Agenda - Council - 09/13/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.01: Review Tools and Work Proposal to Review Strategic Plan Tactic 18) "Expand and Improve Residential Rental Licensing Program" Fire Chief Kapler provided an introduction to the discussion and noted that Housing Intern Healy is in attendance tonight to make the presentation. Housing Intern Healy reviewed the staff report and recommendation to continue to analyze potential changes to the Rental Licensing Program and to discuss the ideas with the community and stakeholders. He noted that this direction would not obligate the Council to make any changes. Mayor Strommen asked the source of the single-family exemption in the current licensing process. Fire Chief Kapler stated that several years ago, single-family housing had been included but the Council direction at that time was to remove single family and townhomes from the policy. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that one of the more unpopular previous programs was the interior inspections and the frequency of the inspections. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the discussion was partially regarding the budget and property rights. He noted that the discussion took place during the recession when many people were moving from their homes and looking for rental space. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he believed that it would make sense to at least have a simple registration in place to, at the minimum, obtain landlord contact information. He stated that he would also be in favor of reviewing the licensing costs for multi -family dwellings as well during this process. Fire Chief Kapler stated that a few cities staff spoke with followed a similar path, beginning on a simple scale and moving up to the more detailed process as the program moved ahead. He stated that staff is in favor of making the fee reflective to the conformity and performance of the property. Councilmember Williams stated that she would be in support of this type of program. Councilmember Riley stated that he would want to ensure that this would not create something that would be burdensome, specifically in regard to the fee scale. He stated that he would only want the fee to be as expensive as it would need to be to cover costs. He stated that requiring a class seems burdensome and would not be in favor of requiring lease terms but noted that the City could provide suggested lease language. Councilmember Shryock agreed with the comments of Councilmember Riley and would like to see a program of this nature as user friendly as possible and with the lowest cost possible. She stated that it seems like it would be complicated if the fee is linked to performance and increases or decreases dependent on certain activity. She stated that she is open to further discussing the program. City Council — October 27, 2015