POTENTIALITY, KEOKUK by Sahara Shrestha

POTENTIALITY, KEOKUK

Prepared by :

Sahara Shrestha Planning Intern Keokuk Chamber of Commerce May-August 2021

Table of contents: 1.

Case study of Pocket Neighbourhood What is Pocket Neighbourhood? Case Studies: ● Preston, Iowa ● Maquoketa Pocket Neighborhood ● Birdland area redevelopment plan ● Grinnell Garden Cottage LLC

Site Analysis Assessment of targeted blocks Housing assessment Excel sheet

Design proposal Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

4. Rental Registration Overview Rental registry package

5. Vacant House Registry Overview Vacant House Registry Package

6. Housing Acquisition Decision tree for Housing Acquisition

1. Case study of Pocket Neighbourhood

What is Pocket Neighbourhood? Pocket neighborhood is defined as a clustered group of houses gathered around a shared open space, either a garden courtyard, pedestrian street, joined backyard or alley that provides edge and boundary to the area (Ross Chapin). The main aim of pocket neighborhood is to develop a sense of community with the neighbors and maintain the public vitality of the space.

Preston, Iowa Overview: With the grants provided by AJ and Grants designed for East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), Research and proposal done by University of Iowa, office of outreach and engagement. It is a conceptual proposal on current empty land of Preston, Iowa. The total area is 3.25 Acre situated on the southwest edge of town. Each home will be less than 1000 sq.ft. The design proposal focuses on providing on edible landscaping, stormwater management. The proposal contains three design concepts with different approaches. The project timeline is three months after starting.

Design 1 Entrance welcomed by rain garden with flowers. Wooden bridge will provide access to the closely spaced home with access to community open space in the middle . private landscaping.

Design 2 Duplex housing with same floor layout as #1. Three duplex houses and four single family houses. Does not include a parking lot, has on street parking in order to minimize the extra space needed on the road. One way road counter clockwise. Gives more space for gardening. Has communal gazebo

Design 3 Same housing layout as #1. Rain garden in the center that collects water from the roof of the houses creates a focal point. Sidewalk around the garden will have benches. Has green house shed.

Selected Design ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

10 houses that is 0.11 acres of land west side has two dry detention basins that can hold a 25-year 24 hour storm East side of the open space- community oriented activities Northeast has the raised gardens where members can plant fresh fruit and vegetables East large shed give extra storage for extra tools The winding path is designed to give a pleasant stroll through trees, bushes, and flowers that leads to the high school. Rain garden acts as on site stormwater management tool Southeast side has a paved patio and pavilion combination

Cost Estimate The total estimated cost is $2,067,000. Each home costs $163,000, the site work costs $423,000, and the landscaping costs $9,000.

Conclusion This is a sample proposal for pocket neighborhood done by using Preston as a site location. However, the plan can be followed in other area with few changes in the details according to the site chosen.

Maquoketa Pocket Neighborhood Overview: A housing needs assessment completed in 2015 indicated that 300 new homes are needed in Jackson County by the year 2030.10 House Bear Home Cottage each 1064 sq. ft in 2.5 Acre plot. The project is a joint effort by East Central Intergovernmental Association, the City of Maquoketa, Jackson County and other entities. $150,000 and have two or three bedrooms with a two-car garage and unfinished basement. Six of the homes would be available to buyers with incomes at or below 80 percent of the county’s median income, which is about $35,800. The Project started at June 2019 and plans to finish in 2 years. ECDC has partnered with the Eastern Iowa Housing Trust Fund to provide the down payment assistance, and the Trust Fund is providing $24,999 per home toward construction costs.

Design The grouping of homes would be built around a central courtyard with all homes facing inward. Raised gardens, a green space for activities, and a pergola are possible included amenities, and a small homeowner’s association would be started, with associated fees, to pay for maintenance of the common areas. The involved developers and organisation are : ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

East Central Intergovernmental association (ECIA) East central development corporation (ECDC) Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Corporation (EIRHC HTF) East central Iowa Association of Realtors (ECIAOR) Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) City of Maquoketa Maquoketa State Bank Iowa Area development group (IADG) Iowa Association of Realtors Iowa Finance authority (IFA) Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility Mc Dough Foundation Jackson county Board of Supervisor Jackson county economic Alliance (JCEA) Community Foundation of Jackson County Theisen’s Home and Auto

Financing ●

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A $200,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines will enable the East Central Development Corp. to move forward with the Maquoketa Pocket Neighborhood project. Maquoketa City Council signed a contract with ECDC to do the project. The city plans to amend its Urban Renewal Plan to include the pocket neighborhood. The amendment would then allow the city to use TIF dollars to pay those infrastructure costs. The city would pay to install water, sewer and storm sewer services, then reimburse itself through TIF dollars. Each home will sell for about $160,000. The development corp. will offer buyers $10,000 in down-payment assistance. The Bear River Cottages have qualified as a finalist for the State Farm

Property Acquisition The land was bought for $10 from Jackson County. The signing of the development agreement is pending (s:·

https://www.maqnews.com/news/local/city-pocket-community-progresses/article_0653933e-3f5f-11e9-8c04-e3931764648e.html)

Birdland area Redevelopment Plan Overview: Devastating flood on 1993 and 2008 had destructive effect on Birdland area , Desmoine. Out of 270 homes only 54 remained. There were a number of vacant land. Among 120 residential lots 67 were vacant 53 were single family homes. The area was redeveloped in 2014. Greater DesMoine habitat will work to design a pocket neighborhood.The revitalization of bird land area included investment by GDM Habitat of over $44million through construction of Bird land Pocket Neighborhood,over 75 owner occupied repairs and 10 new construction. 23 single family homes (1100-1300 sq. ft). Began infrastructure work in the fall of 2017 with completion in the spring of 2018. Construction of 23 homes began in the spring pf 2018 and will be completed in the fall of 2019. ● ● ● ● ● ●

DesMoine Street Collective- gave every family member free bike Corteva- establish pollinators garden City of Des Moines Parks Area Foundation Union Park Neighborhood Association MSA

GDM Habitat worked with local engineering firm to begin the city of Desmoine Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. The zoning process reconfigure the existing parcel of land into buildable lots – completed in 2018

Design Facing each other. Parking behind the house and walk to front door with intention to create interactions Paved alley maintained by City of Desmoine

Grinnell Garden Cottage LLC Overview: It has 12 Cottage style home with front porch communal space. It is priced to be sold from $199,999 to $214,500. The land required for the project was purchased from the City of Grinell and City council approved a planned unit development rezoning to allow the project to be built.

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Developers: Grinnell Garden Cottages LLC (GGC) are owned by Glenn Lyons and Marilyn Arber, currently of Des Moines, Iowa Glenn and Marilyn also own and operate 571 Polson Developments LLC, an urban planning and real estate development consulting company whose work is focused in smaller cities and towns in Iowa. Grinnell, Innovative Construction Inc- local builder Lincoln Savings Bank- construction lender; also offering home mortgages and insurance to buyers. Ramsey-Weeks, Inc. - sales and marketing services Malcom Lumber- supplier

Design 2 and 3 bedroom , 1 and 1 ½ story family homes on lots that face a common landscaped green

2. Site Analysis

Housing assessment Excel sheet

3. Design Proposal

CONCEPT The viability is space is directly proportional to the types of housing an area has.

Selected parcels for redevelopment

Building Empty lots

Phase development

Housing condition

Phase 1 The phase one of the development proposes commercial building on three empty lot parcels: Parcel Id : 044521254270040 Address: 601 Blondeau , Keokuk Owner ship: City of keokuk Lot Dimensions: 100 x 140 Lot Area: 0.32 Acres;14000 SF Parcel Id : 0445212542701640 Address: 602 Concert , Keokuk Owner ship: City of Keokuk Lot Dimensions: 59.00 x 92.00 Lot Area: 0.13 Acres; 5428 SF

Parcel Id : 044521254270160 Address: 606 Concert , Keokuk Owner ship:City of Keokuk Lot Dimensions: 53.00 x 140.00 Lot Area: 0.17 Acres; 7420 SF

The height of the building is maintained to have building hierarchy. This area will focus on creating commercial space for business. Commercial activity are encouraged to have direct relation with the outdoor space in order to develop the viability of the area . This will eventually help to liven the area and attract people.

Phase 2 The phase two of the development proposes cottage housing in the four parcel adjacent to each other. Three type of design options are provided Parcel Id:044521254270060 Address: 123 N 7th Keokuk, IA , 52632 Owner ship: Wrienden, Richard Lot Dimensions: 35.00 x 110.00 Lot Area: 0.09 Acres;3850 SF Total gross Living Area:1238 SF Condition:Very Poor Parcel Id :044521254270070 Address: 125 N 7th Keokuk, IA Owner ship:Dawson, Jon Karl / Carl Deanne Lot Dimensions: 35.00 x 110.00 Lot Area: 0.09 Acres;3850 SF Total gross Living Area:1238 SF Condition:Very Poor

Parcel Id : 044521254270080 Address: 129 N 7th Keokuk, IA Owner ship: Tabb, Robert lee Lot Dimensions: 34.00 x 110.00 Lot Area: 0.09 Acres;3740 SF Total gross Living Area:1238 SF Condition: observed This phase focuses on back alley entrances for parking. Common open space is encouraged to create a pocket neighbourhood design approach. Historical significance of the type of house is conserved.

Design 1

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Row housing Parking layout different

Design 2

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Bigger front shared space Private and public open space buffer

Design 3

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Enclosed half-courtyard Shared space in the front

Phase 3 The phase three of the development proposes single and duplex housing with raised plinth level due to topography. The parkings are provided behind the house in order to increase the connection to the street. The two parcel is currently used by the school for parking.

4. Renters Registry

Renters Registry Under a Rental Registration Program, cities can keep track of who is renting out their properties and where those properties are. It is a database of all apartment buildings and other rental housing in the city. With Rental Registration, the city will have contact information for the owner of each building, as well as the property manager. Rental Registration Programs offer a way to keep track of code enforcement inspections. Rental Registration programs typically involve modest per building or unit fees to help with the costs of administering the program. Rental Registration can also be used as a means of authorizing landlords to operate in a community. If a landlord does not register property or does not abide by the property maintenance ordinances of a community, he/she could be placed on a register of noncompliance and, in extreme cases, could even be prevented from renting out properties in that community.

Problems Identiﬁed Lacks formal regulatory oversight of rental properties and tenant-landlord relations No formal registration - allowing landlords to rent out deteriorating units with no written lease agreement or oversight by the local government Deteriorating housing stock Lack of affordable rental units No reliable count of how many housing units are being rented or are available to rent No estimation of need for affordable housing, tenants lose the ability to assess the availability of housing units, and landlords do not have a comparison of other units An increasing number of decaying houses that do not meet standards for habitation The lack of control and action by the city has allowed for landlords to continue renting their units in disrepair No way to ensure the maintenance or control of units being rented, leaving tenants vulnerable to poor landlord practices.

Beneﬁts • Safety: The city will be able to contact owners or landlords at any time an emergency may occur. Unsafe conditions will be easier to spot and remedy when there are more inspectors visiting properties more often. Over time, increased inspections under a rental registration program will result in safer housing stock. • Neighborhood stability and property value protection: Rental properties will be inspected more often, which will prevent minor code infractions from developing into bigger problems. This protects the character of neighborhoods as well as the value of property for landlords and homeowners. • Rental accountability: The Rental Registration Program will be another tool to encourage landlords to be accountable for issues such as respecting the occupancy limit and lawful use of the dwelling, as well as maintaining sanitary and safe conditions. In extreme cases, a landlord may even be prevented from registering a property for rental if code violations are persistent, extensive, and serious and the landlord is uncooperative in pursuing corrections.

Things need to formulate Rental Registry 01 Rental Code and Ordinance

02 Marketing and public information

03 Education and Awareness

04 Implementation Strategy

How does this work?

01 City sends out registration application form, Inspection form and self checklist form

Property owners submit the application along with an annual fee which covers program administration and inspections

Inspection and report prep- decide on further re-inspection. 30 days to fulfill the missing compliance with the code

Inspection date finalised and notice of inspection sent

Rental Code ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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Title Purpose Definition Exemptions Registration of the rental property Fees established Inspection required Notice Rescheduling an inspection Code Compliance agreement Non exclusivity Self certification Retention of completed self certification forms Minimum structure standard for all dwellings Responsibility of owners relating to the maintenance and occupancy of premises Responsibility of occupants relating to the maintenance and occupancy of premises Penalties

Forms and Notice ●Rental registration form ●Rental Inspection notice ●Affidavit of rental property ●Notice for inspection ●Self certification checklist ●Rental code ●Tenant- landlord relationship code ●Change of ownership form ●Rental housing complaint form Mass email Along with the waterwork bill Radio Newspaper Social media Public notice program/workshop

Renters Registry Package

Rental Registry Package: The city of Keokuk doesn’t have rental housing inspection program. Without periodic inspection, the houses are being subjected to dilapidation and ultimately result in unsafe to habitat. The inspection allows the owner to maintain the houses in a acceptable manner so that high damage to the house can be minimized. This will result in better neighborhood, safe, sanitary and rise in housing stock. The authorization of this program should be done in Keokuk Municipal Code. This housing inspection package presents the draft of the things to be considered and implemented to formulate rental inspection in Keokuk. Definition: These definitions should be included in Code and should be edited after the draft is prepared. Necessary definition should be added. 1. Building oﬃcial: An employee of the city authorized by the city manager to supervise the building department. 2. Change in tenancy: Every time a new person begins residing in a rental housing unit 3. Engage in the business of rental housing: renting or offering to rent a rental housing unit

4. Housing inspector : Authorized by city to inspect the houses 5. Owner: recordholder of legal title 6. Rent: granting possession of building with payment or other consideration 7. Rental housing property: A parcel or property on the latest equalized tax assessment roll as maintained by the assessor upon which a rental housing unit is maintained. 8. Rental housing unit : A single unit that is rented. 9. Supplied facilities : The facilities and furniture that owner provide to the renters. 10. Local contact representative: It could be either owner or any person who has been given authority to make decision about the parcel. 11. Major violation: violation of rental code that express immediate threat to those who are living there. Registration of rental properties: All rental property of the city should be registered as mentioned in the code. Registration form, self-checklist form , inspection consent, responsibility of tenant form signed should be presented for registration along with the registration fee of $25. Each rental property should be registered followed by inspection every 3 years. A receipt of registration shall be provided to the property owner or the representative at the time of registration.

Registration of new/ converted property/ change in ownership shall be completed within 30 days of such activity. Property who fails to do so within the time frame may be subjected to late fees and penalties. (how much will be the late fee?) Utility billing are compared with the rental units to ensure the accurate records. Transfer of ownership : The rental property transferred should be re-register with new owner within 30 days of transfer or ownership. No refund for the registration will be given to the previous ownership if the transfer is Empty rental housing: The property with no tenant for more than (how many months?) will be considered vacant housing and shall be registered under vacant house in the city within (how many months?) of vacancy.

The owner should be present during inspection. Failed to be present or failed to notify about being absent (No show) will led to fines. If owner is not able to be present during the inspection, they should notify the city at least 14 days before the inspection date (how many days before?) . The inspection shall be reschedule to next 14 days. The rental property should be inspected within 6 months of registration and inspection should take place within 60 days of initial notice.The inspector should prepare the report within 72 hours and present to the city as well as the owner of the property. Follow up inspection may be required with respect to the condition of the property. One follow up will be free of cost while additional charge is applicable for further follow up. The follow up inspection should be scheduled according to the maintenance to be done. Major violation should be inspected sooner (when?)

Inspection schedule:

Rental Compliance certificate:

Every rental property should be inspected every 3 years. After registration of rental property, notice of inspection shall be provided by the city to the owner 30 days before the scheduled inspection date. The notice should mention the time , date and address of the rental property in detail and sent out to the owner, local representative and other required personnel.

For a properties that have undergone an inspection, Rental Compliance Certificiate is require to continue operating as a rental property. A provisional certificate will be provided to those property who have registered but yet to undergo inspection. Property without any of those certificate cannot rent the property.

Complaints: Nuisance complaints: If the nuisance enforcement program deals with the nuisance in rental property and is solved within the given time frame then no further coordination is needed. However if the nuisance is not addressed within the timeframe, it should go under rental registry and rental inspection program. Tenant complaint: Only current tenant may file complaint about the current property. Complaint shall me made in writing with proof of any pictures or letter sent to landlord. The tenant shall be required to certify that they have registered a complaint with the owner at least 14 days prior to filling complaint with the city. Information and training: The city will provide detailed information on the adapted program along with the FAQ and contact information for the questions. There will be information session and marketing about the program as the rental registry program is approved.

Rental housing self-inspection Form for housing Inspector

Rental Registration Form City of Keokuk, IA This form should be submitted every three years to City of Keokuk. □ New registration

□ Add or change renters

Rental Property Information Street Address:__________________________ State: ____________ City: ________________ Zip: ________________ Parcel Number: _________________________________________ Property type: □ Single family □ Multi family Total number of rental units: __________________

Property Owner Information Name:__________________________________ Street Address: _____________ City: ______________ Contact: ______________________________ Local Property Representative: Name:__________________________________ Street Address: _____________ City: ______________ Contact: ______________________________

Zip:_____________

Note: Registration fee: $25.00 Multi units: $25.00 for the first and $5.00 additional units

_______________ Signature

_____________________ Date

______________ Full Name

Date:_____________________ Inspection Property address:_______________________ Unit number: ______________ If not within housing code: landlord has 7 days to maintain Renter’s name:________________________________________ Contact Address: ________________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________ Landlord’s name: ________________________________________ Contact Address: ________________________________________ Contact Number: ________________________________________ 1. Surrounding: Overgrown vegetation, infestation, vermin, Discarded household items, vehicle, debris 2. Exterior façade: painted, Good condition, No ripped off walls, No graffiti 3. Windows : no broken glasses, good condition 4. Stairway: well secured and sturdy 5. Address number : 6. Roof ceilings: No leaks 7. Exterior Lighting: exterior light present and working, No exposed lighting 8. Entry Doors: Secure, standard deadbolts 9. Heaters: Permanently installed and properly functioning 10. Kitchen: sink working, good condition 11. Floors: Sanitary condition 12. Plumbing: Properly installed, no leaks and clogs 13. Water heaters: Water heaters are installed in an approved location and have seismic strapping, operable temperature relief valve & drain line, venting, and a minimum 120 degrees water temperature. 14. Smoke detectors: Working 15. Carbon monoxide detectors: every floor 16. Bathroom ventilation: present 17. GFCI: working 18. Electrical panel: Multi unit panels, no exposed wiring 19. Electrical : General outlet, switch , no exposed wiring 20. Fire extinguisher: Present in Kitchen area. I certify that I have inspected the aforementioned unit and that the unit complies with all the checklist items listed above. In addition, I have provided a copy of this completed checklist to the occupants of the unit inspected.

Acknowledgment of Tenant responsibility

Rental inspection permit

From housing code: Every occupant of a dwelling unit or rooming unit shall keep in a clean, safe and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling unit, rooming unit or premises thereof he occupies or controls. In addition, he shall be responsible for the following provisions:

Housing code of Keokuk should address the rental inspection necessity and should be referenced in the permit

(1)Electrical Wiring. No temporary wiring or extension cords shall be used except extension cords which run directly from portable electric fixtures to convenience outlets. The occupants shall not knowingly overload the circuitry of the dwelling unit. (2)Exits and Passageways. The occupant is responsible for maintaining free from obstruction all means of exit from his unit and not common to the exit of any other unit. (3)Fire Warning Systems. It is the duty of the occupant of every dwelling unit to inform the owner or operator of the dwelling unit of the failure or malfunction of any existing or of any required fire warning systems as it comes to his attention. It is the occupants responsibility to replace the batteries, as necessary, in battery-operated fire warning systems. (4)Garbage—Storage and Disposal. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall dispose of rubbish, garbage, and any other organic waste in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in the supplied disposal facilities or storage containers as required in Title 5 of this code. (5)Heating Facilities—Use and Operation. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care, proper use and proper operation of supplied heating facilities. (6)Plumbing fixtures. The occupants of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep all supplied plumbing fixtures therein in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care, proper use and proper operation thereof. (7)Storage of Refuse and Dangerous or Hazardous Materials. No dwelling or the premises thereof shall be used for the storage or handling of refuse. No dwelling or the premises thereof shall be used for the storage or handling of dangerous or hazardous materials. (8)Supplied Facilities. Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall keep all supplied fixtures and facilities therein in a clean and sanitary condition, and is responsible for the exercise of reasonable care, proper use and proper operation thereof. _____________ Signature

Contact Information: Date of request: ________________________________________ Property owner: ________________________________________ Rental address: ________________________________________ Mailing address: ________________________________________ Phone number: ________________________________________ Email address: ________________________________________

______________________________ Owners signature

Rental inspection checklist Inspection date: ______________ Following is a list of what the housing inspector will be looking for during inspections but is not all inclusive: ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE 1. Property and units registered with the City 2. Ownership and contact information clearly defined on the registration form. 3. Registration fees paid. 4. Landlord contact information posted visibly on site. PROPERTY INSPECTION: 1. Fire extinguisher. 2. Smoke detector(s) for the sleeping area(s), one in each bedroom, one for each floor. Carbon monoxide detector(s), one for each habitable floor 3. All egress or rescue windows from sleeping rooms shall have a minimum net clear opeing of 5.0 square feet at grade level and 5.7 square feet elsewhere and not to exceed 44" off floor. 4.

Ceiling heights according to housing code

5. Electrical: service size, wiring, proper fusing, no extension cords. Minimum 100 amp service for single and duplex houses. 6. Plumbing: proper connections, adequate facilities and water pressure, proper venting of fixtures and no plastic water lines for potable water. 7. Gas piping: type used, flexible connections, gas valves--no aluminum or copper gas lines allowed 8. Water heaters * proper pressure/temperature relief valve, blow downleg off pressure relief, proper chimney and combustion air.

Furnaces * properly installed, combustion air, approved gas lines, gas shut off, safe chimney.

* with the exception of direct vent appliances, units are prohibited from being located in bedrooms or bathrooms or in other confined space opening into such rooms. 10. Cleanliness of each unit, condition of floor covering and type used, condition of walls and ceilings and windows. 11.

Windows: all require screens and storms.

12.

Stairs, steps: handrails required for 4 or more risers.

13.

Evidence of lead based paint: no peeling paint allowed.

14.

Pest infestation: owner/occupant responsibilities.

15.

Occupant's care and use of all supplied facilities.

16.

Proper maintenance of accessory buildings

17.

Garbage service required

18.

Rainwater drainage equipment to be maintained in good condition.

19.

Off-street parking for tenants required.

20.

Condition of yard: grass when possible, no bare spots or holes in yard.

21.

Room arrangement: no access to bedroom through bath or other bedroom

Notice for inspection Date : Date:

Address:

Address to be inspected:

Re:

_________________________________

Final Notice for Rental Registration

________________________________

This letter is to inform that our office has received information identifying the above property as a rental. A letter was previously sent with detailed information about registration of the property and allow for inspection as defined by the City of Keokuk Code of Ordinances.

Owner: ________________________

This preperty has not been registered as rental and has not passed inspection. To ensure the property complies with the City of Keokuk Code of Ordinance the enclosed registration form , Self Inspection form, Tenant responsibility and registration fee of $25 should be submitted to the city within 14 days of this notice. This letter is to inform about the scheduled inspection on :_________________________. The owner, local contact representative, housing inspector and city representative should be present during the inspection. The owner should inform city 14 days before the scheduled inspection date if they cannot make it to the inspection.

If the property is rental and have not completed the registration work, legal action will be taken.

City of Keokuk Sincerely, City of Keokuk

5. Vacant House Registry

Vacant House Registry Vacant house registry program identifies and registers the vacant structure of the city. It governors the responsibility of the owners of vacant house. It may provide incentives to maintain and remodel the structure to productive use. The cost of burden of vacant structure will be directed from the citizen to owner of vacant structure.

Problems Identiﬁed Lacks formal regulatory oversight of the properties No formal registration Deteriorating housing stock Neighbourhood aesthetic No reliable count of how many housing units are abandoned

An increasing number of decaying houses that do not meet standards for habitation The lack of control and action by the city No way to ensure the maintenance or control of houses

Vacant House Registry Package

Vacant housing inspection package

The population if Keokuk is around 10,320 among which 25.4% lived under poverty. There are many houses that are illegally occupied, squatted or abandoned. The city doesn’t have a standard inspection and record of those houses. The city needs vacant property registry in order to track the whereabouts of house so that necessary action should be taken. It helps to improve the health and safety of the public, uplift the neighborhood aesthetics and help in housing stock.

Registration of vacant properties: The owner shall register an abandoned building with the Building and Neighborhood service division not later than 30 calendar days after any building in the city becomes abandoned or vacant. Necessary penalties and fine are charged for the failure of registration. The registration form along with registration charge (40$) and inspection permit should be presented while submitting the registration. Terms of registration: Registration term: Every licence issued under this chapter shall expire on December 31 of the year in which issued and shall become delinquent on March 31 of the year date.

The authorization of this program should be done in Keokuk Municipal Code with respect to SWection 657 A of Iowa Code. . This housing inspection package presents the draft of the things to be considered and implemented to formulate vacant housing registration and inspection in Keokuk.

Transfer to new owner: Registration can be transferred from one owner to another through notice to city of Keokuk.

Definition:

Penalty:

These definitions should be included in Code and should be edited after the draft is prepared. Necessary definition should be added.

All property may be registered 60 days before the expiration date. The registration is due January 1. Application and registration fee can be paid until March 31 without Penalty.

1. Abandoned building : any building or portion thereof which meets the criteria set forth in iowa code 657A, 10 A.

Inspection schedule:

Annual inspection should be allowed to the city by the owner. Owner, city official, housing inspector should be present while inspection. Inspection date should be provided by the owner. Then city will contact owner to schedule the inspection date.

Vacant house may not be abandoned house.

3. Building code: The international residential Code promulgated by the International Code Council adopted by the city. 4. Nuisance: Chapter 5 Health and Sanitation danger and Chapter 15 Building and construction

Non transferable: Registration shall not be transferred from one building to another.

Vacant house Registration Form City of Keokuk, IA This form should be submitted after declaration of nuisance property by the court

Property Information Street Address:__________________________ State: ____________ City: ________________ ________________ Parcel Number: _________________________________________ Property type: □ Single family □ Multi family Total number of rental units: __________________

Zip:

Owner Information Name:__________________________________ Street Address: _____________ City: ______________ Zip:_____________ Contact: ______________________________ Local Property Representative: Name:__________________________________ Street Address: _____________ City: ______________ Zip:_____________ Contact: ______________________________ Charge:

Nuisance property checklist: Following is a list of what the housing inspector will be looking for during inspections but is not all inclusive: Present during inspection: Name: Signature: 1.

Property tax delinquent :

Utilities connection :

Occupied :

Housing code/ safe for living:

Deterioration of building :

Secured from trespassing :

Past effort to rehabilitate:

Presence of vermin:

Effort by city to maintain :

10. Past or current compliance of order: 11. Any other consideration :

_______________ _________ Signature

_____________________ Date

Full Name

Representative signature : ________________ Owner signature: _____________________

Order to register vacant / abandoned structure

Parcel Number : _________________ Property owner: ___________________

The city has confirmed that a vacant structure exists at ____________ . In accordance with the City of Keokuk Code , Chapter _______, it is required that vacant properties should be registered and inspected annually. Registration charge of $40 should be paid. Properties that fail to register may be subjected to fine over $1000. If you have any question concerning this matter, please contact at __________

Sincerely, City

6. Housing Acquisition

Ways to acquire Home

Nuisance Abatement

Acquisition through Tax sale

Award of title through court

Condemnation and acquisition of title to nuisance residential property

- Name and address of defendant - description of infraction attested to by the oﬃcer issuing the citation - location and time of infraction - amount - $750 for ﬁrst offense and $1000 for repeated offense - time and place of court appearance - penalty for failure - legal description of affected real property

NUISANCE ABATEMENT

Informal Process

Administrative process

Municipal Infraction

District court search warrant

Beyond Minor Nuisance

Issue Civil Citation Order to Abate Nuisance Minor violation

Contacting owner

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Politely Notifying

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● Section 364.22: Cities are allowed to issue civil citation for violation of municipal code

Location and description of nuisance Order to abate the nuisance by taking specific action Order to abate by specific date Advise property owner of right to request a hearing before the city council or council designee within a certain period of time If not abated on time : abate the nuisance and collect cost like property tax, file civil citation to initiate municipal infraction

court can approve a consent decree negotiated by city and property owner If proceeding goes to trial, civil penalty directing speciﬁc action and time period to abate the nuisance to property owner If failed to abate

- hold property owner in contempt -civil penalty - authorise abate the nuisance - order city's cost of abating the nuisance - city will pay for attorney , court cost

“Abandoned”

Defining abandoned housing Section 657 A

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Vacant Occupied by trespasser Violation of municipal code

“....Means that a building is vacant, or is occupied only by trespassers and in violation of the housing code or building code of the city in which the property is located or the housing code or building code applicable in the country in which the property is located if outside the limits of a city.”

Acquisition of title through sale tax

4 codes

City negotiation for voluntary assignment of tax sale certiﬁcate ( section 466.31)

City purchase of abandoned housing property at tax sale (Section 446.19 A)

Right to Redeem

Provide written notice to property owner of their right to redeem the property

The city, as a certificate holder, file affidavit of the service to the property owner with the county treasurer

City purchase of tax sale certiﬁcate for abandoned housing property from certiﬁcate holder (Section 446.19 A)

Redeveloper purchase of tax sale certiﬁcate at “public nuisance” tax sale (Section 446.19 B)

(Section 448. 15 ) after receiving tax sale deed and taking possession of property, city can ﬁle aﬃdavit giving any interested person claiming rights to property within 120 days . If not such claim received, city receives title to property and may sell it.

If property owner does not redeem a property within timeframe, a tax sale deed is issued to the certiﬁcate holder

holder must then return the certiﬁcate of purchase and remit the appropriate deed issuance fee and recording fee to the county treasurer within 90 days after the redemption period expires

4 codes

City negotiation for voluntary assignment of tax sale certiﬁcate ( section 466.31)

Initial redemption period : 18 months after tax sale

City might be able to acquire a certiﬁcate for less than total principal and interest if property is in poor condition with little chance the owner will redeem the property by paying

Redemption Period after notice served on property owner: 90 days

city could buy if ordinance authorise

City purchase of abandoned housing property at tax sale (Section 446.19 A)

ﬁle with county treasurer a veriﬁed statement that the parcel is abandoned

city can purchase and get the tax sale certiﬁcate and tax sale certiﬁcate can be sold to interested client

Initial redemption period : 3 months after tax sale Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days cost: city incurs no cost as tax on property are charged off to city

4 codes

On or before May 15th city presents list of parcel declared as abandoned

Redeveloper purchase of tax sale certiﬁcate at “public nuisance” tax sale (Section 446.19 B)

Initial redemption period : 3 months after tax sale On day of tax sale, treasurer separately offers such property who has entered the agreement to rehabilitate those place

Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days

city could buy if ordinance authorise City purchase of tax sale certiﬁcate for abandoned housing property from certiﬁcate holder (Section 446.19 A)

city file verified statement with county treasurer identifying a parcel sold at tax sale as abandoned property. city may require the purchaser of tax sale certificate to assign the certificate to the city by paying the holder the total amount of principal and interest

Initial redemption period : 18 months after tax sale Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days cost: principal and interest due to tax sale certiﬁcate paid to certiﬁcate holder

Consideration for abandoned housing

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Award of title to abandoned property by court

city gives petition to court to give title to abandoned property

petition should include : legal description of property ﬁled with district court serve notice to owner

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● ● if all notice sent to all parties. either consented to the entry of awarding title to the city or did not make a good faith effort to comply with the order of the city within 60 days after the petition was ﬁled

if court declares abandoned, award title to city " free and clear of any claims, liens or encumbrances held by the respondents"

● ● ●

●

If property taxes or special assessments were delinquent when the petition was filed If utilities are currently being provided If the building is unoccupied If the building meets the city’s housing code and safe for living If the building is exposed to the elements such that deterioration of the building is occurring If building is boarded up or otherwise secured from unauthorized entry Past efforts to rehabilitate the building and grounds The presence of vermin, accumulation of debris and uncut vegetation The effort by the petitioning city to maintain the building and grounds Past and current compliance with orders of the local housing or building code official Any other evidence the court deems relevant

Condemnation & Acquisition of Title to Nuisance Residential Property

Administrative search warrant

issue municipal infraction citation

administrative search warrant

Preliminary Inspection of building 657 A . IA

No sooner than 135 days after a property has become vacant, a person (other than Gov) may request for inspection and certify that it is abandoned. Person requesting inspection shall provide written notice of schedule inspection by first class mail to owner and interested person 20 days before inspection. Notice : date time of inspection and allowing the access Findings provided to person requesting the inspection, owner and interested parties May charge a fee for employed responsible building inspection official Search warrant : section 808.14 needed

No sooner than after 30 days of preliminary inspection and 6 months after the building has become abandoned, petition for abatement is filed in district court

Petition Section 657A.2

Petition includes legal description of property and sent to interested person , property owner through mail Any evidence against the abandonment of housing should be presented 10 days before the hearing If declared abandoned: court issue injunction requiring owner to correct any condition of nuisance If not declared abandoned : court dismiss the petition and petitioner pay attorney fees Hearing after 60 days of petition

Court establish date before which interested person file written proof of intent showing ability to work to abate nuisance.

Interested persons Section 657 A. 3

All amounts expended to abate are lien on property if expenditure approved in advance by judge and if person desires lien unless has contract with owner If a certified copy of a court order approving the expenses and the terms of payment for lien, and description of the property are filed within 30days of the date of issuance of the order in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is located, the lien has the same priority as the mortgage of a receiver. If no interested person, court takes responsibility to appoint receiver (657 A. 4) Special rehabilitation plan for building in historic district

Determination of costs of abatement Section 657 A. 5

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Estimate cost to abate Estimate income and expense after completion Needs for financing for performance If Repair and rehabilitation not feasible then cost of demolition

Demolition is not issued unless requesting person have paid all the cost of demolition, mortgage.

Take possession and manage

Power and duties of receiver Section 657A. 6

Pay expenses of operation and conserving such as utilities, insurance, taxes etc Pay mortgage, liens Obtain mortgage insurance for receiver’s mortgage from agency of federal government

if all notice sent to all parties. either consented to the entry of awarding title to the city or did not make a good faith effort to comply with the order of the city within 60 days after the petition was filed

Condition to be abandoned any other evidence the court deems relevant past/current compliance with orders of housing or building code effort by city to maintatin building

if court declares abandoned, award title to city " free and clear of any claims, liens or encumbrances held by the respondents"

city gives petition to court to give title to abandoned property

issue municipal infraction citation

petition should include : legal description of property filed with district court serve notice to owner

administrative search warrant

Condemnation and acquisition of title to nuisance residential property

Award of title to abandoned property by court

city nuisance code

To acquire an abandoned house

Section 448.15

secured from unauthorized entry property taxes were deliquent

Codes related

meets housing code exposed element, deterioration of building

Is the house abandoned?

Ways to acquire

Section 657.2 Whatever is injurious to health, indecent, or unreasonably offensive to the senses or an obstruction to the free use of property so as essentially to interfere unreasonably with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property

Section 364.12

Nuisance abatement process

Acquisition of title through Tax sale

Administrative Process

Chapter 446 - possession of building through 657 A

Municipal Infraction Section 364.22

Minor violation

Order to abate nuisance

beyond minor nuisance

Contacting owner Politely notifying

Identifies several specific requirement for abatement

Solution to abate of nuisance

police officers Elected official

specific example of nuisance

Chapter 446

Assigning nuisance code enforcement duties

Informal Process

requires tax sale certificate holders to provide written notice to property owners of their right to redeem the property

Section 657

City employee Code enforcement officer

allows city to file affidavit after receiving tax sale deed so that any person interested can claim the property within 120 days. if not the city

Section 447.9

utilities are provided is building occupied

acquire title to nuisance residential property through condemnation " for public purpose of disposing of property under section 364.7 by conveying the property to a private for rehabilitation or demolition

Section 364.12 A

past effort to rehabilitation

-Location and description of nuisance -order to abate the nuisance by taking specific action -order to abte by specific date -advise property owner of right to request a hearing before the city council or council designee within a certain period of time -if not abated on time : abate the nuisance and collect cost like property tax, file civil citation to initiate municipal infraction

4 codes for aquisition

cities are allowed to issue civil citation for violation of municipal code

- Name and address of defendant - description of infraction attested to by the officer issuing the citation - location and time of infraction - amount - $750 for first offense and $1000 for repeated offense - time and place of court apperance - penalty for failure - legal description of affected real property

issue civil citation

If proceeding goes to trial, civil penalty directing specific action and timeperiod to abate the nuisance to property owner

if failed to abate

- hold property owner in contempt -civil penalty - authorise abate the nuisance - order city's cot of abating the nuisance - city will pay for attorney , court cost

Definition

Right to redeem

Tax sale is the sale of real estate property that results when a taxpayer reaches a certain point of delinquency in their owned property tax payment.

provide written notice to property owners of their right to redeem the property

the city, as a certificate holder, file affidavit of the service to the property owner with the county treasurer.

If property owner does not redeem a property within timeframe, a tax sale deed is issued to the certificate holder

holder must then return the certificate of purchase and remit the appropriate deed issuance fee and recording fee to the county treasurer within 90 days after the redemption period expires

(Section 448. 15 ) after receiving tax sale deed and taking possession of property, city can file affidavit giving any interested person claiming rights to property within 120 days . If not such claim received, city receives title to property and may sell it.

court can approce a consent decree negotiated by city and property owner

City negotiation for voluntary assignment of tax sae certificate ( section 466.31)

City purchase of abandoned housing property at tax sale ( section 446.19 A)

City might be able to acquire a certificate for less than total principal and interest if property is in poor condition with little chance the owner will redeem the property by paying

Intial redemption period : 18 months after tax sale Redemption Period after notice served on property owner: 90 days

city could buy if oridinance authorise file with county treasurer a verified statement that the parcel is abandoned city can purchase and get the tax sale certificate tax sale certificate can be sold to interested client

Initial redemption period : 3 months after tax sale Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days cost: city incurs no cost as tax on property are charged off to city

city could buy if oridinance authorise

City purchase of tax sale certificate for abandoned housing property from certificate holder ( section 446.19 A)

city file verified statement with county treasurer identifying a parcel sold at tax sale as abandoned property.

city may require the purchaser of tax sale certificate to assign the certificate to the city by paying the holder the total amount of principal and interest

Redeveloper purchase of tax sale certificate at "public nuisance" tax sale (section 446.19 B)

if property owner doesnot perform an action required by a city within a reasonable amount of time city may perform action and assess the cost against the property for collection in the same mnner as a property tax

Initial redemption period :18months

Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days cost: principal and interest due to tax sale certificate paid to certificate holder

on or before may 15th city presents lsit of parcel declared as abandoned

Initial redemption period :3months after tax sale

on day of tax sale, treasurer separately offers such property who has entered the agreement to rehabilitate those place

Redemption period after notice served on property owner : 90 days cost: city incurs no cost. redeveloper pays all

Tax sale cetificate validates the amount of unpaid taxes and assessment on the property described in the certificate Tax lien cetificate is a legal document that allows the holder to collect outstanding property taxes owned for a piece of real estate When a property owner fails to pay their property taxes, a tax agency can issue a tax lien certificate. these certificate can then be sold through an auction format

Tax certificate is a report detailing the individual taxing authorities for a property. provides comprehensive description of assessed value of the property, taxes imposed on property, tax liens, any exemption

abatement- decrease in assessed valuation of property resulting in lower real estate taxes. exemption: credit towards the real estate taxes because the owner qualifies for one or more of the available personal exemption.

if court declares abandoned, award title to city " free and clear of any claims, liens or encumbrances held by the respondents"

administrative search warrant

issue municipal infraction citation

Condition to be abandoned any other evidence the court deems relevant past/current compliance with orders of housing or building code effort by city to maintatin building

petition should include : legal description of property filed with district court serve notice to owner

city gives petition to court to give title to abandoned property

administrative search warrant

Condemnation and acquisition of title to nuisance residential property

Award of title to abandoned property by court

city nuisance code

Section 448.15

secured from unauthorized entry property taxes were deliquent

Section 364.12 A

past effort to rehabilitation

To acquire an abandoned house

allows city to file affidavit after receiving tax sale deed so that any person interested can claim the property within 120 days. if not the city

Section 447.9

Is the house abandoned?

Ways to acquire

Codes related

requires tax sale certificate holders to provide written notice to property owners of their right to redeem the property

Section 657

utilities are provided is building occupied meets housing code exposed element, deterioration of building

Section 364.12

Nuisance abatement process

Assigning nuisance code enforcement duties

City employee Code enforcement officer

Informal Process

Administrative Process

Section 364.22

police officers Elected official

Chapter 446 - possession of building through 657 A

Municipal Infraction

Minor violation

Order to abate nuisance

beyond minor nuisance

Contacting owner Politely notifying

issue civil citation

Acquisition of title through Tax sale

4 codes for aquisition

cities are allowed to issue civil citation for violation of municipal code

if failed to abate

- hold property owner in contempt -civil penalty - authorise abate the nuisance - order city's cot of abating the nuisance - city will pay for attorney , court cost

Identifies several specific requirement for abatement

Chapter 446 Solution to abate of nuisance