Councilors move proposed housing-code updates to agenda after staff briefing on rental-inspection clarifications

Morgantown — Joe Pantis, the city’s chief building official, briefed the Committee of the Whole May 27 on proposed updates to Article 17-51 (the housing code) intended as housekeeping: clarified definitions for “applicant” and “owner,” expanded the definition of dwelling to cover hotels and clarified that a designated agent for a rental property should reside in-state to permit service of legal process.

Pantis said the updates aim to clarify who can act as an applicant for rental inspection and to broaden the definition of owner to include executors, administrators and agents with control of property. Councilors asked whether the changes would help enforcement against out-of-state owners and whether the updated definition would allow the city to require a responsive in-state agent; Pantis said the in-state requirement facilitates timely enforcement and service of summons in emergencies.

The item will return to council as an ordinance (two future council readings required). Councilors asked the administration to use communications channels to notify landlords and property managers about any rule changes. No final ordinance adoption occurred at the May 27 meeting; councilors moved the item to the agenda for formal consideration.

Ending: City staff will coordinate public outreach with communications staff and return the ordinance for formal readings as required by the city charter.