It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to
operate, let or rent to another for occupancy any residential rental
unit in the City of Altoona unless a residential rental unit license
has been issued by the Code Official.
Applications for license shall be made to the Code Official
on forms furnished by said office, which applications shall include:
A. The name, address and telephone number of the owner, or the owner's
authorized agent, and of the operator or person responsible. Every
owner who is not a full-time resident of the City of Altoona and who
does not reside within Blair County, Pennsylvania, shall designate
an operator or person responsible who shall reside within Blair County,
Pennsylvania.
B. The location of the structure by street and number.
C. The number of dwelling units available for occupancy at a single
address, structure or premises.
D. Name of current tenant or tenants at the time of license renewal.
E. A copy of a photographic identification, including, but not limited
to, a state-issued driver's license and/or federally issued passport.
F. Such other related information as the Code Official may reasonably
require.
With respect to existing rentals requiring licenses as required
by Section 570 hereof, all applications for permits shall be made on or before
July 31 of each year.
The Code Official's signature shall be attached to every permit
or license, or the Code Official may authorize a subordinate to affix
such signature thereto.
Conditional housing permits and residential rental unit license
shall be renewed annually on or before the 31st day of July each year.
No reduction shall be made for fractional yearly permits or licenses.
The permit and license and inspection fees shall be established from
time to time by resolution of City Council. In addition to any other
fee provided herein, a reinspection fee shall be established by resolution
of City Council from time to time and shall be assessed. Should the
violation, unlawful act or unsafe condition continue past the initial
reinspection, an additional reinspection fee shall be assessed on
the fifth and 10th days thereafter in an amount as established by
resolution of City Council from time to time. Should the violation,
unlawful act or unsafe condition continue beyond the maximum number
of reinspections, the City shall institute the appropriate proceeding
at law. Reinspection fees must be paid in full within 30 days.
The conditional housing permit or residential rental unit license
shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the owner's or operator's
office or public hall in structures that contain five or more dwelling
units. In all structures, the permit or license shall be accessible
by the owner or operator to produce upon request of the Code Official.
The intent is also served if the owner or operator does produce such
permit within 24 hours of request. The issuance of a conditional housing
permit or a residential rental unit license to an owner or operator
of rental property shall constitute consent for inspection of the
subject premises upon reasonable notice. The permit or license is
and shall remain the property of the City of Altoona's Code Enforcement
Department.
The terms and provisions of this chapter are not intended to
bar, preclude, or affect the right of the owner to pursue judicial
relief against a tenant for damage caused to a property or for which
a tenant is legally responsible.
There shall be established by the Code Official rules and regulations
for the implementation of this chapter. Such rules and regulations
shall be reviewed and approved by City Council and be passed by resolution.