2009/09/30 Council Agenda Packet

PROJECT TITLE: Q Everett Housing Improvement Plan Consent x Action First Reading Second Reading Third Reading Public Hearing COUNCIL BILL # Originating Department Legal Contact Person David Hall Phone Number FOR AGENDA OF Initialed by: Department Head CAA Council President 425-257-8624 9-30-09 Location PrecedinE Action Attachments Department(s) Approval Amount Budgeted $100,000 Expenditure Required -0- Account Number(s): Budget Remaining $100,000 Additional Required -0- DETAILED SUMMARY STATEMENT: This resolution directs City staff to implement an enhanced enforcement approach to improving substandard housing that targets problem properties rather than a broadly applicable inspection and certification requirement for residential rental properties. The resolution directs staff to implement four major plan elements: 1) negotiate a contract with a nonprofit agency or other private or public entity to facilitate more effective use of existing laws, such as the State Landlord -Tenant Act, education, and informal dispute resolution, rather than the City's formal code enforcement system, to resolve many rental property issues; 2) prepare an ordinance amending chapter 1.20 of the Everett Municipal Code to authorize a streamlined citation enforcement mechanism; and 3) update City codes governing the safety and habitability of residential housing in existing structures by replacing the housing and dangerous building codes with the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code, consistent with the City's recent transition from the Uniform Fire and Building Codes to the International Codes; and 4) use existing authority under the City's Chronic Nuisance Ordinance to place problem properties on a regular inspection schedule. The program would be monitored with regular reports to the City Council's Public Safety Committee so that appropriate program adjustments can be made based on the City's experience over time. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution approving the Housing Improvement Plan. 17