(A) Interior and exterior inspection of each rental unit shall be conducted on in order to establish compliance with the minimum maintenance and safety standards and documented on an inspection form provided by the city. Multi-family dwellings are not required to submit an inspection of the interior rental units, if said units are annually inspected by a governmental agency, such as the Bowling Green City Fire Department, so long as said inspection includes substantially similar factors as those set forth in the city approved inspection forms provided for herein. Multi-family dwellings are required to complete an annual fire inspection of common areas, hallways, and lobbies, etc. All multi-family dwellings are required to file an exterior inspection report with the city.
(1) The initial exterior inspection reports for all rental units are to be filed by October 1, 2024. Future exterior inspection reports are to be filed on a bi-annual basis (every two years) to be completed between June 1 and October 1 of each exterior inspection year.
(2) The initial interior inspection reports are to be filed between June 1, 2024 and October 1, 2024. Future interior inspection reports are to be filed between June 1 and October 1 of each year.
(B) Inspections shall be conducted by the owner, designated agent or be contracted for with a City of Bowling Green approved inspector.
(1) City forms and inspection timelines required. The results of all inspections shall be clearly documented on city supplied and/or approved inspection forms, and such inspections shall be in compliance with the timelines and criteria specified within this chapter and signed by the owner or a designee and by an occupant if the unit is occupied at the time of inspection. Occupant shall attest only to receipt of the inspection checklist, and not to its accuracy. A copy of the most recent inspection form shall also be provided by all owners to all prospective occupants. Any violation that is disclosed in the course of the inspection of the premises in question shall be brought into compliance in accordance with the timelines established under the provisions of this chapter. Any unresolved violations shall be reported to the Zoning Inspector of the city so that enforcement proceedings can be commenced.
(2) Provision of completed inspection forms to the city. Copies of all completed rental unit inspection forms, including any forms required by this Code relating to changes in occupancy or ownership, shall be provided to the City Zoning Department in a timely manner.
(3) Provision for city verification of compliance. The city shall have the authority and discretion to verify compliance by conducting onsite inspections and/or through any other relevant means, as arranged with the owner, manager, or designated agent, or pursuant to a search warrant issued by judicial authority. The fee for each such re-inspection shall be as incurred by the city.
(C) The City Administrator or a designee may set and periodically revise a schedule of fees to be approved by City Council for the registration and self-inspection program created by this chapter.
(Ord. 8967, passed 10-18-2021; Am. Ord. 9132, passed 11-6-2023)