(a) The purpose of this Article shall be to protect and promote the public health, the safety and welfare of the residents of the City, to establish the rights and obligations of owners and occupants of residential rental units in the City, to provide for the elimination of hazards to public health and safety and to maintain and improve the quality of rental housing within the City.
(b) The City Council finds, in support of its adoption of this article, that there has been a general decline in the physical condition of residential rental units; that there is a greater incidence of problems with the maintenance and upkeep of residential properties which are not owner-occupied; that there are a greater number of Code violations, which are generally more severe, in residential rental units as compared to owner-occupied units; and that establishing a system of residential rental licensing accompanied by an inspection program will aid the City in the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
(c) The provisions of this Article shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, methods or processes otherwise contained in any ordinance or law of the City, County or State.
(d) This Article shall be construed liberally in order to achieve the purposes and intent enunciated herein.
(Ord. 669. Passed 5-7-12.)