(A) The City Council of the City of Madera recognizes that local government can and shall develop and preserve decent affordable housing and at the same time provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities. According to 2014 US Census estimates there are more than 8,500 Rental Housing Units within the City, which is approximately half of all housing units in the City. The City has a significant interest in ensuring that rental housing remains a desirable housing option for its citizens.
(B) Preventing or eliminating slums and blight and addressing community development needs have a particular urgency because rental housing often deteriorates over time, resulting in substandard housing conditions. These substandard conditions adversely affect the economic values of neighboring structures and pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of a community. In many cases, property Owners choose not to make the necessary repairs to avoid financial expenses, and tenants do not report such deficiencies out of lack of knowledge of the city's role in correcting substandard housing conditions or because they fear retaliatory evictions.
(C) In order to ensure compliance of Rental Housing Units with minimum standards of health and safety, on a city wide basis, routine inspections need to be conducted. It is the intent of the City Council to enact a Rental Housing Inspection Program that would reasonably guarantee compliance with minimum standards. Such a program is in the best interest of the public as it would protect the supply of decent, safe and sanitary housing.
(Ord. 942 C.S., passed 6-21-17)