(a) To obtain a rental dwelling permit, the owner of a rental dwelling as defined in this Code shall apply to the Board of Health of the Portsmouth City Health District. A rental dwelling permit shall be issued by the Code Enforcement Official, if upon inspection voluntarily permitted by the owner, occupant or other person in charge of the rental dwelling it is determined that the rental dwelling meets the requirements of this Code or the owner signs a statement certifying the rental dwelling meets the requirements of this Code. Upon application for a permit, the owner of a rental dwelling may rent or lease the premises at his or her own risk, subject to subsequent approval of the permit by the Code Enforcement Official. The Code Enforcement Official shall deny the issuance of a permanent permit to any owner or operator whose structure does not, within thirty (30) days, comply with Code. Any person who feels aggrieved by such denial may pursue the remedies as outlined in Section 1361.02. Upon implementation of this Code, all rental dwellings operating before December 31, 2012, that file an application by the initial deadline, will receive a permit without a pre-licensing inspection.
(b) Each person or entity seeking a rental dwelling permit or a renewal of a permit shall apply on a form prescribed and furnished by the Portsmouth City Board of Health. Failure to complete in full, the required permit application, shall be grounds for denial of a permit.
(c) In the event that the property owner resides outside of Scioto County, the property owner must ensure that the Health Department has access to the property. This can be accomplished by hiring a local agent, using a friend or relative or utilizing the renter themselves.
(d) The Rental Dwelling Permit shall state the maximum number of persons who may occupy the rental dwelling as determined by this Code and other ordinances of the City of Portsmouth. (Ord. 2014-31. Passed 7-28-14.)