Agenda - Council - 05/28/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session 6. 1. Meeting Date: 05/28/2013 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Adopt Ordinance #13-11 Amending 2013 Rates and Fees Related to Residential Rental Licensing Fee Structure for New Construction and Septic Pumping Permits Background: Part 1 - Rental License Chapter 26 of the Ramsey City Code requires a Rental License for residential dwelling units in buildings of three (3) or more units that share hallways, main entrances, and exits. Detached single-family and most attached single-family (for example: town homes) are exempt from the license requirement. The rate for the license is $75 and covers two (2) years of license ($37.50 per year). The license covers two (2) aspects: 1. Administration of License 2. Inspection The administration of the license includes the initial setup in the software system, mailing, and data entry of the results. Costs incurred to the City include, but are not limited to Staff time (data entry, financial management, IT), software costs, and overhead. The costs also ensures adequate revenue to cover ongoing costs of follow-up, response, and future set-up. The license also requires an inspection of units and common areas. Staff recommends a 50% credit for new construction where the Final Inspection required for the Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy covers the same items as the required inspection for the Rental License. As the Rental License is two-part, sufficient fees would be collected to cover the administrative tasks. Part 2 - Septic Pumping Per Minnesota Rules 7080, owners of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) must visually inspect for damage to private septic systems. The owner must also measure or remove certain accumulations at a frequency of not less than once every three (3) years. There are some exceptions based on measured levels. At this point, the City is responsible for administering the septic program for the community in compliance with Minnesota Rules 7080. The current fee for the Septic Pumping Permit is $10. After a cursory review, it appears that the expenses related to administering the program exceed the revenue generate for the program. Based on current volume levels for all permits administered by the City, there is not sufficient personnel resources to administer the program. The City will continue to fall further out of compliance if an adjustment to the program is not made. With that in mind, Staff is recommending an amendment to the Septic Pumping Permit Fee. It is noted that Staff has already made a number of adjustments to the program to make it more efficient, including implementing a new software system, beginning a process to revise the Permit Application, contract for bulk mailing services, and shared resources with other departments for data entry. The recommended rate for the Septic Pumping Permit is $20. The current rate is $10. The Ordinance was introduced at the May 14, 2013 City Council Meeting. The Ordinance is now eligible for adoption. Notification: