05-25-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 the licensing program to include crime prevention participation in Crime Free Multi- housing programs was mandatory. A few went even farther by establishing standards relating to calls per unit for police and fire activity. In cases where the calls were above a stated standard, a "provisional license" was issued that required the property owner /manager to submit a mitigation plan aimed at reducing inappropriate activity. Inspections include the general premises and individual units. In talking with these cities, some inspect every unit of a complex on a set schedule ranging for bi- annually to once every four years. Others determined the level of unit inspection based on a random sample of units inspected. If general compliance was discovered in the random inspections, then they did not go through every unit. However, if serious problems were encountered, then each unit was inspected. Attached are two ordinances that focus on the two primary approaches to this issue. The first belongs to Brooklyn Park. They establish an extensive inspection program to ensure the rental units are maintained in appropriate condition. They also establish provisions for defining "disorderly premises ". Being deemed a "disorderly premise" starts a notification process (see page 23 of 29). The first notice defines the violation and directs the licensee to make corrective action. A second violation on the premises within three months of the first one generates another notice and requires the licensee to submit a written report of proposed to be taken to prevent further disorderly use of the premises within five days of receipt of the City's notice. A third violation within three months of any of the two previous instances of disorderly use allows the City to deny, revoke, suspend or not renew a licensee, subject to provisions of a public hearing before the City Council. (Shoreview has a similar ordinance.) The second ordinance belongs to Brooklyn Center. It is very similar to the previous ordinance as far as "disorderly use ". However, this ordinance adds a "provisional license" for a complex has more than .65 police /fire calls per unit per year. (See page 12 -20.) In this case, they cannot obtain a regular license until their calls for service drop below the threshold for a one -year period. (Note: Calls related to domestic abuse may not be counted pursuant to Minnesota Statute 504B.205 — copy attached.) A provisional license also requires the submission of a "mitigation plan" that is to be approved after review by the City Council. The Council may conditionally approve subject to written findings. The licensee may also request a hearing before the Council on this matter. Once approved, the licensee must submit a monthly status report to the City. Failure to comply with the provisions of the mitigation plan are grounds for suspension, revocation, or decline to renew of a license. (Note: This ordinance was based on one in effect in New Brighton.) I talked with Brooklyn Center and New Brighton about the impact these ordinances have had on their calls for service. Brooklyn Center said the ordinance is less than one year old and has not yet been evaluated. They only have one provisional license and it is for a smaller complex. New Brighton said the housing maintenance ordinance was adopted back in the 1970's. The provisional license piece is relatively new. (Less than two years.) They have only recently funded a Crime Free Multi- housing position in Public Safety that helps address the provisional license component. Three properties were provisionally licensed on the initial go- round. However, all are now licensed on a standard license. The official in charge of inspections feels it has made a great difference in housing maintenance in New Brighton.