The Maneater University of Missouri- Columbia Jan. Bi-weekly Student Newspaper (online and print) 2011 -Nichole Ballard
Council votes to enforce three tenants rule in rental properties City code states no more than three unrelated tenants may live in a single family property. By Nichole Ballard Published Jan. 19, 2011 The Columbia City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday to amend the city code regarding rental properties by inspecting properties more frequently and requiring compliance certificates when a property changes possession. City law states no more than three unrelated tenants may live together in a single family residence and no more than four unrelated tenants may live together in properties zoned otherwise. Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe said the issue was addressed as a result of what the council heard from citizens and their quality of life. “Clearly you can see the zoning is being violated,” said John Ott, a member of the Columbia Special Business District Board. “You're watching it.” Neighborhood Services Manager Leigh Britt said even if they suspect an occupancy violation, the city cannot lawfully enter and inspect the property without permission from the owner or landlord. “It’s tough to prove who’s living there and who’s visiting,” Mayor Bob McDavid said. “This is the best attempt we’ve come up with to put some teeth in that.” Rental applications for newly sold housing will now have to submit to a city inspection instead of inheriting the previous compliance certificate. The council said in addition to addressing occupancy problems, it will help with ensuring safety violations are caught before they cause harm or devalue housing. Feathers were ruffled between the Building Code Commission and the Environmental Energy Commission during public discussion at the meeting. Several members of the BCC spoke as well as EEC Council Leader Karl Skala. Disagreements in developing the residential building codes led to high tension between the two groups, but both came to the same conclusion that the $35,000 to hire an energy consultant would be a waste of money. The council agreed. The appropriation of funds for employee bonuses that had been tabled during the last city council meeting caused noticeable agitation from McDavid. “I can’t find this fund in the budget,” McDavid said. “It’s an $80,000 pool of funds.” McDavid suggested putting $55,000 in a council contingency fund, which he said the council was in need of. City Manager Bill Watkins said this year’s bonuses weren’t issued due to a forgetful oversight that wasn’t realized until the rebate check came in. Phase II of the Hominy Creek Trail, running from Woodridge Drive to Clark Lane, was authorized to begin construction. This portion of Phase II came with a $1.1 million price tag. “This is a beautiful project,” McDavid said. “It is a beautiful trail.” Council authorized the construction of a wetlands ecological restoration of the former Columbia Sewer Treatment Plant by Hinkson Creek. Plans for the restoration include restoring some native species, eliminating invasive species and constructing a viewing platform to overlook the wetlands. In its next meeting, the council plans to discuss raising parking meter fines to reflect levels in other cities.