(A) Owner/operator. No owner or operator shall lease or rent a rental dwelling unit, unless there is a valid certificate of compliance issued by the Administrator of Planning and Zoning and the name of the owners. The certificate shall be issued after registration and inspection by the Administrator of Planning and Zoning to determine that each rental dwelling unit complies with the provisions of the codes and ordinances of the city. The only exception to this requirement is during the first certification period during which all rental dwelling units will be inspected over a three-year period.
(1) An Administrator of Planning and Zoning must inspect the premises before the certificate of compliance is initially issued. Upon failure of the Building Inspector to conduct an inspection prior to occupancy, the owner or operator may rent the property until the Administrator of Planning and Zoning has conducted an inspection and the owner or operator will not be deemed in violation during that time. If, however, the Inspector’s inability to inspect the premises is due to the owner’s or operator’s action, failure to act, or inability to arrange the inspection after reasonable notice of the intent to inspect, the owner or operator shall not rent the property without a current certificate of compliance as required.
(2) Between 30 and 60 days before the expiration date of the certificate of compliance, the city will arrange with the owner or operator for an inspection date and time, and indicate the amount due for the next periodic compliance inspection; said notice shall be by first-class mail to the address as provided by the owner and/or operator. The Inspector shall attempt to inspect the premises before the certificate of compliance expires. Upon failure of the Inspector to conduct an inspection prior to expiration of the certificate of compliance, the owner or operator may rent the property until the Inspector has conducted an inspection, and the owners and operators will not be deemed in violation during that time. If, however, the Inspector’s inability to inspect is due to the owner’
(B) Certification. Once certified, the unit will be issued a certification placard by the city. Emergency contact information and the Planning and Zoning Office contact information will be included in said placard as well as date of certification. Placed near the entrance in interior at a visible location.
(C) Warrants.
(1) In a non-emergency situation, if a registered owner, registered agent or occupant demands a warrant for inspection of the premises, the Administrator of Planning and Zoning shall obtain a warrant for inspection from a court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) The Administrator of Planning and Zoning shall prepare the warrant, stating the address of the structure to be inspected, the nature of the inspection, as defined in this chapter or other applicable codes or statutes, and the reason for the inspection.
(3) The warrant shall be issued. If the court finds the warrant is in proper form and in accordance with this chapter, it shall be issued forthwith.
(4) In the event of an emergency, no warrant shall be required.
(5) The tenant shall notify the landlord of any problems first before contacting the city.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2019)