Clear Lake plans to update rental inspection ordinance after 23 years of inactivity

The Clearlake City Council meeting on March 20, 2025, focused on significant updates to the city's rental housing ordinance, which has remained unchanged for over 23 years. City officials discussed the need for a comprehensive rental inspection program to address deteriorating housing conditions and ensure compliance with current building codes.

The proposed updates aim to transfer the responsibility of rental inspections from the code enforcement department to the building department, which is better equipped for such tasks. This change comes in response to a lack of inspections since 2005, with only about 1,600 rental units logged during that time. City officials highlighted the alarming state of many rental properties, citing issues such as mold, unsafe electrical wiring, and inadequate living conditions observed in recent inspections.

To facilitate the new program, the city plans to implement two software systems: Ptolemy, which will assist in identifying rental properties, and Slate, which will manage the registration and inspection processes. The city estimates there are approximately 3,400 suspected rental units out of 6,000 residential structures, indicating a significant number of properties that may require oversight.

The council proposed an annual registration fee of $105 for landlords, with additional inspection fees based on the number of units on a property. This fee structure aims to cover the costs associated with inspections and administrative work. City officials emphasized the importance of this program in protecting tenants and improving housing standards in Clearlake.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and questions from council members, as the city prepares to move forward with these critical updates to its rental housing policies.