Title
Quality Housing Program Discussion
Body
Background:
Throughout 2017 and 2018 staff met with the CEDC several times discussing the merits and challenges of a mandatory rental inspection program. At the last meeting with CEDC staff proposed a voluntary program that would apply to all housing in the City. The Quality Housing Program’s (QHP) intent is to improve the safety and maintenance of all housing in Lee’s Summit. The QHP focuses on services to encourage compliance with minimum standards established in the Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 16) and the Fire Code (Chapter 13). It is an extension of services offered by the Neighborhood Services (NHS) group. NHS operate under a complaint, investigate, abate style approach. QHP compliments NHS through outward education of City ordinances to neighborhoods, providing connections to existing resources, and to establish a certification program. The certification program encourages compliance to improve the safety of housing. Details for the pilot program for Quality Housing are attached. Topics covered include external education and outreach, certification and voluntary inspections, performance metrics and budget implications.
Presenter
Ryan Elam, Director of Development Services
Dan Harper, Assistant Director of Development Services
Tracy Deister, Manager of Codes Administration
Recommendation
Recommendation: Staff recommends proceeding with the pilot program.
Committee Recommendation
Committee Recommendation: Staff brought forth an update and discussion of the proposed Quality Housing Program to the September 11, 2019, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC). Following discussion, the CEDC directed staff to present the proposed Quality Housing Program to the full City Council for further discussion.