(A) It is the purpose of this chapter to protect, preserve and promote the physical and mental health and social well-being of the people, to prevent and control the incidence of communicable diseases, to reduce environmental hazards to health, to regulate privately and publicly owned dwellings for the purpose of maintaining adequate sanitation and public health, and to protect the safety of the people and to promote the general welfare by legislation applicable to all dwellings now in existence or hereafter constructed and marketed for rent, actually leased to tenants or non-owner occupants, or otherwise occupied by a non-owner with the owner’s express or implied consent. It is also the purpose of this chapter to ensure that the quality of the rental housing is adequate for the protection of public health, safety and general welfare, including: establishment of minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, and thermal conditions for safety from fire and accidents, and for an adequate level of maintenance, determination of the responsibilities of owners, operators and tenants or occupants of dwellings; and provisions for the administration and enforcement thereof.
(B) This chapter is enacted only for the purpose of securing to individuals the enjoyment of rights and privileges to which they are entitled as members of the public, rather than for the purpose of protecting any individual from harm.
(Ord. 2664, passed 12-8-2020)