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Rio Dell council directs staff to implement rental-housing inspection program after staff recommendation
Summary
The council voted 4-1 to direct staff to immediately implement the city’s rental housing inspection program after staff advised against suspending it; staff said about 50 parcels (219 units) have signed up and that code compliance will continue outreach to owner-occupied substandard properties.
The Rio Dell City Council voted to direct city staff to immediately implement the city’s rental housing inspection program after staff recommended continuing the effort rather than suspending it.
City staff introduced the item noting an earlier recommendation to consider suspending the program, but said after further review with police and code compliance the recommendation had changed. “Staff is recommending we not suspend their health inspection program and move forward,” a staff member stated.
During council questions, staff clarified the program is enforced under nuisance regulations rather than the land-use code and that code-compliance officers (CSOs) will be trained to assist; staff said outside consultants (PlanWest) were consulted for cost estimates and that the negotiation and scheduling work is underway. Staff reported “50 ish parcels and 219 units” have registered so far and estimated that amount represents about one-third of rental properties in the city.
A resident who identified themselves as a Rio Dell property owner supported the goals but urged the council not to single out rental owners. “I am opposed at targeting only rental owners and not requiring this of all households,” the resident said during public comment, calling the approach inequitable. Staff responded that code compliance is concurrently addressing owner-occupied substandard houses through separate enforcement and that follow-up letters would be mailed once the council approved continuing the program.
Presiding officer made the motion “to direct staff to immediately implement the city rental housing inspection program,” a motion that was seconded and carried, 4-1. Council directed staff to begin scheduling inspections and to proceed with outreach and notification steps described in the staff report.
The council’s action is procedural direction to staff; no change to the enforcement code text or new ordinance was adopted at the meeting. Staff said they will return to the council with any necessary follow-up actions and confirmed notices to owners will be mailed in the coming days.
