(A) All new and existing licensed rental properties, including owner-occupied licensed units, will be inspected on a regularly scheduled basis. The property may not be rented until final approval as evidenced by the issuance of the license, or renewed if there are life/safety code violations outstanding at the time of renewal. A rental license will be issued after the property is in full compliance with all requirements.
(B) Inspection access. If any owner, agent, operator, occupant or other person in charge of a dwelling or dwelling unit fails or refuses to permit free access and entry to the dwelling or a dwelling unit, under that person’s control for an inspection pursuant to this chapter, the city may seek a court order authorizing such inspections.
(C) Compliance and enforcement. Whenever the City Council determines that any dwelling or dwelling unit fails to meet the provisions of this chapter, the city may issue a compliance order setting forth the violations of the chapter and ordering the owner, agent, operator or occupant to correct such violation. This compliance order shall:
(1) Be in writing.
(2) Describe the location and nature of the violation.
(3) Establish a reasonable time for the corrections of such violation.
(4) Be served upon the owner, agent, operator, or occupant. Such notice shall be deemed to be properly served if a copy thereof is:
(a) Served upon said owner, agent, operator or occupant; or
(b) Sent by mail to the last known address.
(5) Upon failure to effect the compliance order through (C)(4)(a) above, said order will be posted at a conspicuous place in or about the affected dwelling or dwelling unit.
(D) Inspections upon complaint. Any residential property within the city is subject to investigation upon complaint by any citizen or city employee. Complaints shall be investigated in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) Complaints. All complaints shall be investigated within 72 hours of receipt by the city to verify the existence of conditions in violation of this chapter or any other applicable statute, ordinance, code or regulation.
(2) Confidentiality. The identities of any person filing a complaint about violations of state law or local ordinance concerning the use of rental property, and any information that would identify such person, is classified as confidential under M.S. § 13.44. No employee shall release or reveal such information except by court order.
(Ord. 236, passed 7-2-2007) Penalty, see §116.99(H)