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Council holds first reading of ordinance requiring elevator maintenance for rental buildings
Summary
Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 07-25 to require landlords to maintain operational passenger elevators for the duration of a rental term; discussion focused on enforcement tools and scope, including whether commercial elevators should be included and how to handle prolonged repairs when parts are unavailable.
BEXLEY, Ohio — Council on Feb. 25 heard a first reading of Ordinance 07-25, which would add a code provision requiring landlords who rent residential units with access to a passenger elevator to keep that elevator maintained and operational for the rental term.
Council Member Marcelino introduced the measure, saying elevators are essential for residents with mobility limitations. Council and the city attorney discussed enforcement options, including administrative penalties, injunctions and existing landlord-tenant remedies; the city attorney noted that while the Americans with Disabilities Act can provide private-rights claims for individuals, the city’s enforcement authority under ADA is limited and the proposed ordinance would add municipal enforcement tools (administrative or organizational penalties under chapter 14-30).
Council members asked practical questions: how many properties would be covered (staff estimated only a few buildings with elevators), whether commercial-only elevators should be included and how to define “timely” repairs when parts or qualified technicians are delayed. Staff said enforcement would follow existing code processes with administrative penalties for building owners who do not act on repair obligations; council requested clearer language on enforcement time frames and repair documentation before future votes.
No public comment or vote occurred; the ordinance will return for further consideration.
