Agenda - 12-05-1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FNovmmber 2.c.141 1933 -4- housing Code 08 Program Alternatives Ito alternatives appear to be available in terms of establishing a kanimum rousing Code Enforcement Program. The first is a program in which the Inspector , responds on a camplaint basis only. The second is one in which a comprehensive program is established to identify and inspect all rental units in the county. Other alternatiVes are possible, but they would fall sagEwhere between the two identified previously. The two "extremes' have been addressed, since they establish the range of program possibilities available. Complaint Basis - It is difficult to estdmate how uany complaints would be made concerning substandard housing units. For the purposes of this report, however, six (6): complaints annually has been selected, based on information received from a jurisdiction in which a program was established recently. If this number of complaints were received each year, a total of 33 run-hours would be needed to administer the program. This is equivalent to apprOXimately four (4) workdays and could be handled by the present Inspections Staff if duties and responsibilities of individual personnel are shifted more equitably. It must be noted, though, that as awareness of the program spreads, the number of complaints may increase, causing a need to re-evaluate denands on the existing staff. This has been the experience of other jurisairtions which have initiated similar programs. Comprehensive Program - If an overall program were initiated to address all rental units in the county, staff needs would be much different. As indicated previously, there are approximately 579 substandard rental units in the county. Based on an estivate of 241 workdays in a year, t.enewo pe ,928 nun-hours available for ho6sing inspection and administration activities. Given that each unit would require 5,5 hours to process, a total of 350 rental units could be, handled annually! This esrinete is somewhat misleading; though, in that a specific approach to covering the county would have to be established. This might include a township- . by-township approach or defining smaller areas within which to work. It would also need to establish a means of identifying rental units and their location gLior to defining target areas. Tnis effort would require considerable time. Belated to the estimate is the uncertainty as to how many decisions of the Inspector would be appealed. If done often, sore tim would be rewired, not only from the Inspector's standpoint but clerical help as well. If comprehen ive in nature, a Minimum Housing Code Enforcement Program would require the addition of one Inspector to the Planning DeparLuent. Because the Code involves elements of building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical construction, it would be desirable to hire someone with as Amany skills in these areas as possible.