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Item 03 <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />change would standardize enforcement of non -compliant owners, whereas currently, Staff <br />approaches each case differently based on what we "think" will work (it doesn't always work). In <br />effect, Staff would have a low -to -no tolerance for non-compliance, and defer to the City Council <br />to grant any leniency. <br />If in place in 2021/2022: <br /># units <br />Address <br />Violations <br />Days in violation <br />1 <br />7641 <br />Edgewood Dr <br />Mold, mechanical <br />120+ <br />1 <br />8235 <br />Pleasant View Dr <br />Fire, mechanical, property maintenance <br />150+ <br />1 <br />2637 <br />Clearview Ave <br />Zoning permit, fire, property maintenance <br />150+ <br />2 <br />8228/8230 <br />Pleasant View Dr <br />Fire, mechanical, property maintenance <br />120+ <br />The results of this ordinance amendment if enacted is that two Rental Licenses would have <br />been brought to the City Council for revocation in 2021, and two in 2022. Once revoked, if <br />occupied after 45-days, the City would file civil charges against the owner to enforce the <br />vacancy (4-6 month process). <br />The primary difference in the change is; (1) the removal of Staff granting leniency or extensions <br />to correct violations; and (2) the substantial cost of reinstating a Rental License should <br />encourage owners to maintain their properties, or get out of the rental business. For <br />comparison, in conversations with Columbia Heights staff, their Council conducts one or two <br />revocation Hearings every month. After revocation, and prior to posting units as "Illegal to <br />Occupy" (45 days later), about 90% of owners make repairs to avoid evictions. <br />Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal: <br />Encourage landowners to maintain and take care of properties to ensure they are following <br />codes and rules and forcing them to keep up maintenance. Make low interest loans available to <br />address maintenance needs. <br />Financial Impact: <br />More enforcement will incur more legal fees. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff is requesting direction. Staff has been frustrated for some time regarding rental owners <br />who consistently violate the City Code. Currently, Staff has the discretion to bring these to the <br />Council for revocation. But the question for the Council is, if the Council would like to take <br />action on all of them (e.g. revoke licenses of all violators after 90-days), or leave it to Staff's <br />discretion (threaten revocation, but seldom take action). <br />Respectfully, <br />C:�19�x <br />Jon Sevald, AICP <br />Community Development Director <br />