No annual license for a rental dwelling unit (RDU) shall be
issued under this chapter unless the applicant shall certify in writing,
on a form prepared by the Town, that:
A. Each such RDU has a functioning smoke detection device and those
other safety devices required by the Delaware Office of the State
Fire Marshal.
B. The number and occupancy of people per unit or building is in compliance
with the Town's Housing Code, Building Code and Zoning Ordinance.
C. The license holder shall maintain the appearances of the dwelling,
parking area and grounds.
D. The license holder or applicant avers that the unit meets the current
applicable federal and state laws and local ordinances, including
but not limited to the Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, Housing Code,
and other health and safety and fire codes applicable within the Town
of Georgetown.
Each person, partnership or other entity who rents to or offers to rent a rental dwelling unit property within the Town of Georgetown shall register to obtain a rental unit license and pay an annual fee as specified in Town Code Chapter
98, Fees, §
98-6. The Town reserves the right to review and amend the annual license fee and shall give the license holders 60 days' notice of any change to the annual fee.
Each rental license shall include the name and address of the
owner; address of the property; email and phone number of owner and
property manager; and shall note the maximum number of residents that
can occupy the property. The license shall display the phone number
of the Town Code Enforcement Officer for the registration of any complaints
regarding the property. This notice shall be in English and Spanish.
The license shall be displayed on an interior surface nearest to the
main source of entry.
A pre-license inspection is required on all new rental dwelling unit properties at the applicant's expense. The Town Manager or his designee shall develop and maintain an inspection program and checklist for inspection of RDU properties. The fee for such inspection shall be as specified in Chapter
98 and to be paid at the time of application. Any additional fees required by the inspection that are not normally required will be invoiced. If a license lapses, or there is a change in ownership, a pre-license inspection and fee shall be required as if it were new.
Failure to license or relicense the property within 30 calendar days is subject to penalties as specified in Town Code Chapter
1, General Provisions, §
1-13. If an RDU is not licensed within the 30 calendar days noted above, the property must remain vacant until such time as the owner complies with licensure requirements.
Issuance of an annual rental dwelling unit property license
shall be January 1 through December 31.
Fees shall be as adopted in Chapter
98, Fees, §
98-6, of the Town Code.