
of performing the function for which such fixtures are designed.
k) Electrical and gas systems must present no hazard to the occupants or the structure.
Equipment, wiring, and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and
approved manner. Flexible electric cords shall not be used for permanent wiring, or for
running through doors, windows, or cabinets, or concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings.
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