HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Letter dated February 19, 1996 to all rental property owner/operators i""Ei� CITY OF AMES
—7/ I I
P.O. BOX 811 AMES IOWA 50010
Community-University-Opportunity
FIRE DEPARTMENT/INSPECTION DIVISION
February 19, 1996
TO ALL OWNER/OPERATORS OF RENTAL PROPERTY IN AMES, IOWA:
More than two years ago the City of Ames Inspection Staff, Landlord's Association,
Housing Board of Appeals, the Off Campus Center and various private landlords started
discussions on various changes to the local rental housing code. The Rental Code has
not been changed since 1978 with the exception of a change in the placement of smoke
detectors which occurred in 1992.
Many topics were discussed at the meetings. Many of the topics were dropped while
several evolved into the attached list of proposed changes. This list of changes was
presented to the City Council on January 23, 1996, in a workshop. The City Council asked
several excellent questions and allowed the public to make comments on each or all items
on the list. We will be proposing these changes to the City Council once again on
February 27, 1996, at its regular council meeting. The Council will vote on each item that
they wish John Klaus, City Attorney, to include in an ordinance format. Then the City
Council will hold a public hearing and approve any changes in three readings sometime in
March 1996.
Please read the attached list of proposed changes. Once these changes become part of
the ordinance, there is no need to rush into bringing every rental property immediately up
to date. We will remain on a three-year schedule of inspection and will verify the changes
are implemented at that time, or upon a complaint from the tenants.
If you have any concerns or questions about any item, please call the Inspection Office at
239-5153 for any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
t,
Jeff Pearson
Building Official
JP:dh