[R.O. 2008 §520.010; Ord. No. 31-2004 §1, 11-8-2004]
A.
The
purpose of this Chapter is to protect the public health, safety and
general welfare of the people in the City in non-owner occupied dwellings,
including:
1.
To protect the character and stability of residential areas;
2.
To correct and prevent housing conditions that adversely affect or
are likely to adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare and
health, including the physical, mental and social well-being of persons
occupying dwellings;
3.
To provide minimum standards for cooking, heating and sanitary equipment
necessary to health and safety;
4.
To provide minimum standards for light and ventilation necessary
to health and safety;
5.
To prevent the overcrowding of dwellings by providing minimum space
standards per occupant for each dwelling unit;
6.
To provide minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential
buildings and to thus prevent slums and blight;
7.
To preserve the value of land and buildings throughout the City.
B.
With
respect to the rental disputes, except as otherwise specifically provided
by this Chapter, it is not the intention of the City Council to intrude
upon contractual relationships between tenant and landlord. The City
Council does not intend to intervene as an advocate of either party,
nor to act as an arbiter, nor to be receptive to complaints from tenant
or landlord, which is not specifically and clearly relevant to the
provisions of this Chapter. In the absence of such relevancy with
regard to rental disputes, it is intended that the contracting parties
exercise such legal sanctions as are available to them without intervention
of City Government.
[R.O. 2008 §520.020; Ord. No. 31-2004 §2, 11-8-2004]
A.
It
shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to conduct or
operate or cause to be rented, either as owner, lessee, lessor, agent
or manager within the City, any rental units used for human habitation
without having first obtained a permit to do so as provided in this
Chapter. A unit is a family occupancy or a sleeping room of a facility,
a boarding house or a dwelling. This Chapter shall not apply to hospitals,
nursing homes or other rental units used for human habitation which
offer or provide medical or nursing services or hotels, motels and
dormitories if such units are subject to other City, State or Federal
licensing or regulations concerning the safety of the users, patients
or tenants, or where owned and inspected by the City Housing Authority.
B.
The
permit so issued shall state that the condition of the premises and
its proposed occupation complies with all of the provisions of this
Code as far as can be determined by a visual inspection of the premises
and a review of the records.
C.
The
permit so issued shall state the maximum occupancy for the unit inspected.
[R.O. 2008 §520.030; Ord. No. 31-2004 §3, 11-8-2004]
Within six months after the effective date of this Chapter,
the owner of each rental dwelling unit existing on the effective date
shall make written application to the Building Inspector for a permit
for such use on a form to be supplied by the City and containing such
information as necessary to administer and enforce the provisions
of, and to insure compliance with, the provisions of this Chapter
and the Housing Code in its entirety. In addition, the legal owner
of record of each rental unit, as hereinbefore stated, constructed
or put into rental service after the effective date of this Chapter
shall make written application to the Building Inspector for a permit
as herein provided and receive a satisfactory rating for the property
prior to any initial occupancy.
[R.O. 2008 §520.040; Ord. No. 31-2004 §4, 11-8-2004]
A.
Upon
completion of the inspection of the building or buildings, if the
Inspector finds the requirements of the City Codes and zoning ordinance
have been met, a permit certifying such facts shall be issued. If
the Inspector finds that the requirements of the City Code and/or
zoning ordinance have not been met, a written denial specifying the
defects shall be transmitted to the applicant.
B.
When
a permit has been denied, expired, suspended or revoked, no further
rental and occupancy of dwelling units then vacant or which may become
vacant shall be permitted until a permit has been issued. The units
within a structure which are in compliance with the Housing Code requirements
may continue to be occupied if units in other portions of the structure
which do not comply, do not create hazard to the health and safety
of the persons in the occupied units.
[R.O. 2008 §520.050; Ord. No. 31-2004 §5, 11-8-2004]
After the initial inspection, a permit shall be renewed every
two (2) years, based on the date of the initial issuance and/or upon
a change of ownership. So that the privacy of occupants is honored,
notification of inspection of occupied properties shall be given at
least fourteen (14) days prior to the week which inspection is to
be performed. This notification shall be deemed served by either hand
delivery or posted upon the property to be inspected.
[R.O. 2008 §520.060; Ord. No. 31-2004 §6, 11-8-2004]
A permit may be suspended upon a finding by the Inspector that
one (1) or more of the requirements of the Housing Code have been
violated. The Inspector shall give written notice to the permit holder
of the violations of the Housing Code. Upon failure of the permit
holder to correct the violations as stated in the notices of violation,
the permit may be revoked in the manner provided by ordinance for
the revocation of permits. The suspended permit may be reinstated
upon meeting the requirements of the code.
[R.O. 2008 §520.070; Ord. No. 31-2004 §7, 11-8-2004]
Permits issued under this Section shall be produced on the request
of a tenant or prospective tenant and shall be available at reasonable
times for inspection by an authorized Building Inspector.
[R.O. 2008 §520.080; Ord. No. 31-2004 §8, 11-8-2004; Ord. No. 05-2012 §1, 3-12-2012 Ord. No. 21-2019, 10-28-2019]
A.
At
the time of application for the permit for permit renewal required
by this Section, the City Collector shall collect the appropriate
permit fee and inspection fee in accordance with the following schedule:
[Ord. No. 23-2019, 12-17-2019]
|
Permit and Inspection Fees
| |
|---|---|
|
Building Permit — Renovation
|
$20.00 + $5.00/per $1000.00 total cost
|
|
Building Permit — New
|
$20.00 + $5.00/per $1000.00 total cost 2¢/per square foot
|
|
Demolition
|
$20.00
|
|
Multi-Family Dwelling Inspection
|
$45.00 + $10.00 per unit
|
|
Residential/Commercial Rental Inspection
|
$45.00
|
|
Occupancy Inspection
|
$45.00
|
|
Compliance
|
$45.00
|
B.
The
above permit fees shall be tendered with the application for the first
issuance of permit and thereafter every two (2) years, except a change
of ownership and for a bed and breakfast, which shall be on an annual
basis. If a permit is denied or suspended, the permit and inspection
fee is non-refundable. A twenty dollar ($20.00) reinspection fee will
be required. The Building Inspector shall review the fee schedule
annually and recommend changes as deemed appropriate to the City Council.
[R.O. 2008 §520.090; Ord. No. 31-2004 §9, 11-8-2004]
As part of the monthly and annual reports the Building Inspector
shall report to the City Council on the results of this program.
[R.O. 2008 §520.110; Ord. No. 31-2004 §11, 11-8-2004]
Every building and its premises used in whole or in part as
a rented home or rented residence, or as an accessory structure thereof,
for a single family or person, and every building used in whole or
in part as a rented home or rented residence of two (2) or more persons
or families living in a separate unit shall conform to the requirements
of this Chapter, irrespective of when such building may have been
constructed, altered or repaired. This establishes minimum standards
for erected dwelling units, accessory structures and related premises.
[R.O. 2008 §520.120; Ord. No. 31-2004 §12, 11-8-2004]
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the
following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different
meaning is intended:
Complying with all applicable City ordinances and City Code.
A roofed and walled structure built for use as a dwelling.
Where mentioned, shall include the Building Inspector or
any person authorized by him.
The City of Louisiana, Missouri.
An imperfection that causes inadequacy or failure; a shortcoming.
A building containing two (2) dwelling units.
A building, or portion thereof, designed or used predominantly
for residential occupancy of a continuing nature, including one-family
dwellings, two-family dwellings and multiple-family dwellings, but
not including hotels or motels.
A single residential accommodation which is arranged, designed,
used or, if vacant, intended for use exclusively as a domicile for
one (1) family. Where a private garage is structurally attached, it
shall be considered as part of the building in which the dwelling
unit is located.
Existing prior to the date of the adoption of this Chapter.
A person or persons related by blood, marriage or adoption,
together with his/her or their domestic servants or gratuitous guests,
all maintaining a common household in a dwelling unit; or groups of
foster care authorized by law, of not more than five (5) wards or
clients with their guardian or guardians, together with his/her or
their domestic servants or gratuitous guests, all maintaining a common
household in a dwelling unit; or a group of not more than five (5)
persons not related by blood, marriage or adoption maintaining a common
household in a dwelling unit.
A toilet bowl flushed with water with a water-sealed trap.
Putrescible animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the
handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
Any building or part thereof that meets minimum standards
for use as a home or place of abode by one (1) or more persons.
Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.
Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces,
and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
Water heated to a temperature of not less than one hundred
twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120°F) measured at faucet outlet.
The inspector(s) of the City includes Code Enforcement, Fire,
Police or any other person as authorized by the Building Inspector.
A space which contains a sink with counter working space,
adequate space for installing cooking and refrigeration equipment,
and adequate space for the storage of cooking utensils.
A dwelling or portion thereof containing three (3) or more
dwelling units.
Any person including owner or operator living, sleeping,
cooking and eating in a dwelling unit.
The owner or his/her agent who has charge, care, control
or management of a building or part thereof in which dwelling unit
or rooming units are let.
Any person, partnership, firm or corporation who, alone,
jointly or severally with others, shall be in actual possession of,
or have charge, care or control of, any dwelling or dwelling unit
within the City as owner, employee or agent of the owner, or as trustee
or guardian of the estate or person of the title holder. Any such
person representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply with
the provisions of this Chapter to the same extent as the owner.
The maximum number of persons permitted by State law or City
ordinance to reside in a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
An individual, firm, partnership, association, limited liability
corporation, limited liability company, corporation or joint venture
or organization of any kind.
All of the following supplied facilities and equipment in
a dwelling: gas pipes, gas burning equipment, water pipes, steam pipes,
garbage disposal units, waste pipes, water closet, sinks, installed
dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes
washing machines, catch basins, drains, vents, and any other similar
fixtures and the installation thereof, together with all connections
to water, sewer and gas lines.
A platted lot or part thereof or unplatted parcel of land,
either occupied or unoccupied by any dwelling or non-dwelling structure,
including such building, accessory structure or other structure thereon.
A hall, corridor or passageway for providing egress from
the dwelling unit to a public way and not within the exclusive control
of one (1) family.
All putrescible and non-putrescible waste solids including
garbage and rubbish.
A dwelling or dwelling unit let or intended to be let for
rent or lease, or being sold on contract. Any building used as commercial
in combination with residential rental dwelling units.
To a sound and acceptable state of operation, serviceability
or appearance.
Any place where rodents can live, nest or seek shelter.
Any room or group of rooms forming a singe habitable unit
used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking
and eating purposes.
Non-putrescible solid waste consisting of both combustible
and non-combustible wastes, such as paper, cardboard, tin cans, grass
and shrubbery clippings, wood, glass, brick, plaster, bedding, crockery
and similar materials.
The condition of being reasonable free from danger and hazards
which may cause accidents or disease.
Any dwelling which does not conform to the minimum standards
established by the City Code.
Paid for, furnished by, provided by or under the control
of the owner, operator or agent.
|
Meaning of certain words — whenever the words "dwelling",
"dwelling unit", "premises" or "structure" are used in this Section,
they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words
"or any part thereof".
|
[R.O. 2008 §520.130; Ord. No. 31-2004 §13, 11-8-2004; Ord. No. 07-2020, 6-22-2020]
A.
The
following requirements shall apply to permits:
1.
No person shall rent any building or mobile home to any person for
dwelling purposes without obtaining a permit and paying the fee required
by this Section. A permit must be renewed every other year and/or
when ownership changes.
2.
Applications shall be made to the Building Inspector. Each applicant
shall provide the name and address of the applicant, and documented
proof that property taxes are current on the structure to be inspected.
If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall name the
principal officers. The applicant shall provide the address and apartment
number, if any.
3.
The fee for such permit is shown in Section 520.080 of the Louisiana Municipal Code. The inspector shall inspect each unit before a permit is issued.
4.
If the required permit fee has been paid and the dwelling unit to
be covered by the permit has been inspected and it does not appear
that any violation of this Chapter or of any other applicable State
law or City ordinance or of any other applicable State law or City
ordinance exists, the Inspector shall issue the permit.
[Ord. No. 01-2014 §1, 1-13-2014]
A.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall knowingly violate the provisions of Section 520.120 of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction for such offense shall be fined in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
B.
Each
day of violation shall be considered a separate offense.
[R.O. 2008 §520.140; Ord. No. 31-2004 §14, 11-8-2004; Ord. No. 15-2021, 6-28-2021]
A.
No
owner or other person shall occupy or let another person inhabit any
dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit unless it and the premises
are clean, sanitary and fit for human occupancy. It shall be unlawful
for any residence in the City limits to be inhabited or occupied unless
the dwelling has functional water, sewer, and electrical services.
Any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit must comply with all applicable
legal requirements of the State and the City, including the following
requirements:
1.
Maintenance of shared or public areas. Every owner
of a dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units shall maintain
in a clean and sanitary condition the shared or public areas of the
dwelling and premises thereof, provided however, a tenant or tenants
may assume that responsibility.
2.
Maintenance of occupied areas. Every occupant of
a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit shall maintain in a clean
and sanitary condition that part or those parts of the dwelling, dwelling
unit and premises thereof that he/she occupies and controls.
3.
Maintenance of yards. Outside storage for dwelling
units or rooming houses shall be limited to equipment and materials
for the care and maintenance of lawns and gardens, except as specifically
provided in the Zoning Code.
4.
Pest extermination. Every owner of a dwelling or
dwellings shall be responsible for the extermination of vermin and
rodents on the premises. No occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit
shall accumulate fire wood, rubbish, boxes, lumber, scrap metal, or
any other materials in such manner that may provide a rodent harborage
in or about any dwelling or dwelling unit. Stored materials shall
be stacked neatly and safely.
5.
Sanitary fixtures and appliances. Every occupant
of a dwelling unit shall keep all supplied fixtures and facilities
therein in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be responsible
for the exercise of reasonable care in the proper use and operation
thereof.
6.
Minimum exterior lighting. The owner of a multiple-family
dwelling or dwellings shall be responsible for providing and maintaining
effective illumination near the entrances of the dwelling.
7.
Minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities. No person shall occupy as owner, occupant or let to another for
occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit, for the purpose of living,
sleeping, cooking or eating therein, which does not comply with the
following requirements:
a.
Every dwelling unit shall have a space in which food may be prepared
and cooked, which shall have adequate circulation area and which shall
be equipped with the following:
b.
At least one sink, one lavatory, one bathtub or shower, and other
plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected to either a public water
system or to an approved private water system and be functional while
residents are inhabiting the premises for safety and sanitation reasons.
All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers
shall be supplied with hot and cold running water.
c.
Cabinets or shelves for the storage of eating, drinking and cooking
equipment and utensils.
d.
Adequate space and hookups shall be provided for a stove or similar
device for cooking food and a refrigerator, or similar device.
e.
All plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained
in working order and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks,
and defects and be capable of performing the function for which such
fixtures are designed.
8.
Access. Access to or egress from each dwelling unit
shall be provided without passing through any other dwelling or dwelling
unit.
9.
Facilities to function. Every supplied facility
and every piece of equipment or utility and every chimney and flue
shall be installed and shall be maintained so that it works effectively
and safely.
10.
Property Maintenance Code. All provisions as stated
in the Property Maintenance Code as adopted by the City of Louisiana.
If any provisions in the Property Maintenance Code shall conflict
with any provisions in this Chapter, the more stringent provision
shall apply.
11.
One (1) family per dwelling unit. Not more than
one (1) family, except for temporary guests, shall occupy a dwelling
unit.
12.
Sewer. Sanitary sewer plumbing, from all plumbing fixtures to the
sanitary sewer main or leach field, must be free from leaks and obstructions.
Water service will be disconnected for any sanitary sewer leak and/or
obstruction at the discretion of the Director of Public Works at any
time, but not any longer than 24 hours.
13.
Electric. All electrical service shall utilize proper protection
devices, shall be properly installed, shall be energized by an approved
source of electric power, and shall be in compliance with all applicable
City and State regulations concerning electric service.
B.
Any occupied structure which lacks safe and approved water, wastewater, and electrical services pose a hazard and risk to the public health, safety, and welfare of the City and will be deemed a nuisance. If at any time any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit lacks safe and approved water, wastewater and/or electrical services for a period of 48 consecutive hours, all persons who continue to occupy the residence, upon notice given pursuant to Section 220.010(C)(2) of the Municipal Code, shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and subject to payment of fines and court costs and injunctive relief. The City may also file suit to enforce the ordinance. and the person(s) in violation of the ordinance may be ordered to pay attorneys' fees and court costs associated with the suit, as well as subject to action and remedies pursuant to Chapter 220 of the Municipal Code.[1]
[R.O. 2008 §520.150; Ord. No. 31-2004 §15, 11-8-2004]
A.
The
Inspector, as defined, shall enforce the provisions of this Chapter
and is thereby authorized to make inspections on a scheduled basis
or when reason exists to believe that violation of this Chapter has
been or is being committed.
B.
Inspection Access. If any owner or other person in charge
of a dwelling or a dwelling unit fails or refuses to permit free access
and entry to the structure or premises under his/her control for any
inspection pursuant to this Chapter, the Inspector may seek a search
warrant or other appropriate court order authorizing such inspections.
[R.O. 2008 §520.160; Ord. No. 31-2004 §16, 11-8-2004]
A.
Whenever
the Inspector determines that any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming
unit, or the premises surrounding any of these fails to meet the requirements
set forth in this Chapter, he/she shall issue a notice setting forth
the alleged failure and advising the owner, occupant, operator or
agent that such failure must be corrected. This notice shall:
1.
Be in writing;
2.
Set forth the alleged violations of this Chapter;
3.
Describe the dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit or other premises
where the violations are alleged to exist or to have been committed;
4.
Provide a reasonable time, not to exceed sixty (60) days, for the
correction of any alleged violations, except up to one hundred twenty
(120) days may be allowed for the initial original inspection for
the correction of any alleged violations, and
5.
Be served on the owner, occupant, operator and/or agent of the dwelling,
dwelling unit or rooming unit personally or by certified mail addressed
to the last known place of residence of the owner, operator, or agent.
If upon a diligent effort to locate the owner, occupant, operator
or agent, none can be found, notice may be posted on or near the dwelling,
dwelling unit, rooming unit or premises described in the notice.
B.
Repairs And Corrective Action. Whenever an owner, operator,
agent of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit neglects or refuses
to make repairs or take other corrective action called for by order
or notice of violation issued by a compliance official, the City may
undertake such repairs or action when, in its judgment, the failure
to do so will substantially endanger the public health, safety or
welfare. The cost of such repairs and actions shall be charged to
the person or persons required to make such repairs.
[R.O. 2008 §520.170; Ord. No. 31-2004 §17, 11-8-2004]
The owner, operator or agent of a dwelling, dwelling unit or
rooming unit, which has been declared unfit for human habitation or
which is otherwise vacant for a period of thirty (30) days or more,
shall make it safe and secure so that it is not hazardous to the health,
safety or welfare of the public and does not constitute a public nuisance.
Any vacant dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit with open and unguarded
doors or windows shall be deemed to be a hazard to the health, safety
or welfare of the public and a public nuisance within the meaning
of this Section.
[R.O. 2008 §520.180; Ord. No. 31-2004 §18, 11-8-2004]
All complaints shall be made to the office of the Building Inspector
in writing on forms provided by that office. A twenty dollar ($20.00)
reinspection fee is required at the time of complaint by the person(s)
filing the complaint. If the situation is resolved without an inspector
having to review the property, the twenty dollar ($20.00) fee will
be refunded.
[R.O. 2008 §520.190; Ord. No. 31-2004 §19, 11-8-2004]
Any person aggrieved by any decision of any inspector from the
City may appeal the decision to the Building Inspector. No formalities
shall be required, but a written note or letter shall be provided
by the person making the appeal informing the Building Inspector of
the action taken by the City employee and the change requested.
[R.O. 2008 §520.200; Ord. No. 31-2004 §20, 11-8-2004]
Any violation of this Chapter is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
In addition to any other relief provided by this Chapter, the City
Attorney may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction
to prohibit the continuation of any violation of this Chapter. Such
application for relief may include seeking a temporary restraining
order, temporary injunction or permanent injunction.
