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RUTH <br /> .,nu11Nv <br /> 1300 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING v f� _____!�0' PHONE 574/235-9486 <br /> 227W JEFFERSON BOUI.F.YARD W �� -q! D FAX 574/2.35-7703 <br /> SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 660i-19 0 \' '. <br /> 4 3 \�', <br /> .. Y _ •A „ <br /> 1885_-:-" <br /> CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR <br /> DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT <br /> South Bend Common Council <br /> County-City Building <br /> 227 W.Jefferson Blvd <br /> South Bend, IN 46601 <br /> RE:New Article 14 to Chapter 6 of the South Bend Municipal Code:Rental Safety Verification Program <br /> Dear Council Members: <br /> To promote the well-being of our community,preserve existing rental housing stock,and ensure rental housing remains <br /> a safe and desirable housing option for residents,the Department,pursuant to IC 36-1-20-4.1,has enclosed a proposed ordinance <br /> which would add a new Article 14 to Chapter 6(Building): Rental Safety Verification Program or"RSVP."RSVP is intended to <br /> protect public health, safety, and welfare in rental units by verifying minimum property standards for occupancy. The most <br /> effective way to seek compliance with minimum property standards is through routine, periodic inspections of rental housing <br /> properties. <br /> An estimated 16,000 units of rental housing exist within South Bend City limits. Substandard housing conditions have <br /> been shown to be responsible for a range of significant and costly health problems,including asthma,child lead poisoning,and <br /> increased rates of injury and mortality. Information from our community partners,Code Enforcement,and Census data suggest <br /> the presence of home hazards in the City that compromise safety and habitability. <br /> Proactive rental inspection is a benefit to tenants and landlords.The RSVP program will help landlords identify problems <br /> early before they become costly repairs.The program also provides an extra tool to distinguish higher-quality properties in the <br /> housing market.The City will continue to investigate complaints from occupants.The RSVP program supplements current Code <br /> services for renters by reducing barriers to Code assistance by scheduling periodic inspections that address health and safety <br /> concerns directly with property owners.Proactive rental inspection programs can safeguard against properties becoming blighted, <br /> thereby preserving neighborhoods.Establishing the RSVP program will help to ensure that all persons who live in rental housing <br /> units are provided decent,safe and sanitary housing. <br /> The RSVP program intends to inspect 20%of rental housing within the first three years of implementation.The program <br /> will follow a geographic phase-in process prioritizing Census tracts that show evaluated concern for public health and safety. <br /> The Department is ready to begin the program upon passage and we are prepared to share our implementation and monitoring <br /> plans. <br /> I will present this ordinance to the Council at its Committee meeting and at its regular meeting for second and third <br /> reading, and I will be accompanied by Assistant City Attorney Thomas Panowicz who will address any legal issues that may <br /> arise. <br /> This ordinance is sponsored by Council Members President Tim Scott,Vice President Karen White,Jo M. Broden,and <br /> Regina Williams-Preston. <br /> Since � <br /> L <br /> 1 Filed in Clerk's Office <br /> Tracy Skibins <br /> Director,Code Enforcement JAN 0 9 2019 <br /> KAREE1\v1AH FOWLER <br /> CITY CLERK,SOUTH BEND,IN <br />