City Council discussed a new measure that would require the owners of rental properties in the city to register their properties and eventually submit them for inspection.
City Council discussed a new measure that would require the owners of rental properties in the city to register their properties and eventually submit them for inspection. Some property owners called the proposed ordinance unconstitutional, while others urged the city to focus on the problems that they are already aware of, rather than submit everyone to the same inspections.
Mayor Mike Rotkin anticipated the controversy in his opening remarks, stating that the city is home to thousands of illegal units, which either exceed occupancy limits or are of shoddy construction. He argued that these pose fire and health hazards to the occupants and their neighbors. According to the new provisions, landlords would be required to pay a $45 annual registration fee, though inspections of properties that have not violated any codes would only begin in 2013.
The city still plans to review the ordinance and make changes to it based on the concerns expressed by all parties. It will be brought for a first reading to the Council on Aug. 3. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
