Title
Residential Rental Unit Permit and Inspection Program Update (B)
This item includes an update on the Residential Rental Unit Permit and Inspection Program and proposed program efficiencies.
Explanation
In September 2020, the Residential Rental Unit Permit and Inspection Program was adopted by Ordinance, and staff was directed to come back to the Commission during the first year of the program to provide an update. This item is to provide an update on the program and propose modifications to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.
In October 2021, the program was implemented by the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD). Since that time, DSD has processed approximately 15,000 applications, issued approximately 7,000 Residential Unit Permits, and through the City’s inspection vendor, CAP Government Inc. (CAP), conducted approximately 400 rental housing inspections. The City is currently working on verifying the status of approximately 8,500 units that either have not returned an application or have claimed an exemption from the program. Results from the initial inspections are currently being returned to owners via mail.
Over the five months that the program has been in place, several process improvements have been identified for Commission consideration:
1. The self-inspection checklist requirement for issuance of the Rental Permit had initially resulted in delays in processing approximately several hundred permits. The City provided an extension of time to turn in the checklists however, there are approximately 100 applications that are still missing the self-inspection form. Staff recommends the Commission consider continuing to use the form as an informational tool but revise the ordinance to remove completion of the form as a prerequisite for permit issuance.
2. The current contract with CAP Government, Inc. has posed some logistical challenges. Currently, University of Florida students hired by CAP are conducting in-person docu...
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