Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Scott McCullough, Director Planning and Development Services
Date:	February 10, 2009
RE:	Rental Expansion

During the 2009 budget process, the Commission considered a program improvement to the rental licensing program.  The Commission directed staff to create a program for their consideration that would meet the purpose of protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare while also keeping costs to a minimum striving for a cost-neutral program. 

On December 9, 2008, staff provided a memorandum explaining the proposal and an ordinance reflecting the program elements as well as a memorandum outlining the plan to introduce this program to the public to receive comments. These documents were placed on the City Manager’s report and the list of future agenda items to be presented to the Commission. 

On January 5, 2009, staff issued a news release and posted information on the Department’s webpage concerning the proposed expansion along with contacting several media outlets and various organizations to notify the public and stakeholders that the City was seeking input on the proposal.  Staff received comments from the public and stakeholders via phone, email, individual meetings and during an open public meeting. 

Despite best efforts to gain input on the proposed ordinance amendments, the response has been relatively apathetic.  Staff has spoken with 16 citizens, 7 of which identified themselves as owners of rental property.  The majority of the comments received were positive and supported the expansion.  There were only a few landlords that voiced their opposition to the proposal.  All written comments received have been attached for review.

It is staff’s opinion that the proposed expansion of the current rental licensing/inspection program to include all rental dwelling units that are 50 years old or older is a reasonable  step in expanding a valuable core service that regulates minimum property maintenance code, fire code and development code regulations.  The periodic inspections of aging properties will greatly support the City’s efforts in reducing demolition by neglect and maintaining safe, well maintained structures which preserve and sustain neighborhoods and property values.  It also builds on a consumer protection program that has helped countless individuals live in safer, higher maintained residences in the City.

While staff is sensitive to the current economic downturn and recognizes there are   potential negative impacts to the City’s budget for the remainder of 2009 and for 2010 that could adversely affect the decision to proceed with the approval of the expansion, staff believes an expansion of a consumer protection program that is cost neutral and benefits the community in several different ways should be considered in any economy.

Action Requested

Review the attached documents and direct staff as to the appropriateness of implementing the expansion of the ordinance.