Councilors and residents press staff on rental-inspection consolidation and advisory representation

Summary

Councilors and multiple public commenters raised concerns about consolidation of code enforcement with the rental inspection program (IPMC), the use of badged/uniformed staff and tenant-enforcement practices; staff said the rental housing ad hoc committee is open to landlords and tenants and will return to council with details in January.

At the Dec. 8 meeting several councilors and members of the public pressed staff for details about a consolidation of code enforcement and the rental inspection program and raised concerns about staff cross-training into uniformed, badged roles that could be mistaken for law enforcement.

Councilor Zahi relayed constituent anxiety about staff visiting tenants’ doors in uniform and asked staff to clarify whether the program would include tenant enforcement. Craig Russell and others called for a formal advisory board to oversee the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) process, saying prior engagement was insufficient.

City Manager Andrews and Community Services Director Lindsay Kimball responded that the city does not engage in immigration enforcement, confirmed that staff will review changes to uniforms and roles and said the rental-housing ad hoc committee has been made open and inclusive, with landlord and tenant participation. Staff committed to bringing a fuller presentation and answers in January, including explanation of the advisory process and how stakeholder input has been incorporated.