City of St. Paul Park council hears Rum River presentation on Neighborhood Services ordinance, tables related ordinances

The City of St. Paul Park City Council on March 16 heard a detailed presentation from Rum River Consultants about a proposed Chapter 18 "Neighborhood Services" ordinance that would consolidate building-code administration, a citywide rental-licensing program and new fire operational permits, then voted to table several related ordinances for further review.

Rum River's Andy Schroeder, the firm's chief building official, told the council the ordinance would bring local code language up to current Minnesota State Building Code standards and make the city's approach to housing and property maintenance more consistent. "When in doubt, fill it out," Schroeder said, urging residents and contractors to begin a permit application if they are unsure whether a permit is required. Schroeder and Carrie Levitsky, Rum River's senior advisor for government relations, said administering the program would be funded by user fees tied to permits and inspections rather than general taxes.

Why it matters: The ordinance would create a single, neighborhood-focused framework for property standards and enforcement. Rum River said the revised Chapter 18 would apply a uniform rental-licensing structure across single-family…