(A) License required; exception. It is unlawful to own or operate a rental dwelling in the city without first having obtained a license from the city. An owner must obtain a license for each rental dwelling. If the rental dwelling contains two or more units, and has a common owner and a common property identification number, the owner shall obtain a single license for the rental dwelling. A license is not required under this chapter if the owner is renting to a relative. "Relative" means a parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece, by blood or marriage.
(B) License application. The owner of a rental dwelling must submit an application to the Fire Chief for a license on forms and in the format provided by the city. The owner must give notice, in writing, to the city within five business days of any changes to the information contained in the license application. The application must include:
(1) A description of the premises;
(2) The name, address and telephone numbers of the owner(s) and agent; and
(3) The name, address and telephone number of the refuse removal person or company which supplies refuse removal services for the building.
(C) Agent. No license shall be issued or renewed unless the owner designates in writing to the Fire Chief an agent who resides in any of the following Minnesota counties: Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott or Washington; or Wisconsin counties: Polk, St. Croix and Pierce. Said agent shall be held responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the property and must be empowered to receive service of notice of violations of the provisions of the City Code, to receive orders and institute remedial action to effect such orders, and to accept all service of process pursuant to law. An owner must immediately notify the Fire Chief in writing of any change of agent.
(D) Inspection. No license may be issued or renewed unless the city determines, following an inspection conducted pursuant to this section, that the dwelling unit complies with all applicable state statutes and the city code.
(E) Fee. The owner of a rental property must pay a license and/or renewal fee in the amount set by ordinance by the City Council.
(F) Term. Rental licenses must be renewed annually.
(G) Posting. The rental license shall be posted in a common area in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Fire Chief or his designee.
(H) Transfer. Within 14 days prior to a change of ownership of a rental property, a new license application must be submitted by the proposed owner and to the Fire Chief.
(I) Disclaimer. Neither the city nor any employee thereof assumes liability for the findings of an inspection or the quality of any property inspected pursuant to this chapter or at the request of the owner. The issuance of a license shall not be construed to represent a warranty or guarantee by or on behalf of the city nor shall the issuance of a license be construed to imply or warrant that a unit or property is: safe or free of any dangers or hazards to the occupants or general public; free and clear of any violations of this chapter or any other laws, regulations or codes; or free and clear of any defects, including those related to any structural, fire protection, fire prevention, building utilities or any other features of the property.
(Ord. 746, passed 12-15-2015)