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Officials discuss certificates of occupancy, inspections and risks at rental complexes
Summary
City planning and fire-prevention staff described certificate of occupancy requirements for properties that change ownership, discussed inspection pathways and enforcement options including revocation, and said the fire department will record C.O. status during preplans.
Shreveport planning and fire officials told the Property Standards Committee that properties transferring ownership must obtain new certificates of occupancy and that several apartment complexes under review are out of compliance.
Reginald, a planning/MPC representative at the meeting, said, "Anytime that a change of ownership occurs, the complex or really any business would need to acquire new certificate of occupancy." He added that the city refers noncompliant properties to the legal department, which may send them to city court for penalties.
Committee members asked what is inspected for a certificate of occupancy. Reginald said departments verify fire prevention, mechanical, electrical, building, plumbing and zoning compliance. He said the inspections do not typically check utility-account status such as unpaid water bills, though the water department may inquire about C.O. status.
A council member asked whether the city can revoke certificates of occupancy; planning staff said that revocation is an option but not a quick fix because it can lead to court proceedings. The fire department's chief, Chief Reese, said the fire department will include certificate-of-occupancy checks in preplans and that other jurisdictions have seen increased numbers of businesses operating without current certificates.
Committee members expressed concern about tenants living in units that may be out of code and about landlords increasing rents while properties remain out of compliance. Staff suggested the rental registry and other enforcement measures could be reviewed.
Ending: Staff said some properties already have arraignments scheduled and encouraged coordinated inspections; no immediate revocation actions were taken during the meeting.
