Agenda - Council Work Session - 08/12/2024

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2. 4. CC Work Session Meeting Date: 08/12/2024 PrimaryStrategic Plan Initiative: Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods,business districts and key g corridors. Information Title: Rental Housing Inspections Program Discussion Purpose/Background: Councilmembers Howell and Musgrove requested the fees associated with the Rental Housing Inspections Program be discussed. In 2023,the City Council unanimously adopted Ramsey City Code Article XIV. Rental Residential Dwelling Units and the associated rates and fees. City Council supported the Crime-Free and Rental Housing Program as long as the current licensing fees fully covered the costs of the inspection program without subsidies from the Ramsey taxpayers. The purpose of the code is to protect the public health and safety of the residents in the city by adopting a rental dwelling licensing, inspection and maintenance program. The code ensures residents of the city that occupy rental units can enjoy a safe, secure and sanitary property. It also gives the property owners the opportunity to ensure their properties are up to code and safe for the Ramsey residents. Program Update Ramsey has 510 single family/townhome rentals and 10 apartment buildings with 994 rental units. To date, the City has 375 registered rental licenses, including 10 apartment buildings. There are 135 rental homes that have yet to submit the required rental license. The 2024 projected license fees to be collected to fund the program is $200,000; to date, $156,230 has been collected in rental license fees. Approximately 105 inspections have been completed,with another 100 inspections scheduled over the next 2 months. The feedback from homeowners, tenants and neighboring property owners has been more positive than not. There have been many instances when a homeowner was not aware of the condition of the home due to the resident not reporting broken items or lease violations. More common issues include,but are not limited to, the following: Smoke detectors and CO detectors missing or not working Nonworking electrical outlets Rodent issues or domestic animal urine/fecal throughout the home Broken windows -may not open or broken glass Egress windows are bolted shut so they do not open Mold issues Water leaks under sinks- causing mold,rotten wood, leaking through the ceiling Dryer vents not connected or not vented properly Gas leaks collapsing/rotting decks Water leaking onto extension cords Flammable items stored/piled around the water heater Temperature pressure relief valves on the water heaters leak Rental License Fees and Code There have been some concerns regarding the cost of a rental license and if there are ways to reduce the fees. The