12/04/2007 - City Council Public Works Committee
AGENDA
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY
DECEMBER 4, 2007
CONFERENCE ROOM 2A&B
4:30 P.M.
1. AGENDA ADOPTION
II. REVIEW JUNE 5, 2007 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MEETING NOTES
Ill. UPDATE AND PRELIMINARY FINDINGS REGARDING
PROACTIVE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
(Jon/Tom C.)
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Eagan City Hall Conference Rooms 2A & 2B
MEETING NOTES
The Public Works Committee of the City Council consisting of Councilmembers Cyndee
Fields and Paul Bakken convened a meeting of the Public Works Committee at 9:00 a.m.
Also in attendance were City Administrator Hedges, Director of Community
Development Hohenstein, City Planner Ridley, Public Works Director Colbert, Chief of
Police McDonald, Fire Chief Scott, Commander of Fire Protection Diloia, Officer
Anselment and Lieutenant New.
UPDATE AND PRELIMINARY FINDINGS RE: PROACTIVE PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
City Administrator Hedges introduced the Public Works Committee item stating that the
information compiled for discussion purpose resulted from the 2007 Goals Retreat when
the City Council identified a proactive approach to residential and commercial property
maintenance as one of its goals for 2007/2008 and, further, the following discussion is
intended to review the status of this goal upon further direction by the City Council at a
September 25, 2007 meeting. Community Development Director Hohenstein reviewed
information providing background on the issues that were discussed by the Public Works
Committee at their March 27, 2007 meeting and further share the detailed survey of
several cities who are currently enforcing the rental dwelling licensing/registration.
• Rental Licensing - The committee reviewed staff research on the licensing of
rental properties and directed staff to further develop a potential program based on
the Burnsville model.
o The advantages cited in such an approach were that it focuses on
education and manager participation, it can build on Eagan's existing
Multi-Family Housing Program (Police Department), fire safety
inspections (Fire Department) and exterior maintenance standards (Code
Enforcement and Protective Inspections), it keeps costs low for properties
that are well managed and do not create extraordinary calls for service.
o The Police and Code Enforcement staff indicate that the majority of Eagan
multi-family properties are well managed and limited benefit would come
from a labor intensive annual inspection program for those properties.
They indicate that the application of a uniform and progressive
enforcement system (Burnsville fine system and expansion of the repeat
call ordinance) would provide tools to compel the other property owners
and managers to address issues as they arise.
o Staff also indicated that owner registration, education and progressive
consequences would assist in addressing issues associated with individual
property rentals and less sophisticated property owners and managers.
They indicated that a program would need to apply to the ownership and
management of both multi-family and single family rentals.
o Such a program can continue to apply standards to exterior maintenance to
preserve general property values, while providing additional tools to
compel interior maintenance and curb tenant behavior issues.
o Police and Code Enforcement staff indicate that one of the areas of
concern is single-unit rentals or situations in which owners/landlords may
not be as sophisticated or capable of managing rental issues as some
professional managers can be. While the Committee indicated that it did
not believe that a program of extensive inspections of the interiors of units
was necessary, discussion occurred around whether a licensing ordinance
could be structured to compel an owner to permit access to a rental unit in
certain circumstances or after repeated reports of violations.
o The Burnsville program was developed in cooperation with the state
Multi-Family Housing Association. MHA indicates that the Burnsville
model works well for its members and, as such, if it meets Eagan's needs,
code amendments to implement such a program would likely be supported
by the City's larger rental property owners and managers.
o The Committee has asked that staff develop a staffing plan for rental
licensing by determining the number of FTE's and ongoing costs that
Burnsville applies to its program and analyzing how the responsibilities
and resources could be incorporated to complement existing functions.
• Proactive Residential and Commercial Property Maintenance - The
Committee reviewed staff background and research relative to proactive property
maintenance and directed staff to further develop standards and methods for both
the complaint based enforcement system and a proactive enforcement program for
both residential and commercial property maintenance. In general terms, City's
property maintenance ordinance can be applied equally to residential and
commercial properties and staff has been able to use it as a tool to address a range
of maintenance issues around its retail, commercial and industrial areas. The
Committee directed staff to further develop both programs.
o The focus of the programs should remain to achieve compliance with City
standards, rather than to punish property owners. It was noted that
between 75 and 80 percent of the cases in which enforcement steps are
taken, the violation is corrected by the property owner after the initial
violation letter(s). Additional enforcement action and tools are only
necessary for a minority of the violations reported to the City.
o The City should continue its education program and expand it in the area
of property maintenance expectations and resources that can assist those
who have difficulty meeting them. The City should consider developing
informational brochures similar to those used by the City of West St. Paul
in its PACE and CASE Programs, to be included with violation
notifications.
o Staff and the Committee reviewed the property maintenance enforcement
information received from other cities. While it was determined that
detailed, on-site inspections would not be a cost effective approach, the
Committee directed staff to develop a potential program that would
provide for regular windshield inspections of all residential and
commercial properties in the City, using a checklist system of key
indicators of property deterioration. For properties where those conditions
were identified, they would be documented and education and
enforcement steps would be taken. In internal discussions and in its
research with other cities, staff suggests a list that would include: peeling
paint, damaged or missing siding or trim, damaged doors or windows,
outdoor storage of refuse or furnishings, tall weeds and grass, missing
address numbers, traffic sight line obstructions, obvious life safety issues
and, in the case of commercial properties, conditions of parking lots, drive
aisles, sidewalks and other standards to be determined.
o All Code standards would continue to be enforced on a complaint basis as
well. In responding to zoning complaints, staff will apply the 360 degree
approach that was developed for the enforcement of campaign sign
complaints, to determine whether substantial violations of standards apply
in the vicinity of the complaint and not just on the specific property.
o Staff and the City Attorney should investigate the extent to which the
repeat call ordinance can be applied to additional violations or areas of
enforcement to provide an alternative to separate enforcement of
individual violations.
o In those situations in which education and notices have not achieved
compliance, staff and the City Attorney should investigate the extent to
which the City may enter property to correct infractions and bill the
property owner as can currently be done to mow long grass and weeds,
remove junk furniture and appliances and board up unsecured properties.
In particular, can the City amend the City Code to add this tool to remove
ordinary garbage and refuse, to clear vegetation from sight lines, to repair
pavement or curbing or bring other conditions into compliance with the
code. If the City has the authority to enter property for these purposes, the
Committee recommends that the services be contracted rather than being
performed by City staff
o The Committee reviewed the list of potential non-residential maintenance
standards prepared by staff that may expand on the current property
maintenance code and directed staff to further refine the list, to work with
the City Attorney to determine which of the items may be enforced and by
what means and provide additional information at a future Committee
meeting.
o The Committee discussed current and potential standards for the
maintenance of vegetation, specifically trees and shrubs. The City Code
currently has requirements for the removal of diseased or fallen trees and
the storage or removal of tree and vegetation waste, but currently does not
have requirements relative to the removal of dead trees or vegetation. The
Committee directed staff to work with the City Attorney to determine the
legal and practical aspects of expanding standards to include such items.
o Along with investigating the expansion of the repeat call ordinance, the
Committee directed the staff and City attorney to determine how the City
Clerk could serve as a hearing officer in certain cases in lieu of the court
system.
o Staff and the City Attorney should investigate the program that the City
Attorney indicates has been developed by West St. Paul, South St. Paul
and Dakota County to focus zoning cases to a specific court rather than
having zoning cases share the docket with other issues and prosecutions to
determine whether they have been successful in getting stronger
enforcement from the bench.
o Once the major areas are identified that require code amendments, they
should be brought forward in chunks to permit specific policy areas to be
addressed separately, rather than having the entire property maintenance
program being shaped or limited by specific issues.
• Outdoor Storage of Recreational and Other Vehicles - At its March 27 meeting,
the Committee determined that the City has the tools and policies necessary to
manage outdoor storage of recreational vehicles and other vehicles on private
property on a complaint basis. The City Council also discussed this aspect of
property maintenance at its retreat on September 25. The Committee members
indicated that it would be appropriate to discuss this specific matter further with the
full Council at Monday's workshop.
REVIEW OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES
The City Administrator and Director of Public Works asked the Public Works Committee
members if they had a desire to participate in the consulting engineering interviews that
would be scheduled within the next week to ten days. Committee members stated that
they would defer those interviews to the staff commenting on how affective the selection
of three (3) firms creating a pool works for the engineers and City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
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TO: TOM HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: JON HOHENSTEIN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2007
SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
DIRECTION OF DECEMBER 5, 2007
At the December 5, 2007 Public Works Committee meeting is summarized as in the
attached memo.
• Rental Licensing - The committee reviewed staff research on the licensing of
rental properties and directed staff to further develop a potential program based on
the Burnsville model.
o The advantages cited in such an approach were that it focuses on
education and manager participation, it can build on Eagan's existing
Multi-Family Housing Program (Police Department), fire safety
inspections (Fire Department) and exterior maintenance standards (Code
Enforcement and Protective Inspections), it keeps costs low for properties
that are well managed and do not create extraordinary calls for service.
o The Police and Code Enforcement staff indicate that the majority of Eagan
multi-family properties are well managed and limited benefit would come
from a labor intensive annual inspection program for those properties.
They indicate that the application of a uniform and progressive
enforcement system (Burnsville fine system and expansion of the repeat
call ordinance) would provide tools to compel the other property owners
and managers to address issues as they arise.
o Staff also indicated that owner registration, education and progressive
consequences would assist in addressing issues associated with individual
property rentals and less sophisticated property owners and managers.
They indicated that a program would need to apply to the ownership and
management of both multi-family and single family rentals.
o Such a program can continue to apply standards to exterior maintenance to
preserve general property values, while providing additional tools to
compel interior maintenance and curb tenant behavior issues.
o Police and Code Enforcement staff indicate that one of the areas of
concern is single-unit rentals or situations in which owners/landlords may
not be as sophisticated or capable of managing rental issues as some
professional managers can be. While the Committee indicated that it did
not believe that a program of extensive inspections of the interiors of units
was necessary, discussion occurred around whether a licensing ordinance
could be structured to compel an owner to permit access to a rental unit in
certain circumstances or after repeated reports of violations.
o The Burnsville program was developed in cooperation with the state
Multi-Family Housing Association. MHA indicates that the Burnsville
model works well for its members and, as such, if it meets Eagan's needs,
code amendments to implement such a program would likely be supported
by the City's larger rental property owners and managers.
o The Committee has asked that staff develop a staffing plan for rental
licensing by determining the number of FTE's and ongoing costs that
Burnsville applies to its program and analyzing how the responsibilities
and resources could be incorporated to complement existing functions.
• Proactive Residential and Commercial Property Maintenance - The
Committee reviewed staff background and research relative to proactive property
maintenance and directed staff to further develop standards and methods for both
the complaint based enforcement system and a proactive enforcement program for
both residential and commercial property maintenance. In general terms, City's
property maintenance ordinance can be applied equally to residential and
commercial properties and staff has been able to use it as a tool to address a range
of maintenance issues around its retail, commercial and industrial areas. The
Committee directed staff to further develop both programs.
o The focus of the programs should remain to achieve compliance with City
standards, rather than to punish property owners. It was noted that
between 75 and 80 percent of the cases in which enforcement steps are
taken, the violation is corrected by the property owner after the initial
violation letter(s). Additional enforcement action and tools are only
necessary for a minority of the violations reported to the City.
o The City should continue its education program and expand it in the area
of property maintenance expectations and resources that can assist those
who have difficulty meeting them. The City should consider developing
informational brochures similar to those used by the City of West St. Paul
in its PACE and CASE Programs, to be included with violation
notifications.
o Staff and the Committee reviewed the property maintenance enforcement
information received from other cities. While it was determined that
detailed, on-site inspections would not be a cost effective approach, the
Committee directed staff to develop a potential program that would
provide for regular windshield inspections of all residential and
commercial properties in the City, using a checklist system of key
indicators of property deterioration. For properties where those conditions
were identified, they would be documented and education and
enforcement steps would be taken. In internal discussions and in its
research with other cities, staff suggests a list that would include: peeling
paint, damaged or missing siding or trim, damaged doors or windows,
outdoor storage of refuse or furnishings, tall weeds and grass, missing
address numbers, traffic sight line obstructions, obvious life safety issues
and, in the case of commercial properties, conditions of parking lots, drive
aisles, sidewalks and other standards to be determined.
o All Code standards would continue to be enforced on a complaint basis as
well. In responding to zoning complaints, staff will apply the 360 degree
approach that was developed for the enforcement of campaign sign
complaints, to determine whether substantial violations of standards apply
in the vicinity of the complaint and not just on the specific property.
o Staff and the City Attorney should investigate the extent to which the
repeat call ordinance can be applied to additional violations or areas of
enforcement to provide an alternative to separate enforcement of
individual violations.
o In those situations in which education and notices have not achieved
compliance, staff and the City Attorney should investigate the extent to
which the City may enter property to correct infractions and bill the
property owner as can currently be done to mow long grass and weeds,
remove junk furniture and appliances and board up unsecured properties.
In particular, can the City amend the City Code to add this tool to remove
ordinary garbage and refuse, to clear vegetation from sight lines, to repair
pavement or curbing or bring other conditions into compliance with the
code. If the City has the authority to enter property for these purposes, the
Committee recommends that the services be contracted rather than being
performed by City staff
o The Committee reviewed the list of potential non-residential maintenance
standards prepared by staff that may expand on the current property
maintenance code and directed staff to further refine the list, to work with
the City Attorney to determine which of the items may be enforced and by
what means and provide additional information at a future Committee
meeting.
o The Committee discussed current and potential standards for the
maintenance of vegetation, specifically trees and shrubs. The City Code
currently has requirements for the removal of diseased or fallen trees and
the storage or removal of tree and vegetation waste, but currently does not
have requirements relative to the removal of dead trees or vegetation. The
Committee directed staff to work with the City Attorney to determine the
legal and practical aspects of expanding standards to include such items.
o Along with investigating the expansion of the repeat call ordinance, the
Committee directed the staff and City attorney to determine how the City
Clerk could serve as a hearing officer in certain cases in lieu of the court
system.
o Staff and the City Attorney should investigate the program that the City
Attorney indicates has been developed by West St. Paul, South St. Paul
and Dakota County to focus zoning cases to a specific court rather than
having zoning cases share the docket with other issues and prosecutions to
determine whether they have been successful in getting stronger
enforcement from the bench.
o Once the major areas are identified that require code amendments, they
should be brought forward in chunks to permit specific policy areas to be
addressed separately, rather than having the entire property maintenance
program being shaped or limited by specific issues.
• Outdoor Storage of Recreational and Other Vehicles - At its March 27 meeting,
the Committee determined that the City has the tools and policies necessary to
manage outdoor storage of recreational vehicles and other vehicles on private
property on a complaint basis. The City Council also discussed this aspect of
property maintenance at its retreat on September 25. The Committee members
indicated that it would be appropriate to discuss this specific matter further with the
full Council at Monday's workshop.
Public Works Committee
12-04-07 Agenda
III. UPDATE AND PRELIMINARY FINDINGS REGARDING
PROACTIVE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
ISSUE:
As Eagan has evolved from a rural area to a high growth city to a mature community, the
need to not only set appropriate standards for private development and improvements, but to
develop strategies to maintain them, has grown. At their goals retreat, the City Council
identified a proactive approach to residential and commercial property maintenance as one of
its goals for 2007-2008 and for the future. The matter was referred to the Public Works
Committee for review and recommendation
At its workshop to review the status of its goals on September 25, 2007, the Council
discussed this goal further and expressed interest in an update on the findings in its regard.
BACKGROUND:
• The Public Works Committee discussed the issue of private property maintenance at
its meeting of March 27, 2007. The Committee provided staff direction regarding
various aspects of the matter and background work has been under way, but it has not
been before the Committee since that time. In order to proceed with the development
of proposed program options in each of the areas, staff will provide a status report and
ask for further Committee direction.
• As outlined in the March 27 Committee minutes, the Committee direction was
summarized and the status of work on that direction is as follows:
• Investigate feasibility of an expanded property maintenance program that would
focus on maintenance issues that have a direct impact on the City's infrastructure
system (i.e. stormwater, water, streets, etc.)
o Staff is requesting further discussion by the Committee on this direction.
It is not clear whether this was intended to be a separate item or the
overarching goal for the program elements that follow.
• Investigate whether the City has statutory authority to enforce against a
commercial property if they are out of compliance with surface property standards
(entrance aprons, private drives, potholes in parking area, etc.) and, if the property
owner chooses not to correct the problem, could the City then contract to make
the necessary repairs and then bill the business for the service rendered (using the
same system the City currently uses regarding noxious weeds)?
o In general terms, the City's property maintenance ordinance can be
applied equally to residential and commercial properties and staff has been
l
able to use it as a tool to address a range of maintenance issues around its
retail, commercial and industrial areas.
o While the property maintenance code speaks generally about the condition
of hard surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks, it does not go into
detail about specifics unique to commercial areas. In response to the
Committee's discussion of commercial maintenance standards, staff has
compiled a discussion list, which is enclosed.
o Two issues regarding enforcement are outstanding - whether certain
improvements (i.e. installation of dumpster enclosures or new surface
water improvements) can be compelled in the absence of a development
application and the entry into property to make corrections or
improvements if the property owner fails to do so.
o Initial discussions have been held with the City Attorney and, at first
blush, it appears that the City may enter a property to correct a nuisance
(mow tall weeds and grass, board up an unsecured building or remove
refuse from a yard), but cannot act to make physical repairs or
improvements against the property owner's will. Staff will continue these
discussions and provide an update when it is available.
• Recommendation: Conduct 360 degree assessments in both commercial and
residential areas as a proactive approach for code enforcement and commercial
property maintenance standards.
o This recommendation can be incorporated in the final program.
• Recommendation: The committee recommends that if the City has the authority to
make repairs on business properties, those repairs should be contracted rather than
using City FTEs to make the repairs.
o Pending a final determination by the City Attorney on the authority to
enter the property, this recommendation can be incorporated in the final
program-
• The committee requested additional information about how neighboring
communities are currently addressing commercial property maintenance.
o It does not appear that other cities differentiate substantially between
property maintenance enforcement strategies for commercial or residential
properties. While the standards themselves may vary, the cities enforce
violations of standards on either a complaint or proactive basis.
o All of the cities contacted indicate that compliance and not punishment is
the focus of their enforcement efforts. Like Eagan, they use a combination
of education, warnings and citations as the means to gain compliance.
o One of the areas that has been identified, which is already available in
Eagan, but may be expanded, is the repeat call ordinance, which the Police
and Code Enforcement offices use as a means of creating an additional
consequence for owners or tenants of problem properties that require
multiple contacts by City staff. While the tool is already present in our
toolbox, the possibility of expanding its use would provide additional
"teeth", as suggested at the Council's September Goals retreat, where its
use is necessary.
o Staff has compiled research on property maintenance programs from other
cities. Preliminary data is enclosed and, following discussion with the
Committee, further analysis will follow.
• The committee asked for staffs opinion on how aggressive the City can/should be
when it comes to property maintenance to make a noticeable difference. What
authority does the City have (i.e. how far can we go?)? What will the cost be to
provide the increased service (cost-benefit analysis)?
o Data to date suggests that a seasonal, proactive program, focused on key
features of a property (residential - peeling paint, damaged or missing
siding or trim, damaged doors or windows, outdoor storage of refuse or
furnishings, tall weeds and grass; commercial - similar items and others
TBD) are cost effective ways of intervening on the clearest indicators of
decline. Proactive education and standard code enforcement methods
used. While there are very labor intense programs with more complete
inspections of all properties, it appears that a number of cities make use of
seasonal staff or complementary positions to manage costs. The most
concise system appears to be the West St. Paul CASE and PACE
programs. A cost-benefit analysis has not been attempted to date.
• The committee asked for additional information and staff's recommendation on
the licensing of rental properties (frequency of inspections, cost, etc.)
o Rental regulation programs range from simply registering landlord and
property information (Apple Valley) to programs with limited base
requirements and progressive consequences for problem properties
(Burnsville) to labor intensive annual inspection programs (St. Paul).
o Staff review indicates that Eagan's current needs are likely at the lower
end of the spectrum, due to the multi-family housing program already in
place through the Police Department and the cooperation of the major
property management companies.
o Police and Code Enforcement staff indicate that one of the areas of
concern is single-unit rentals or situations in which owners/landlords may
not be as sophisticated or capable of managing rental issues as some
professional managers can be.
o Preliminary data is enclosed and, following discussion with the
Committee, further analysis will follow.
• The Committee previously determined that the City has the tools and policies
necessary to manage outdoor storage of recreational vehicles and other vehicles on
private property on a complaint basis, as noted in the Committee notes from March
27. The notes of the City Council Retreat of September 25, 2007 indicate that the
matter of property maintenance (including the outdoor storage of "toys"-boats, RVs,
etc.) was discussed and that the Council was interested in an update on the Committee
discussions alter November 6. For this purpose, discussion of this item has been
tentatively placed on the Council Workshop Agenda for December 10. In
anticipation of that discussion, staff requests additional discussion by the Committee
on whether to modify the previous direction regarding outdoor vehicle storage.
3
• Staff has expanded its discussion of both property maintenance and rental regulation
to include the Police and Fire Departments. To provide their perspectives for the
Committee, representatives of those departments will be present along with Planning,
Code Enforcement and Engineering staff.
Attachments:
• Public Works Committee March 27, 20007 cover memo on pages 5 through
• Public Works Committee inutes of rch 27, 2007 related to property
maintenance on pages throughr
• Table comparing other city property maintenance programs on pages
through
• West St. Paul PACE and CASE program brochures on pages ~_g through
M
• Table com aring other city rental licensing/registration programs on pages
throug
• Draft outline ("menu") of different aspects of current and potential maintenance
standards for consideration of private non-residential properties on pages cr,:kq
• Photos of several of these maintenance issues are also enclosed without page
number to better illustrate these concerns.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 27, 2007
III. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
ISSUE:
As Eagan has evolved from a rural area to a high growth city to a mature community, the need to
not only set appropriate standards for private development and improvements, but to develop
strategies to maintain them, has grown. At their goals retreat, the City Council identified a
proactive approach to residential and commercial property maintenance as one of its goals for
2007-2008 and, presumably, for the future.
BACKGROUND:
The City has addressed the need for private properties to remain compliant with City Code
requirements throughout its history. The basis of such regulations is clearly in the health, safety
and welfare responsibilities of local government, both to insure a clean, well maintained and safe
environment for the property owner and those that visit the property, but also to maintain general
property values in neighborhoods, to encourage investment and reinvestment in peoples homes
and businesses and to continue to attract strong markets for Eagan properties. Yet another reason
for the City to be concerned about maintenance standards is that conditions that become
prevalent can be viewed as generally acceptable, which may lead to owners gravitating to the
lowest common denominator.
Finally, there is recognized correlation between the presence of code and property maintenance
violations and other inappropriate behaviors, such as criminal activity, that the City attempts to
prevent and control. While there is a range of legitimate reasons why an owner may not be able
to keep their property in immaculate condition, such as age, illness, financial situation, etc., the
presence of violations can also be an indication of general disregard for societal norms. That is
why code enforcement and law enforcement communicate closely and often work in concert to
address problem properties and owners.
In the past, the City's code enforcement activity has been largely complaint based. While there
may be a variety of minor code violations throughout the City, the strategy that staff has
followed has been to focus on those violations that create sufficient concern for a neighbor or
observer to file a complaint. Complainants identities are required to be kept confidential by the
data practices act, so the risk to neighbors for raising concerns is low. The City also makes use
of the City newsletter, website and direct mailings as means of communicating the community
standards for a variety of property maintenance and zoning issues.
That having been said, there are situations in which staff is proactive and does not rely on
complaints to initiate code enforcement including obvious life safety situations (something
blocking traffic site lines), repeat offenses (recreating a non-compliant situation) and high
visibility violations (off-site business signs in rights of way). As with traffic enforcement, staff
5-
may also be asked to do targeted enforcement of particular types of violations or to address
similar issues in a geographic area or property type, if circumstances warrant it.
The City has also taken steps to begin to address specific property maintenance concerns in the
past. An outcome of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update (adopted in February 2001) was the
creation of property maintenance standards for the purpose of maintaining the quality and
viability of the City's housing stock. Specifically, requirements were adopted in ChapterlO of
the City Code and they pertain to maintenance from the home to the property line. This includes
proper maintenance of roofs, doors, windows, frames, cornices, porches, trim, window moldings,
eaves, gutters, downspouts, etc. While the original focus of these changes was to address
housing maintenance, they have been applied to commercial structures as well. It may be
worthwhile to discuss whether there are particular aspects of commercial building maintenance
that have not been covered to date.
It is a logical step to place a priority on the City's philosophy regarding property maintenance
standards at the same time as the City considers its housing and property policies and priorities in
the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update. The issue encompasses several aspects ranging from the
approach to enforcement, the nature of the property maintenance codes in place, the nature of the
codes that may need to be considered and the commitment of the City to uphold standards if
changes in standards or enforcement philosophy result in pushback from the members of the
public.
Unlike the response to criminal activity or imminent life safety issues in which fines or penalties
are a first line strategy, the general approach to property maintenance and zoning violations in
Eagan and many cities is to take steps to bring about compliance with the standards that were
violated. The creation of consequences or pursuing penalties is typically a secondary strategy.
The process for enforcement is identical to that of any code enforcement effort that entails:
? Complaint based; verified by inspection
? First and second notice letters sent for violations
? Citation issued for non-compliance
? Liberal extensions granted if enforcement occurs during winter months
? Use of outside agencies when applicable (i.e. Dakota County Environmental Health; Paint-A-
Thon; First Call For Help; currently looking into use of Sentence to Serve crews)
Code Enforcement works with Building Inspections, the Fire Department and sometimes the
Police Department if Code Enforcement or Building Inspections believe there are relevant Fire
or Police issues present.
The current property maintenance codes deal primarily with buildings, the condition of yards and
the initial establishment of minimum improvements. The first step will be to determine whether
current codes address the standards the Council expects. If not, there will be value in identifying
what additional issues may be addressed and to research the way other communities address
them. The property maintenance standards adopted after the 1998 update focused primarily on
housing stock, but the Council expressed interest at its retreat in addressing standards for
ll/
commercial properties as well. Such standards may relate to buildings and/or to surface issues
such as:
• Parking Lots (structural - potholes, surface deterioration, water quality sweeping, etc)
• Parking Lots (operational - striping, signage, circulation, emergency vehicle access,
etc)
• Sidewalks (structural)
Perimeter landscaping (safety sight lines, general maintenance, trash cleanup, etc)
• Drainage
• Other?
Finally, while the specifics of enforcement are typically the responsibility of staff, it will be
beneficial for the Committee to discuss the philosophy of enforcement. The discussion may
address questions such as:
• What things should continue to be addressed on a complaint basis?
• What are the priority issues that should be addressed more proactively?
• Are there elements within the typical enforcement process that require refinement or
modification?
• What are the elements of more proactive enforcement - education, partnering with
outside resources (Sentenced to Service crews), 360 degree area assessment, regular
rounds, door to door inspections and/or other elements?
• What are the resource and budget ramifications of more proactive enforcement?
What other aspects of the issue arise out of this discussion?
ATTACHMENTS:
• Section 10.53 Building and structure safety and appearance regulations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION OPTIONS:
1. Provide direction relative to current property maintenance Code standards - residential
and commercial.
2. Provide direction relative to potential property maintenance Code standards - residential
and commercial.
3. Provide suggestions and expectations regarding the enforcement process.
4. Provide direction with respect to developing information regarding the appropriate level
of resources to implement the recommended changes.
5. Other:
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MTG
TUESDAY MARCH 27, 2007
EAGAN CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOMS 2 AB
MEETING NOTES EXCERPT
DISCUSS CITY'S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PHILOSOPHY
Community Development Director Hohenstein and City Planner Ridley highlighted the City's
current code enforcement practices, noting that the City's code enforcement philosophy has
historically been complaint-based. They noted that proactive enforcement occurs with respect to
certain types of violations, but that most property violation investigations occur because of
neighbor calls.
The committee and staff discussed the typical complaints that they receive regarding conditions
in residential areas and at local businesses, such as the condition of buildings, disrepair of
parking lots and pot holes often located at the business access points. It was noted that the public
oftentimes does not differentiate between a public road and private parking lot and therefore
expects the City to make repairs. It was noted that the City currently has minimum standards for
initial construction of private drives, sidewalks, parking lots, etc., but the code currently does not
include provisions for enforcement of standards for such surfaces on an ongoing basis.
The committee also discussed their concerns regarding the detrimental effect that a lack of
overall maintenance on residential and business properties can have on both property values as
well as the City's infrastructure systems (e.g. businesses not sweeping their parking lots results
in debris flowing into the City's stormwater system, private fire hydrants not being maintained
and thus not operable for the City's Fire department, or landscaping not being maintained and
thus sightline issues occur when residents try to access public roads). Staff discussed the way in
which the property maintenance (building condition) code has been applied to bring about
corrections of deficiencies in both residential and commercial areas.
The committee discussed how far the City should go in enforcing maintenance of private
property. It was noted that if a more extensive program is implemented, there will be budget
ramifications. There was agreement that the focus of any business code enforcement that is
implemented should be compliance versus punishment. The committee also discussed the issue
of recreational vehicles, boats, etc. on residential property, and it was the consensus of the
committee not to aggressively take on that issue at this time; rather, to continue the current
complaint based system to address properties that are out of compliance.
Public Works Committee Recommendation/Request to be brought back to the Committee:
The Committee asked staff to investigate the following to be brought back for committee
discussion one more time before a recommendation is forwarded to the City Council:
Public Works Committee Meeting Notes
March 27, 2007
Page 2
• Investigate feasibility of an expanded property maintenance program that would focus on
maintenance issues that have a direct impact on the City's infrastructure system (i.e.
stormwater, water, streets, etc.)
• Investigate whether the City has statutory authority to enforce against a commercial property
if they are out of compliance with surface property standards (entrance aprons, private drives,
potholes in parking area, etc.) and, if the property owner chooses not to correct the problem,
could the City then contract to make the necessary repairs and then bill the business for the
service rendered (using the same system the City currently uses regarding noxious weeds)?
• Recommendation: Conduct 360 degree assessments in both commercial and residential areas
as a proactive approach for code enforcement and commercial property maintenance
standards.
• Recommendation: The committee recommends that if the City has the authority to make
repairs on business properties, those repairs should be contracted rather than using City FTEs
to make the repairs.
• The committee requested additional information about how neighboring communities are
currently addressing commercial property maintenance.
• The committee asked for staff's opinion on how aggressive the City can/should be when it
comes to property maintenance to make a noticeable difference. What authority does the City
have (i.e. how far can we go?)? What will the cost be to provide the increased service (cost-
benefit analysis)?
• The committee asked for additional information and staffs recommendation on the licensing
of rental properties (frequency of inspections, cost, etc.)
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
city Property Maintenance Details Staffin Contracts
Blaine Maintenance Code & Inspections: Linda Barthel The City of Blaine contracts
The City of Blaine's maintenance code relates to existing housing units, Housing Services Specialist with the Center for Enern
(population: 55,144) addressing both interior and exterior defects. 763-717-2648 and Environment (CEE) to
Residential inspections consist of complaint or observed code violations that are administer its housing
considered to be severe enough to be a hazard or significant enough visually to Israel Diaz Vazquez rehabilitation loan program.
have a negative neighborhood impact. Items included are junk, bad or missing Housing Inspector
siding, missing shingles, storm windows hanging, broken garage doors etc. 763-717-2650
Blaine Home Improvement Program Nina Waggoner
Revolving Loan Fund: This loan can be used to make improvements to any Housing Services Secretary
age or type of home; you may borrow up to $25,000. Eligible projects include: 763-785-6145
new roofs, siding, windows, HVAC, insulation, painting, foundation repair,
garages, fireplaces, electrical, plumbing, decks and landscaping.
Discount Loan Fund: This program is available to fix-up homes built prior to
1970. You may borrow up to $25,000 and take up to 20 years, gross income
qualifications apply.
Manufactured Home Loan Fund: The City of Blaine has funding available to
C7 help you fix-up your manufactured home. Loan funds may be used for most
permanent home improvements. Borrow up to $7,500 and repay it within 8 yrs.
CRR Home Energy Loan: This program is available to any homeowner without
any maximum income limits for energy-related improvements to your home, i.e.,
furnace, air conditioner, windows, doors, insulation and water heater.
Bloomington Residential Nuisance Program
Well-maintained residential properties encourage private and public investment Environmental Health Division
(population: 84,347) in a neighborhood. In order to monitor neighborhood conditions and identify (952) 563-8934
signs of decline in their earliest stages, the City established the Residential
Nuisance Program, consisting of citizen complaints inspections and systematic
inspections.
Systematic Inspections
Staff conduct systematic inspections of all residential areas twice each
year. Each property is inspected for violations of the City's nuisance ordinance
and orders are issued for violations.
Focus of nuisance inspections:
• Excessive noise and lighting
• Exterior maintenance
• Exterior storage
• Illegal home occupations
• Motor vehicle issues
• Odor/air complaints
• Recreational vehicle storage
• Refuse storage
• Weeds and long grass
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
city Pro Maintenance Details Staffin Contracts
Columbia Proactive Housina Maintenance Plans
Columbia Heights staff unveiled a 10-year housing maintenance plan that
Heights includes new and continuing programs, partnerships and money for home
(population: 18,250) improvement.
* The programs listed below are part of the Greater Metropolitan Housing
Corporation (GMHC)
The money that the EDA is using for the programs will come out of
federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
Housing Resource Center:
- Provides homeowners with free information and services, including home
improvement loans, construction management and advice on housing topics
Home Rehabilitation Incentive Program:
- Offers cash rebates to residents who upgrade / maintain their homes
- Household income has to be below $88,206, and the rebates are 10, 12, or
15 % of the work (up to $3,000), depending on income
Deferred Loan Program:
- Targeted at seniors and will provide a loan for renovation work which (ie: new
roofs, windows, HVAC, plumbing, & electrical work)
- Repayment acts like a lien - it isn't repaid until the homeowner sells or there
is a title change
Replacement Program:
- Tackles the most blighted and dilapidated single family homes
- The city's goal is to buy run down homes at market rate prices, not using
eminent domain, tear them down and replace them
- In the last five years, the Columbia Heights has been able to replace five
houses with 10 new ones with an average sale price of $232,000
Fridley Fridley has exterior code enforcement for all property and an interior / exterior Rental inspections are
rental housing inspection program. Fridley has done a fair amount of pro-active administered by the Fire
(population: 27,449) inspections using summer interns. Fridley is also in the process of updating the Department. The other exterior
exterior code to include some of the more common complaints about exterior of inspections are administered by
homes - these include peeling paint, rotting soffits, damaged/missing garage Community Development. We also
doors, broken/boarded windows, and falling gutter/spouting. have a very good complaint
tracking program.
Fridley does not do point of sale housing inspections.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
city___ Property Maintenance Details Staffing Contracts
Golden Valley Property Maintenance Program: Property Maintenance Staff: Staff then hosted three open
y - In existence for 2 years, and started as a City Council goal houses for the public to attend
(population: 20,281) - Prior to program, all maintenance was done on a reactive level Fire Chief to get information, ask
- Started with staff developing a property maintenance code and licensing Community Standards Inspector* questions and submit written
program for multiple dwellings (3+ units / building) - this code includes Fire Fighter comments on the proposed
interior and exterior maintenance PT Office Assistant property maintenance code.
- The next phase included the City Council directing staff to proceed with One of the comments that staff
expanding the proactive program to include exterior maintenance of one and *The Community Standards consistently heard from the
two family dwelling - staff amended the code to include exterior maintenance Inspector is a certified building public was financing of repairs,
of one and two family dwellings inspector and splits his time consultation on prioritizing
Inspections Details: between property maintenance projects and how to select a
complaints and permit inspections. contractor.
- Golden Valley has a systematic approach in conducting proactive inspections
by dividing the city into zones - the inspector walks thru the entire zone As a result of the comments
inspecting the exterior of the properties and writing corrective orders received, the City contracted
- Failure to comply with the written orders will result in an administrative with the Center for Energy
penalty and Environment - they work
- Recently, the City Council directed staff to amend the property maintenance with property owners and
code to include interior maintenance requirements and licensing of one and assist with financing and
two family rental properties building analysis.
General Standards:
Interior: spot-checked unless there are significant issues $130 / building analysis
Exterior: exterior standards for single-family and duplex housing - paint in good
condition, not rotting windows, piles of junk, etc. $25,000 contract budgeted for
2007
Golden Valley does not have point-of-sale inspections.
Lakeville Property Maintenance Code:
The City adopted and amended the International Property Maintenance Code to
(population: 53,074) fit Lakeville's needs. Properties shall meet or exceed the minimum exterior
standards.
Lakeville inspects property on a complaint basis unless there is a serious health
or safety issue.
Newport Building & Property Maintenance: Police Department and (population: 3,738) - Adopted a Building and Property Maintenance Ordinance in 2002 Administration
- Program is structured to educate Newport residents and businesses - Chris Weirens
educating is done through local newspaper and newsletter and presentations Zoning & Planning Official
are given to the Planning Commission & City Council (651) 459-5677
- Proactive enforcement done by windshield survey - property owners with
violations are sent a letter or a notice of violation slip
- Violations that are more extensive are usually sent letters (painting a house
or razing a dilapidated shed) - Newport also has an ordinance for abating
violations.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
city Property Maintenance Details Staffing Contracts
Oakdale licenses all rental property. With the yearly rental license, they
Oakdale perform an inspection. The program has been around for almost 6 years and it Building Official
(population: 26,653) has made a huge difference in the appearance of neighborhoods.
Traditionally, Oakdale has responded to ordinance violations on a "complaint
basis" only. However, in June of 2007, they hired a full time ordinance inspector
for one year to go out into the neighborhoods and actively seek out
certain violations. The position will be reevaluated after one year. With the
employment of this person, they developed the "administration citation" process
to quickly handle the volume of unresponsive residents, which has worked well.
Robbinsdale Robbinsdale exterior inspections for certain housing maintenance code The rental licensing is under our
items (windshield survey) every two years. Public Works/inspection
(population: 14,123) 2 times a year, Robbinsdale Community Service Officers evaluate every street department. Code Enforcement is
and alley and document property concerns (junk cars, garbage, lack of paint, a tag-team approach using the
etc.) The officers take digital images and write notes. Photos are reviewed by a rental licensing inspector as well as
Sergeant before letters go out. eyes and ears of CSO's ("clean
sweep" 2x per year) and public
Robbinsdale distributes information sheets to homeowners that have works staff (report anything
Gj property concerns, before giving citations. glaring).
- "Vehicles stored outside of a garage are required to be licensed / operable..."
- "Here is how to get garbage picked up..."
- "Here are Robbinsdale's exterior maintenance standards... please comply"
The City writes citations when homeowners do not respond to the initial letter in
a timely manner. The police department follows up with junk vehicle issues and
Code Enforcement deals with home maintenance / garbage issues.
Robbinsdale's total Code Enforcement and Rental Housing budget is around
$100,000. Income from rental licenses is about $45,000. License fees are
under review.
Robbinsdale does not inspect at point-of-sale.
Shorewood Shorewood has always had a complaint-based system with the idea that it Planning Director &
(population: 7,400) could not therefore be accused of discriminatory enforcement. Building Official
St. Louis Park The City's property maintenance code requires that homes be properly Inspections Department,
maintained - the problems below represent violations that must be St. Louis Park
(population: 44,896) corrected: (952) 924-2588
Exterior - peeling paint or bare wood, broken windows, rotted fascia boards
Interior - inoperable or missing smoke detectors, improper exhaust venting of
dryers, unsafe or overlooked electrical wiring, unsafe furnaces or space heaters,
missing stair handrails
The City also requires maintained fences, addressing, & firewood storage.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
city Property Maintenance Details Staffin Contracts
CASE (Complaint-Activated Spot Enforcement) The program is based within the
West Saint Paul Code Enforcement Hotline (part of CASE) community development
(population: 19,405) department and is managed by the
PACE (Pro-Active Code Enforcement) - The city is divided into various areas department's coordinator.
and every house within those boundaries is inspected for exterior housing,
building and property maintenance items. *The annual program costs for
The PACE Program Is: inspections are minimal including
1) Pro-Active versus Complaint-Driven $15,000 per year for a seasonal
2) Provides for an unbiased approach to code enforcement inspector and the coordinator is
3) Produces visible improvement in selected neighborhoods within a paid partially through a recycling
reasonable timeframe grant and economic development
Property Recognition: fund.
"Outstanding Property Awards" and "Lookin' Great in West St. Paul" recognize
properties that have well-maintained residential and/or commercial property, or
have made significant, positive improvements to their property.
Housing Replacement Program:
- The City's EDA assists Property Owners of homes that are beyond repair or
not economically feasible to rehabilitate.
- Replacement is achieved through voluntary acquisition from a willing seller or
from a homeowner requesting demolition assistance in order to make their
housing replacement plans financially possible.
- An owner may approach the EDA and request them to make an offer to
purchase the property for fair market value.
- If the Property Owner extends and accepts an offer, the EDA would purchase
the property, demolish the structure and resell the lot for redevelopment of a
new single family home.
- There are no income limits to participate in this program.
Exterior House Mini-Grant Program:
The City offers Mini-Grants to West St. Paul citizens to encourage and assist
residents with property maintenance and home improvement projects.
Woodbury Woodbury has discussed various strategies of property maintenance in a future Ron Glubka
context. Chief Building Official
(population: 57,768)
Woodbury would like to perform proactive code enforcement for neighborhoods
and eventually cover the entire city. They suggest that method should be publicly
announced. The concept is more educational than it is enforcement. Other cities
report high rates of voluntary clean up in the targeted areas after a public
information campaign.
Woodbury is concerned that they will receive a tremendous amount of help
(complaints) from residents that once started will never end.
Cities requesting information: Woodbury, Savage, New Brighton, Ramsey, Arden Hills, Plymouth
PR0-
s~'F aaUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (CONTINUED)
ACTIVE
Will the PACE Inspector request entry into my home? What if I am physically unable to do the work? What is a Citation?
No. The PACE inspector will only inspect the outside You may contact friends and family to assist you or A Citation is an official court summons to appear in
of your home, building and premises. The Building hire a contractor to complete the work. For smaller Community Court. Citations are issued only in C 0 D E
Inspector will not request entry into your home. property maintenance and clean-up projects, seniors cases where the Owner of a property chooses not
may call DARTS at 651-455-1560, or A Brush With to comply, is unwilling to work with the City and has
How will I recognize the PACE Inspector? Kindness at 612-788-8169 for possible assistance. not requested an extension to complete the work.
Issuing a Citation is the City's method of last resort.
The PACE Inspector has an official City ID Badge and What if I disagree v4ith the items in the Compliance ENFORCEMENT
business cards issued by the City of West St. Paul. Letter? What is Community Court?
An Owner may request a Staff Review of the Community Court is a pilot program of District
How will I know if I have a code violation? Compliance Letter. If such a request is made, a State
Licensed Building Official, acting as Review Staff will Court. It differs from District Court in that it focuses
If a violation is found through PACE, the PACE solely on property maintenance offenses in the
re-inspect the property and evaluate the Compliance Cities of West St. Paul, South St. Paul and Inver
Inspector will attempt to speak with you upon Letter for accuracy. Review Staff may agree with,
inspection. If you are not home, the PACE Inspector modify or dismiss all or a portion (s) of a Compliance Grove Heights. Community Court is committed' to
will leave a card with further instructions. Letter. Owners requesting a Staff review will be working with the community to solve prob)ams
notified in writing of the results. created when properties fall into disrepair.
What if I cannot afford to make the required Community Court also has available Court
improvements? If an Owner is not satisfied with the results of a Staff Advocates to assist residents in developing a plan
Review, or if the Owner does, not request Staff to resolve code violations and offer referrals for
Please notify the PACE Inspector of your situation at Review, the Owner may file a formal written appeal other underlying issues that may exist.
651-552-4119, then contact the Community with the Housing Review Board, statmp the specific
Development Coordinator at 651-552-4144 for reasons for the appeal. Appeals mutt be made What if I have more questions?
financial assistance. Households whose yearly either WITHIN 10 DAYS of the date of the Compl ance
income is at or below $89,000 may qualify for Letter or WITHIN 10 DAYS listed on the results of the Please contact the Building Inspector at 651-552-
assistance. Those households whose annual income Staff Review. The Housing Review Board will review 4119,or the Community Development Coordinator
exceeds $89,000 are encouraged to contact their the matter and make a final determination of its at 651-552-4144.
bank, credit union or mortgage-lending professional. validity. M
I need more time to comply with work orders What What happens if I do not fully comply with the work Promoting Housing,
orders listed in a Compliance Letter or simply do Thank you for maintaining you property and helping
should I do7 nothing? preserve our Quality Housing Stock! Building and Property Maintenance
Please contact the PACE Inspector at 651-552-4119. Unless other arrangements have been made, failure
-The PACE Inspector routinely grants extensions to to resolve violations listed in a Compliance Letter
~Ellllm for project completion, hiring a contractor, may result in the issuance of a misdemeanor citation
special circumstances of the Owner, etc. by the Building Official requiring a court appearance err OF WEST ST. rwu i
in Community Court and
the possible imposition Building J
of jail and/or fines. West St. Paul
a Quality Quality Housing Program
Community
651-552-4100
Rev. 08-13-07
PROGRAM RECEIVED A FREQUENTLY
SKI
COMPLIANCE ASKED
DESCRIPTION
LETTER? QUESTIONS
The Pro-Active Code Enforcement (PACE) Program be- The PACE Program is designed to promote and sustain the DON'T Why was my neighborhood selected for
gan in the summer of 2001 as an outgrowth of both the quality of West St. Paul's housing stock and commercial participation?
Quality Housing Plan and the Renaissance Plan for districts through the systematic and timely enforcement of
Commercial redevelopment. housing, building and property maintenance ordinances in 1. Please Don't Panic. A Compliance Letter is a list of Identified Inspection Districts
were selected based
selected eight to twelve block areas called Identified In- items that need to be corrected. Receiving a on historical patterns of code enforcement, the
The Quality Housing Plan identified ways the City could spection Districts. Compliance Letter is not the end of the world, it number of property complaints the City
receives
maintain our aging housing stock and encourage reha- merely means your property needs some attention. from residents in a particular area and input from
bilitation or redevelopment of blighted property. One of PACE differs from the Code Enforcement Hotline in that it: A Compliance Date is the date by which you need City
Staff. Owning a home in a selected district does
the strategies identified was to enforce existing City 1) is pro-active versus reactive, 2) provides for an unbiased to have the items remedied or by which you must not
imply that you live in a less desirable
Codes and Ordinances, which, in combination with approach to code enforcement, and 3) produces visible make other arrangements with the City. neighborhood. It does
signify, however, that you live
other strategies, would result in an improved housing improvement in selected neighborhoods within a reason- in an area where citizens are genuinely concerned
stock. The Renaissance Plan examined similar issues in able timeframe. 2. Don't Ignore it. Ignoring a Compliance Letter will about property maintenance and desire to
maintain
our aging commercial districts and resulted in the de- not make the violation(s) go away. Citations and and improve our Quality Housing Stock.
velopment of the Commercial Maintenance Ordinance With the PACE Program, the City inspects every property Property Abatement of Junk, Weeds and
to address Property Maintenance issues in the Busi- within a district for the exterior housing, building and prop- Inoperable Vehicles are the City's method of last West
St. Paul has Great Nelghborhoodsl
ness Sector. erty maintenance items listed below: resort. The City wants to work with residents to
resolve their maintenance issues. Unfortunately, if Many of our properties are well maintained! Some
Over the last few years, the City has implemented sev- HousinE/Building Maintenance- an Owner is unwilling to comply, the City is left with
few options. properties, however, need extra attention. The
eral code enforcement initiatives to resolve property PACE Program identifies those properties in need of
concerns including the Complaint-Activated Spot En- Structural aspects of buildings in disrepair such as: extra attention to resolve housing or property
forcement (CASE) Program. While the term CASE is rela- walls, fascia, soffit, trim, doors, windows, screens, DO maintenance violations and connects residents to
tively new, most residents and business owners are roofs and foundations. financial or property clean-up resources they need
familiar with this method of code enforcement which to help maintain their biggest investment... their
involves the use of the Code Enforcement Hotline. Dur- Damaged exterior material including peeling paint or home.
ing the initial years of the Hotline, the number of prop- 1. Do Read ALL of the Enclosed Materials. Many of
erty complaints received by the City nearly doubled other finishes. your questions are answered in the attached As a result of the PACE Program, residents can look
within two years, from 213 in 1999 to 405 in 2000. materials. forward to improvements in aesthetics of properties
This increase further demonstrated citizen's growing Disrepair of screening such as fences and retaining
within their immediate neighborhood.
concern regarding property maintenance and pointed to walls. 2. Do Take Responsibility • and ACTION. Make
a need for a more comprehensive program. arrangements and begin work early enough to My neighborhood was not selected and I have
Property Maintenance- complete the work on time. If needed, investigate proper concerns. What can I do?
While the Code Enforcement Hotline continues to be Junk and Inoperable vehicles financial resources.
effective at resolving identified complaints, it has its Ju The Code Enforcement Hotline at 651-552-4114 is
limitations. The Hotline was created to respond to calls 3. If you are unable to complete ALL of the required available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a
made by citizens; it is "Complaint-driven." Inspections Tall gExcessrass, outdoor weeds and storage of overgrown vehicles vegetation work by the Compliance Date, please call
for an potential basis to accept your calls regar
r to reported properties only; thus similar con- extension to avoid further action. All calls to PACE otential ordinance violations. Callers ma
y re
urrounding properties may not be addressed Inspection Staff are returned within 2 business anonymous. City Staff will investigate
Hotline system of ce enforcement. Parking on unpaved areas days. City Staff has NEVER denied a reasonable complaint. Since Housing, Building and
request for an extension. If you disagree with the Maintenance Ordinances apply Citywide-
address both the growing number of com- Graffiti and Animal waste inspector's determination, you may request a Staff property is subject to the same standards
arding residential and commercial properties Review. If you disagree with the Staff Review, you process used by the PACE Program.
e a more comprehensive, unbiased approach If a violation is found, the PACE Inspector will notify the may also file an appeal with the Housing Appeal
forcement, the PACE Program was initiated. Owner who will be given an opportunity to correct the viola- Board.
tion (s) by a compliance date, after which a re-inspection
will be performed. If the violation is not corrected and
other arrangements have not been made, the City may
abate the violation or issue a misdemeanor citation.
} y Does The City Of West Saint Paul Have Code Enforcement Inspections? The City of West Saint Paul
has Great Neighborhoods and
To Aatntain Our Quality Housing Stock And Qual- D id You Know? Code
ityBpsinesses Local Businesses!
2..To Address Building, Housing And Property Mainte- • It Is an Owner's responsibility to maintain
nonce Concerns. their home, business and/or property. .Many of our properties are well maintained! Enforcement
3. To, Improve The Livability Of Our Neighborhoods • All Cities have community standards to pro- Some properties, however, need extra attention.
And Viability Of Our Commercial Districts. tect the health and safety of its residents and to jS
make certain the community prospers as a whole. a 1 Code Enforcement Inspections help to identify those
4. To : Encourage Rehabilitation And Redevelopment
eroestm,need of'extra attention to resolve building,
Of Blighted Property. • Heightened criminal activity is associated i
hing grid property maintenance =violations. Inspection
Quality Housing And Quality Businesses Are Key To with blighted housing and commercial build-
rograms conned restdents to financial or, social service
in and unkempt properties. One of the key
Maintaining A Healthy Community! gs al'
factors a new business considers when deciding pssources they need to. shelp maintain yAheirk biggest
if they should locate within a City is the condition
In 1999, City Council identified the need to address growing Jnyestment} .thetr,home. The ity,also asstsfs•ihe local
of a City's Housing Stock and Commercial
concerns regarding the continued vitality of our community. Districts. ~+business community' to = find' finariual resources to
West St Paul„ like other first ring suburbs, has an aging hous- rice`trior improvements to Coinmercial'properties. L f l\
ing stock and older commercial districts. The City Council • According to a 1999 Report published by the 4.. : U
contracted w i t h planning agencies and assembled f o c u s groups Southern Twin Cities Association of Real- a resuhof Code Enforcement Inspections, residents 0 T
2 9 2007 -
to research "best practices" of other similar communities and tors, single family homes in West St.
,and business owners dike can look forward to
Paul are 13% lower in value compared look forstrategies that , if implemented would establish and P,
to the remainder of Dakota County. improvements in the livability, viability and aesthetics of
preserve West St Paul as a quality community1 . This under-evaluation is a result of the age , 11 11 of the houses and housing that is not in comp//- properues,throughout
the City of West St Paul.
As the result of the planning process, the West St. Paul City ance with building codes and community standards.
Council adopted the Implementation Plan for Quality
a'.
Housing in the fall of 2000. The Plan identified several • The City receives nearly 500 calls a year from
strategies the City could employ to preserve its housing stock, citizens concerned about the upkeep of neighbor- CITY OF
maintain property values, encourage private reinvestment and ing properties and local businesses!
WEST SAINT PAUL
ensure our housing stock is healthy and safe for individuals and
• Information regarding financial assistance programs is 1616 Humboldt Avenue a r I
the community at large. One of the strategies identified was to
increase, enforcement of ".1, '
existing City Codes and Ordinances, readily available to households whose income is less West Saint Paul, MN 55118
than $75,000 per year. Households with lower ONS
which, Iq combination with other strategies would result in an incomes, , may qualify for a deferred loan, having no Phone: 651-552-4100
improved housing stock interest and no payments, payable only when an Fax: 651-552-4190 t
Owner sells their home or moves from the prop- Email: shelly.strauss@ci.west-saint-paut.mn.us In the City adopted the Renaissance Plan for redevel- erty.
en of our Commercial strip and the Commercial Proper-
tenonce Ordinance, the companion to the Housing • Code Enforcement Inspection Programs have en-
pir nnce Ordinance, to address Building and Property toyed great success! Over I S00 residential
hl and/or commercial properties have been im- Promoting Housing, Building and
aiRa 4 once issues in the Business senor. proved as a result of inspections! Property Maintenance.
Tog these initiatives, along with many others, are instru-
mental in preserving and improving the Quality of West St Maintaining a Quality Community
Paul's Housing Stock and Commercial Districts.
Rev. 04/16/04
Code Enforcement Programs
The City~ of West St. Paul utilizes two methods of Pro-Active Code Enforcement The Inspection Process Received a Compliance Letter?
Code Enforcement: Complaint-Activated Spot DON'T
''Enforcement (CASE) and Pro-Active Code (PACE) Regardless of whether Property Owners are inspected as a
Enforcor4ent (PACE). result of CASE or PACE, if a violation is present, the process is I pleura Dan't Panic. A Compliance Letter is a list of items that need
#y{y The PACE Program commenced in the Summer of 2001; it is both identical, to be corrected. Receiving a Compliance Letter is not the end of the
Coriiplaint-Activated Spot Can ourowth ASE~romof the Quality Housing Plan and an extension of the world, it merely means your property needs some attention. A
p gra If a violation is found at the time of inspection, the Inspector Compliance Date is the date by which you need to have the items
EJnfo'rcement (CASE) will attempt to speak with the Property Owner. The Inspector remedied or by which you must make other arrangements with the City.
The PACE Program differs from the CASE Program in that it is: 1) will provide a copy of the Compliance Letter outlining the na-
2 Don't lanore It. Ignoring a Compliance Letter will not mthe
Weeds
Th Ghdtres ogram began in 1999 as a way for the City to Pro-Active versus Complaint-Driven, 2) provides for an unbiased
_i, cure of the violation and review the issue with the Owner If no violation(s) go away. Citations and Property Aof make
vack,andlresolve housing, building and property maintenance approach to code enforcement, and 3) produces visible improve- one is available the Inspector will leave a copy
of the Compli- and Inoperable Vehicles are the City's method of Abatement Iast e resort. The city
violations Although the term, CASE is relatively new, most meat in selected neighborhoods within a reasonable timeframe. ante Letter at the property, A copy will also be
mailed to the wants to work with residents to resolve their maintenance issues.
r sideno d business owners are familiar with this method Unfortunately, if an Owner is unwilling to comply, the City is left with
Under the PACE Program, the City inspects every property for Owner with additional information.
ofcQdgenforceme which involves the use of the "Code few options.
Eriforc""~""rat Hotline." The Code Enforcement Hotline exterior housing, building and property maintenance violations The Compliance Letter will also contain a Compliance
Date,
(PFion'e 1.552-4114) is available twenty-four hours a day, within selected eight to twelve block areas called Identified Inspec- after which a ref pest on will be performed,
If the violation is DO
seven - da'yi. a week to record citizens property concerns. tion Districts. Inspection Districts are selected on the basis on the not corrected and other arrangements have
not been made, the
Callers' Yin remain anonymous Reported properties are frequency of CASE Calls and the proximity to other PACE areas. City may abate the violation or issue a misdemeanor
citation i. Do Reed ALL of,the Enclosed Materials. Many of your questions
die
inspected for possible codelordinance violations. are answe ed in attached materials.
depending the nature of the violation.
Each year, City Council evaluates the PACE Program and selects on
2. Do T•kq ~terpgn~ibilh`y and ACTION. Make arrangements and
PACE Districts for the upcoming year. In April, Property Owners The City of West Sc Paul is dedicated to working with Property corm a investigate financial resources.
.41 ~ Dti rag C initial years of the Hotline, the number of located within new PACE Districts receive information from the f , f40, Ril
99laln§i;S in nearly doubled within two years; from 213 in Owners to resolve Code Enforcement violations in a timely,
'I19999 tp' Sin 2000. Today, the City receives approximately City which includes a cover letter and a program brochure. The professional manner. The City encourages
es Property r you are u le w cpl ete,ri~4L of th e requ ired work by the Compliance
~{p unbiased, p tY g a a t
; brochure identifies the types of common violations, describes pleiie I i n n to avoid further action. All calls to PACE
PPiz n ed l In days. City Staff has NEVER
5 p Jamo from its citizens each year. Owners to work with City Staff to bring properties in ,r npli-te
r; financial and other resources available and provides answers to I on business ante with City Codes and Ordinances.
,~i y r3 dpn ' r .f in Cxtemlon. If you disagree with the
While e Code Enforcement Hotline continues to be frequently asked questions. nn j F. I y equesca s all Review. if you disagree with
effecfi~e at resolving identified complaints, it has its Common Exterior Violations an oest with the Housing Appeal Board.
lid The Hotline was created to respond to calls At the time of inspection, Property Owners within PACE Districts intenance 'h,l tg tpeal he,Freauently Asked Olestions
will receive a visit from the PACE Officer. If no one is available, Hou~irlg anti Building Ma c Pt a651-552 4100.
itizens. Inspections are "Complaint-Activated" • Structural aspects of buildings in disrepair such as walls 1 ;
to reported properties. Thus similar the PACE Officer will leave an Inspection Card notifying the fascia, soffit, trim, doors, windows, screens, roofs, chin
mired
Owner that a PACE Inspection has occurred. The card will be net's and foundations.
f surrounding properties may not be addressed • Damaged exterior material including peeling paint or other f
marked THANK YOU for properties found in compliance and finishs. 1.1
of Enforcement" system. • Disrepair of screening such as fences and retaining walls. °rg
marked WE WANT TO WORK WITH YOU for those where a f th'e
address both the growing number of complaints code violation is present If a code violation is present, additional pyct,~np ndaintenance ti1e
a more comprehensive, unbiased approach to information will be provided as outlined in the Inspection Process.
ement the PACE Program was initiated. Inoperable Vehicles
• Excess blete Storage of Vehicles
ts°
• Tall grass, weeds and overgrown vegetation J
• Parking on unpaved surfaces r r
• Snow on Public Sidewalks ~h n..
• Animal waste y'
• G
raffiti
INN_
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staifin Contracts
Alexandria (3/15/06) - Ordinance 433, 2nd Series - The fees for rental unit Staff involved in inspections &
Registration Application Requirements: registration, registration renewal, investigations:
(population 10,852) 1. Name, Address, Phone of property owner late fees and inspection may be - Fire department personnel
and local property manager set by resolution of the - Police officers
2. Number & types of units within rental Alexandria City Council adopted - Building department officials
property (dwelling units) from time to time. - "Contractors" hired by the City
3. The name, phone, and address of person
authorized to make repairs or services for
property if in violation of City or State
codes (if the person is different than
Local Property Manager).
Apple Valley (9/28/07) - Proposed program to register - No cost to register (failure to PD - Sgt. John Bermel is drafting
y properties with: register or lying registration is the proposed ordinance.
(population 50,109) 1. Property name a misdemeanor)
2. Name of Rental Facility, owner,
manager
3. lease requirements
4. Crime free multi-housing program
5. Background checks
olz~ minimal program... basically to locate &
identify rental properties and find contact
info in case of problems
- register ANY property that is rented
Blaine The Rental Licensing and Inspection Fees:
Program applies to all rental dwellings within $54.00 / single family
(population 55,144) the City of Blaine. This pertains to single- $58.00 / duplex
family (including both detached and $62 / 3-plex
attached town home and condo units) and $98 / 12-units
multi-family (two or more) rentals. $150 / 25-units
Bloomington Residential Rental Property Program: Fees: Mark Stangenes Contracts for trash, lawn,
- ALL rental properties (even SF room) Single Family / $80 (952) 563-8934
(population: 84,347) must be licensed. Duplex / $80 + $8.75 unit Environmental Health Division /
- In the process of updating the Rental Apt. / $80 building + $8.75 unit Residential Rental Property
Code Program
- Respond to Code Enforcement calls and
Public Health nuisances Staffing:
- All common areas of multi-family -1 FT Coordinator
dwellings are visited each year, including -1 FT Housing Inspector
a percentage of individual units -3 summer interns that visit ALL
- All single family units / duplexes are SF units
visited each year
SEE: www.mnhousinqcodeofficials.org/
SEE: Intl. Property Maintenance Code
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Center requires the licensing of Biennial License Fees: Building Official, Larry Martin
ALL rental property as defined in Chapter 12 (763) 569-3478
(population 66,408) of the City Ordinances. SF Dwelling
Initial License/New Owner - $400 Building Inspector, Gary Gilpin
(763)
2007 Registration Requirements: Renewal License (no change in 569-3313
- P.I.D. (of all parcels) license holder) - $300 Housing Inspector, John Rued
- Addresses of dwellings 2 Family Dwelling = $200/unit (763) 569-3314
- Name of dwelling / complex
- Name, address, phone and D.O.B of Multiple Family Dwelling Code Enforcement Hotline
each owner $200 / building (763) 503-3173
- Notarized signature of owner $18 / unit
- Number, type, and size of dwelling units $450 / minimum base fee Inspection Scheduling
- Name, address, and phone # of Multiple Family Dwelling Six (763) 569-3344
management company or caretaker on Month Provisional License (5 + - Licenses approved by the City
premises units) = $112.50 / building, $7.50 Council AFTER rental properties
- Name, address, phone and notarized / each unit are inspected.
signature of resident agent - required if - Department of Community
owner lives outside of metro area Rental Re-inspections = $50 Development schedules
Rental Compliance Order inspections M-F
Appeals = $50
2007 Rental Property Inspections: Type of Dwelling) / Annual Fee: Building Inspections Staff
Brooklyn Park - All rental property in the city must be Community Development
(population 69,942) licensed Single Fam. / $150 5200 85th Ave N
- Systematic inspection program (IPMC) Duplex (ea. side) / $150 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
- Inspect 1/3 of apt. units every year Condo / $150
- 100% of apt. common areas & boiler Townhouse (ea.) / $150 (763) 493-8145
rooms every year Apt. complex 1-14 / $180
- ALL rental property is subject to Apt. complex 15+ / $18 unit
inspection
- Property Maintenance Inspection Checklists
for each rental type - (the checklist is very
detailed for both interior and exterior
features of the house)
Burnsville 2007 Safer Tenant and Rental (STAR) Fines with violations: Tara Zink, Licensing Coordinator
Program: Level A for STAR
(population 59,321) - All rental property in the city must be - $250 1st violation City of Burnsville
licensed - $500 2"d violation (952) 895-4460
- No cost to register - $600 3rd violation*
One year licenses Level B *Protective Inspections staff
STAR Participant Levels: - $300 18t violation inspect property and issue
- Level A - $600 2' violation correction notices
- Level B - $800 3rd violation*
- Level C
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
Level C
Registration Requirements: - $350 15t violation
- Property name - $700 2"d violation
- Property address (including building and - $1000 3rd violation*
unit numbers)
- Property manager contact Non-STAR Licensee
- Property owner / corporation, address, - $5001 at violation - 6 month
and phone # revocation*
- Levels A, B, & C - $1500 2"d violation - 9 month
- See tip sheet for meeting STAR program revocation*
requirements - $2000 3rd violation - 12 month
revocation**
Exempt from licensing:
1. Retail / Comm. / Ind. rental activities * Removal from STAR
2. Licensed nursing homes program. Loss of license fee
3. Licensed assisted living facilities exemption for all units for
current year.
- Created by MN Multi Housing Assoc. Loss of license fee
exemption for additional year.
Fees AFTER loss of license
9S fee exemption: $501 first unit,
O $4 / each additional. Unit
Chanhassen 2007 Rental Housing Licensing: Fees: Colleen Martino,
- All rental property in the City must be $50.00 / unit* (every 2 years) Building Inspections
(population 23,520) licensed City of Chanhassen
- 2 year licensing *de. - A single unit providing (952) 227-1183
Registration Requirements: complete, independent, living
- Name, address, phone # of owner facilities for one or more persons,
- Name, address, phone # of local agent / including permanent provisions
property manager for living, sleeping, eating,
- Type of buildings & number of dwellings cooking and sanitation.
- The City must inspect property before
granting a license
Crystal 2007 Rental Dwelling License: Fees: Crystal Community Development
- Address of dwelling(s) Single Family Homes = $125.00 Department
(population 21,494) - Name, address, phone # of owner, Duplexes / Triplexes = $65 / unit (763) 531-1000
vendee, and designated resident agent Multi-Family = $125 ! building +
- Procedure description through which $7.00 / unit
tenant inquiries and complaints are
processed
- Type and number of dwellings
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
Eden Prairie 2008 Annual Rental Licensing Fees: Fire Inspections
Application Requirements: First unit fee per complex = $50 (952) 949-8356
(population 60,952) - Rental Property Type Additional units = $9
- License Type Rental Housing Inspections
- Primary address of rental property NOTE: the additional $9.00 fee is (952) 949-8335
- Property owner name, info, etc. per complex or development. If
- Property management name, info, etc. you own additional property in
- List of ALL addresses covered under rental other developments or locations
license the first unit charge will be $50.00
there as well.
Excelsior Chapter 8, Article IV Fees: (before January 1) Reviewed by City Manager and
Rental Housing Maintenance & Fire Marshal
(population 2,276) Occupancy Code: $53.00 / building*
- No person shall operate a multiple-tenant + $16 / unit*
dwelling without having obtained a
license from the city. * 2005 rates
- Each rental dwelling requires a separate
license each year.
- A fee shall be charged for each operating
license, in an amount to be established
by the city council.
Registration Requirements:
- Name of multiple dwelling
- Name / address of owner or corp.,
caretaker, manager, etc.
Faribault 2008 Rental Registration Program: 2008 License Fees: Marty Smith,
Property ownership form Rental Housing Inspector
(population 22,206) - Type of ownership Basic Fee = $67.00 (per bldg.) City of Faribault
- Property information form (507) 333-0378
- Property management form 0-8 units = $25.00 (per unit)
- Building information form 9-14 units = $23.00 (per unit)
- Preferred days / times of inspections 15+ units = $21.00 (per unit)
City Ordinance on Rental Inspections... Late Penalty = $52.00
- Registered rental dwelling units are Missed Inspection Fee = $54.00
subject to inspection every 2 years
- Registration fees are not prorated and
are the sole responsibility of the owner as
of January 1 each year.
- Each owner of a rental dwelling unit
within the city shall appoint an agent,
upon whom the city may lawfully serve
notices pertaining to the administration of
this article
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffing Contracts
Fridley Rental Property Inspection Division Fees: *Office in Fire Department and No contracted services
Application Information Requests: strictly dealing with rental
(population: 27,449) - Property Info & description 1 Rental Unit / $41.25 inspections
- Property owner (sole proprietor / 2 Rental Units / $82.50 *4 full-time inspectors that are
partnership / corporation) - if partnership 3 Rental Units / $123.75 also Fire Fighters, on 24 hour
or corporation, other names are required 4 Rental Units / $165.00 shifts
- Building manager information *Look for non-homesteaded
- Exterior code enforcement for all property 4+ Rental Units / $165.00 and properties to identify SF rental
and an interior/exterior rental housing $8.50 for each unit over 4 properties that are not licensed
inspection program. *License by the quarter
- Contact information of the person(s) *Cannot abate properties, but
designated by owner as responsible for City Council is working on it
property maintenance and repairs *We have done a fair amount of
- Mortgage company / lender information pro-active inspections using
- Tenant complaint procedures summer interns.
- Recycling / trash services
NO Point of sale inspections
2006 Rental Property License: Non Participating STAR Fees: * Property Maintenance Staff: Golden Valle contracts with
Golden Valley - Property information: Name, address, $100 / building y
CEE (25000 contract). CEE
(population: 20,281) PID, type and # of units, # of parking $20 / unit Fire Chief ,
of offers technical assistance to
spaces property Community Standards Inspector* residents who have work
- Property owner information STAR Program Fees: Fire Fighter
- Emergency information PT Office Assistant orders. They help develop
- Manager / caretaker information Rental Building License Fee* specifications for contractors
Level 1 = $100 /building *The Community Standards and apply for loan programs
- Inspections: interior are only spot checked Level 2 = $100 / building Inspector is a certified building to finance the improvements
unless there are significant issues, exterior Level 3 = $100 / building inspector and splits his time
are checked for paint, windows, debris, etc. Level 4 = $100 / building between property maintenance
complaints and permit
Safer Tenants and Rentals (STAR) Rental Unit License Fee * inspections.
Program: Level 1 = $10 /unit
- The STAR program recognizes property Level 2 = $8 / unit
owners that offer professional services Level 3 = $4 / unit
with one of four participation levels. A Level 4 = $0 / unit
higher level of participation (more stars)
displays a commitment to higher *2006 rates
standards.
NO Point of sale inspections
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffing Contracts
Hastings Residential Rental Licensing Policies Fees: * Building Inspections Staff,
(1/21/04): $25 / Single Family Dwelling City of Hastings
(population 21,360) - All rental dwellings must be licensed and $50 / Two-Family Dwelling
inspected bi-annually $50 / Multi-Family Dwelling Dawn West
- When corrections are ordered for a + $3 / unit Building Inspections
residential rental property, check w/ City (651) 480-2376
staff about required permits and city code $47 / re-inspection
regulations before beginning repairs. Tom Bakken
Legal action shall be taken by the City if * 2004 rates Chief Building Official
ordered repairs are made w/ out (651) 480-2370
appropriate building permits.
Types of Correction Orders
Immanent Life / Safety Issues: 7 days
Life and Safety Issues: 30 days
Structural: 60 days
Cosmetic: 120 days
- SEE Pre-Inspection Checklist
- SEE Most Common Ordered Repairs
Hopkins Annual Rental Licensing Registration: Fees: Pam Hove
- Address of Rental Units 3 or more units = $20 / building + Hopkins Building Inspections
(population 17,145) - Name, address, etc. of owner $5 / unit (952) 548-6320
- Name, address, etc. of agent
- Occupancy info (unit details) 2 units = $20 / building
*Oct. 31, 2007 - Oct. 30, 2008 SF, condo, townhome = $20 / unit
Mankato Rental License Application: Fees: Mankato City Clerk
- Address of rental unit (507) 387-8626
(population 35,493) - Name, info, etc. of owner $33 / unit (any type of building)
- Previous addresses of owner
- Criminal history (if any) of owner
- Name, info, etc. of agent
- Name of refuse hauler
- Name of recycling hauler
- Applicants MUST include scaled floor
plans of building(s) and scaled site plans
depicting parking spaces
* Application includes parking stall
requirements I bedroom square footage
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffing Contracts
Minneapolis 2007 Rental Licensing Registration: Annual Fees (9/1 - 8/31): City of Minneapolis
- Detailed rental property information, $57.00 / first rental unit Housing Inspection Services
(population 387,970) including # of rental units, dwelling units, $19.00 / each additional unit (612) 673-5856
room units, baths, condos, etc.
- Owner information Fines:
- Person responsible for maintenance & $250.00 / first unlicensed unit
management of rental property $20.00 / addtl. unlicensed units
Detailed Inspections Checklist:
- Exterior (windows / doors, walls, paint,
foundation, roof, gutters / downspouts,
chimney, porch / decks)
- Structures (garages, fences, yard,
garbage / recycling, vehicles / parking)
- Interior (walls / ceilings, floors, hallway /
landing)
- Occupancy (fire protection, sleeping
rooms, windows, doors, kitchen,
bathroom)
- Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing
SEE Common Residential Violations
SEE Rental Property Checklist
Monticello Rental Housing Licensing (adopted Annual Fees: Chief Building Official and
program 7/23/07) Development Services
(population 11,414) Residential Rental Licensing: $60 / Single-Family Dwelling City of Monticello
- Rental Property Info (name, address,
PID, number and type of units) $45 / building (condo, apt., etc.)
- Main contact person (owner, manager, + $15 / unit
contractor)
- List of owners
- Contact information of property manager
Northfield Rental Housing (Ordinance No 868) Unknown Building Official and Inspectron, Inc.
- UPDATE 9/5/07 - The latest version of the Building Inspectors, 15120 Chippendale Ave. W
(population 19,177) proposed rental ordinance can be found on City of Northfield Rosemount, MN 55068
the Meetings section of the website - City (651) 322-6626
Council - click on City Council Meeting
9/10/07 September 10, 2007 City Council (651) 322-7093
Meetina.
Rental License Application
- Rental Info: address, # of units, type of
units, # of off-street parking spaces,
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
manager info, etc.
- Applicant Info: name of owner, address,
phone numbers, etc.
SEE Inspection Checklist for New Rental
Application
Rental Rehabilitation Program - provide
owners of affordable rental housing in
Northfield w/ a financial tool (grant) to
maintain the safety, integrity, & accessibility
of their ro party.
Oakdale Oakdale licenses all rental property. With Building Official
the yearly rental license, they perform an
(population: 26,653) inspection. The program has been around
for almost 6 years and it has made a huge
difference in the appearance of
neighborhoods.
Traditionally, Oakdale has responded to
ordinance violations on a "complaint basis"
only. However, in June of 2007, they hired a
full time ordinance inspector for one
year to go out into the neighborhoods and
actively seek out certain violations. The
position will be reevaluated after one year.
With the employment of this person,
they developed the "administration citation"
process to quickly handle the volume of
unresponsive residents, which has worked
well.
Plymouth 2007 Rental Dwelling License Info: Annual Fees: Janice Bergstrom
(population 68,978 - Application Info: address and info of Rental Housing Division
owner, address and info of on-site $50 / Single-Family Dwelling City of Plymouth
manager, address and info of vendor, $75 / Two-Family Dwelling (763) 509-5430
type and number of dwellings, etc. $50 / Condo Dwelling
- What do inspectors look for? $100 / Three-Family Dwelling
Inspectors look for hazards to health and $125 / Four- Family Dwelling
safety, and conditions that cause $100 / 5+ Dwelling Complex
deterioration of the property. + $6 / unit
SEE Rental Housing Licensing Fee by
Community diagram in Plymouth City
Council Agenda Report
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
Robbinsdale 2007 Rental Dwelling License Info: 2-Year License Fees: Rental Licensing,
- Property address $100 / Single-Family Dwelling City of Robbinsdale
(population: 14,123) - Property Owner: name, address, phone $100 / Duplex (1/2 owner occ.) (763) 531-1268
number $175 / Duplex (not owner occ.)
- Property Manager: name, address, $200 / Three-Unit Dwelling The rental licensing is under our
phone number Public Works/Inspection
- Number of units to be rented, number of 4-12 Unit Dwellings: department. Code Enforcement
owner occupied units $250 / Building is a tag-team approach using the
- Rental Property Licensing (inspection $100 flat fee for Fire Inspection rental licensing inspector as well
every 2 years) and exterior inspection for as eyes and ears of CSOs ("clean
certain housing maintenance code items 13+ Unit Dwellings: sweep" 2x per year) and public
(windshield survey) $250 / Building works staff (report anything
- Total Code Enforcement & Rental $15 / Unit glaring).
Housing budget is $100,000. Income $100 flat fee for Fire Inspection
from rental licenses is about $45,000.
License fees are under review.
NO Point of sale inspections
St. Louis Park 2007 Rental License Registration: Annual Fees: Inspections Department,
- Property owner information St. Louis Park
(population: 44,896) - Management company information $80 / Single-Family Unit (952) 924-2588
- Property names, addresses, # of buildings
and # of units $130 / Duplex
- All rental properties must be licensed
$140 / Multi-Family (3 or more)
The inspection Department inspects + $8.50 / Unit
apartment buildings on a regular basis for
compliance with fire and property
maintenance codes.
Common heath, safety, & property
maintenance concerns:
• broken windows
• insect infestation
• electrical problems
• inoperable smoke detectors
• burnt out hallway lights
• loose handrails
• lack of heat or water
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
Ci Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffin Contracts
Certificate of Occupancy Program: 2006 Fees: Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshal
St. Paul - All rental properties in St. Paul need to $144 / 1-3 units (651) 228-6230
(population 273,535) participate in the C of 0 Program $156 / 12 units
- Property owners must make inspection $325 / 25 units
appointment
- Residents receive a notice that a fire
inspector will be inspecting their dwelling
unit, as well as the exterior property area
- Future inspections rely on the property
owner / manager - managers are
rewarded for well kept properties
Created by MN Multi Housing Assoc.
Grade / Point System:
- St. Paul inspects properties using a Code
Requirements checklist and deficiency
points
- Deficiencies include: broken glass,
unsanitary conditions, broken interior
handrail, etc.
- Grade A = less than 5 deficiency points,
next inspection within 5 years
- Grade B = 5-10 deficiency points, next
_Ij inspection within 3 years
- Grade C = 11 of more deficiency points,
next inspection within the next year
West St. Paul Safer Tenants and Rentals (STAR): Annual Fees: Building Official, Licensed Rental Housing
- Level 1 = mandatory $25 / building City of West St. Paul Evaluators:
(population: 19,405) - Level 2 $75 / initial background (651) 552-4135 - List of 24+ persons that are
Inspection Schedule: investigation fee of owner licensed by West St. Paul to
- Single-Family Rental (1-3 units): inspect evaluate rental housing
entire building every 2 years Ordinance Penalties:
STAR Level 1 The following Items are
- Multi-Family Rental (3 or more units): 1st violation: $350 required to apply for the
inspect 25% of the units every year, per 2nd violation*: $600 license and to complete rental
building (100% of the units in 4 years) 3rd violation*: $800 inspections:
Rental License Approval Process: STAR Level 2 1. Rental Housing License
1. Application submitted (must include: 1st violation: $250 Application for West St. Paul
STAR program application, completed 2nd violation*: $500 2. Rental Housing Evaluator
inspections report, fees) 3rd violation*: $600 Guidelines
2. Staff makes a recommendation to City 3. Rental Housing Evaluator
Council for their approval or denial of Non-Participating Report Form
rental License applications. 1st violation: $500 4. Rental Housing Inspection
3. Council decision to approve rental 2nd violation*: $1500 Completion Report Form
license application... 3rd violation*: $2000 5. Rental Housing Evaluator
4. Rental License Issued *violation within 12 months Revocation Certification
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING / REGISTRATION
city Rental Licensure Details Fees Staffing Contracts
* If the Council denies the rental
application, the owner must re-apply for a Uses annual contracts for lawn
license. service, trash, abatement etc.
Several strategies have been identified to Interested Housing Evaluators
meet the goals and objectives of the complete the license application and
Ordinance: attach a copy of your current
1. Design, implement and market a Rental Minneapolis or St. Paul Truth-in-
Licensing Program and STAR Program Housing license and certificate of
(Safer Tenants and Rental), insurance, E & 0 Insurance and
General Liability certificate with West
2. Enforce the provisions of the Ordinance, St. Paul named as Insured, and
and mail a check for $80.00 to West St.
3. Design and implement program Paul, Residential Licensing,
evaluation measures.
LICENSE APPROVAL
SEE Rental Evaluator Report Form The City Council meets the second
and fourth Monday's to approve City
Licenses. Once your license is
approved, you will be notified and you
may start providing inspections of
rental property
Worthington 2007 Rental Registration Application: Annual Fees: Rental Registration,
- General property information (address, City of Worthington
(population 11,056) PID, dwelling name, type of housing, owner $15 / Unit (any type of dwelling) (507) 372-8640
occupied, homesteaded, etc.
- Owner name, address, phone #
- Caretaker name, address, phone # Inspection Fees:
- Square footage
Initial Inspection = Free
Violation Notice: Additional Inspections = $50
1. Be in written form,
2. Describe the location and nature of
violation, Failure to Register Fees:
3. Establish a reasonable time for the
correction of any violation; $50 / first notification
4. Be served upon the owner or authorized $100 / second notification
agent. Notice shall be property served
(1) personally; or (2) sent by registered
mail to their last known address. If (1)
and (2) fail, the notice shall be placed in
a conspicuous place on the dwelling
affected.
inspection Services for Contract: Waldron & Associates / INN Inspect (952) 442-7520, Scott Qualle, President (Inspect and certify a wide variety of
construction projects in Carver County, Corcoran, Faxon Township, Glencoe, Green Isle, Hamburg, Kimball, Lester Prairie, Mayer, Minnetrista, Mound, Norwood
Young America, Plato, Silver Lake, South Haven, St. Bonifacius, Waconia, Watertown, & Watkins)
PRIVATE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
1. HARD SURFACES
A. Vehicle traffic
1. Structural Integrity (Pavement, concrete aprons/curbing/gutters, etc)
a. Pavement/Curb Failures
i. Safety Hazards (Potholes)
ii. General deterioration (Broken Pvmt, loose sections)
iii. Missing?
b. Lane/Aisle/Stall width/alignment
2. Striping & Pavement Markings
a. Adequate (Appropriate)
i. Ped x-walks
ii. Lane designations and turn arrows (especially at exits)
iii. Handicap parking stalls
b. Visible (Effective)
3. Signage
a. Fire Lanes
b. Handicap Parking
c. Turn Lanes
d. Stop/Yield Signs
4. Parking
a. Stall designations Preserved/Maintained
b. Confined to paved lots
B. Pedestrian traffic
1. Structural Integrity (sidewalks, trails, ADA ramps)
a. Pavement Failures
i. Safety Hazards (Panel separation/Potholes/Railings)
ii. General deterioration (Broken Pvmt, loose sections)
b. Width Preservation (turf encroachment maintained)
2. Obstructions
C. Drainage
1. Excessive impervious area
2. Non-compliance with current Water Quality Plan requirements
3. Infiltration opportunities (Low Impact Development - LID)
II. LIGHTING
A. Vehicle traffic/Parking areas
1. Access points (ingress/egress)
2. Internal parking lot, circulation
3. Excess Spillage/misdirected, outages or illumination obstructions
B. Pedestrian traffic areas
III. TURF/SOFT AREAS
A. Erosion Control
1. Turf established /landscape material in place (rocks, chips, fabric, etc)
2. Sediment removal/cleanup (ponds and/or paved areas)
B. tion
1. Coverage control
C. Plant Material
1. Trimmed & Maintained
2. Sight obstructions?
3. Inadequate or Missing
D. Debris/Refuse Mana eement
1. Litter/Trash Control
2. Refuse Enclosure
IV. PRIVATE UTILITIES
A. Catch Basins
1. Clean & in good repair
B. Gate Valves/Hydrants
1. Clean, accessible and operational
C. Manholes/Cleanouts/Grease Traps
1. Clean, accessible and operational
C~9