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Council approves first reading of updated rental housing ordinance; digital platform and inspection changes proposed
Summary
On first reading the council approved Ordinance 2025‑05 to modernize the rental housing program with a digital registration platform, defined rental housing officer/inspector roles, new enforcement timelines and city collection of fees; public hearing set for June 17.
Frostburg Mayor and City Council on May 20 approved Ordinance 2025‑05 on first reading, sending proposed extensive revisions to the city's rental housing ordinance to a public hearing scheduled for June 17.
Community development staff reported the rewrite would create two defined roles — a rental housing officer and a rental housing inspector — and give the council the option to perform inspections in‑house or contract with a third‑party inspection provider. The ordinance would move registration and inspection processes to a digital‑first platform supporting online applications, payments and inspection tracking. Staff said the city would collect all rental fees directly rather than relying on inspectors to accept payment.
Additional changes include clearer enforcement protocols and timelines for inspections and re‑inspections, provisions deeming units non‑occupiable if not brought into compliance, expanded definitions (digital platform, vacant unit, immediate family), and strengthened standards for smoke detectors, emergency egress and owner/tenant responsibilities. The council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading and set June 17 as the advertised public hearing date.
