HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Packet for 02/26/2018
AGENDA
Committee of the Whole Meeting
5:30 PM - Monday, February 26, 2018
7th Floor, Conferencing Center, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
1. Source of Income Discrimination
a) Issue paper
b) Frequently Asked Questions
2. Safe and Healthy Housing Recommendations
a) Issue Paper
b) Inspection Checklist
c) Residential Rental Checklist
d) Presentation
3. Renton River Days Funding Alternatives
a) Newsletter
b) Presentation
h:\ced\planning\title iv\other title iv code amendments\soid\3. memo to cc - soid.docx
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: February 26, 2018
TO: Ed Prince, Council President
Members of Renton City Council
VIA: Denis Law, Mayor
FROM: C. E. “Chip” Vincent, CED Administrator
STAFF CONTACT: Paul Hintz, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Source of Income Discrimination – Consideration of Expanded
Protections
Renton Municipal Code contains a source of income discrimination (SOID) ordinance that
prohibits housing practices deemed discriminatory against people who use a Section 8 housing
voucher to pay for housing. On September 11, 2017 the Committee of the Whole was provided a
comparison of jurisdictions that have adopted SOID legislation because some SOID ordinances
extend beyond just Section 8 housing vouchers by including other housing subsidy programs and
defining sources of income to include those monies secured by means other than wages.
On December 12, 2018, the Committee of the Whole (COW) received a memo answering
questions raised during the September 11 meeting. The COW voiced their concerns with an
expanded SOID ordinance and gave staff direction to commence work to provide two options for
later consideration: (1) an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against individuals participating
in other local, state, or federal housing subsidy programs, or gaining income through verifiable
sources other than wages, regardless of the duration of such benefits/income; and (2) an
ordinance that would allow a prospective landlord to exclude benefits or sources of income that
have a known sunset date occurring within the lease term.
The COW also requested a guide to help landlords understand the effects of any potential
legislation; a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has been prepared and is enclosed
with this memo. (Please note that the FAQ has been drafted based on Option #2 described
above). In addition to the information provided by the FAQ, please consider the drafted key
changes to the original SOID ordinance as summarized below:
Define "alternative source of income" as lawful, verifiable income derived from sources
other than wages, salaries, or other compensation for employment. It includes but is not
limited to monies derived from Social Security benefits, supplemental security income,
unemployment benefits, etc.
Define “Section 8 or other subsidy program” as a housing choice voucher or certificate
issued under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) or
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
Renton City Council Committee of the Whole
Page 2 of 2
February 26, 2018
h:\ced\planning\title iv\other title iv code amendments\soid\3. memo to cc - soid.docx
any other federal, state or local government, private nonprofit, or other assistance
programs in which a tenant's rent is paid either partially by the program (through a
direct arrangement between the program and the owner or lessor of the real property),
and partially by the tenant, or completely by the program.
Require that if a landlord elects to apply an income-to-rent ratio as a screening criterion
that such calculation be done in the following manner:
Any payment from a Section 8 or other subsidy program that reduces the
amount of rent for which the tenant is responsible must be subtracted from the
total of the monthly rent.
All sources of income must be included as a part of the tenant's total income,
except in situations where the rental housing unit is subject to income and/or
rent restrictions in a housing regulatory agreement or subsidy agreement and
income is determined pursuant to the agreement.
The only difference between Option #1 and Option #2: Option #2 will allow a landlord
to exclude from any rent-to-income ratio screening those subsidy benefits or alternative
sources of income with a known sunset date occurring with the lease term.
AGENDA ITEM #1. a)
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Source of Income Protections, Renton’s Fair Housing Regulations, Chapter 6-32 RMC
Frequently Asked Questions
For the last 2 years, discrimination against a person who uses a Section 8 voucher to pay for rental housing
has been illegal. On Month Day, 2018, new protections went into effect that expanded fair housing
protections for renters who use sources of income other than wages or who use subsidies to pay for housing
costs. These new protections were added to Renton’s Fair Housing Regulations, Chapter 6-32 of Renton
Municipal Code (RMC).
The Renton Code Compliance Division (Code Compliance) and City Attorney’s Office are responsible for
administering and enforcing these regulations.
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document addresses some of the most common questions about
Renton’s new source of income protections (Renton Municipal Code, Chapter 6-32).
IMPORTANT NOTE: This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations. The reader is
responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. Overview of the Protections .................................................................................................................... 2
B. Participation in a Section 8 or Subsidy Program ...................................................................................... 2
C. Protections for Using Alternative Sources of Income .............................................................................. 3
D. Requirements around Screening Criteria................................................................................................. 3
E. Cooperation with Subsidy Programs ........................................................................................................ 4
F. Enforcement and Remedies ..................................................................................................................... 5
G. Appendix – Question 8 ............................................................................................................................. 6
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
2 This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations.
The reader is responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
A. OVERVIEW OF THE PROTECTIONS
The following questions and answers provide an overview of the new protections.
1. What do these protections do?
The protections:
Prohibit discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income to pay for
housing; and
Set new requirements when a landlord uses income screening criteria, such as rent-to-income
ratios.
2. When did these protections go into effect?
The protections went into effect on Month Day, 2018.
B. PARTICIPATION IN A SECTION 8 OR SUBSIDY PROGRAM
The regulations prohibit discrimination against renters who use subsidies to pay for housing. The following
addresses what is considered a subsidy under the regulations.
3. What changed?
Prior to Month Day, 2018, the Renton Municipal Code provided protections against discrimination for
individuals who participated in the housing choice voucher program (Section 8).
After Month Day, 2018, that definition has been expanded to include any subsidy program offered by a
government program, a private nonprofit, or any other assistance program that pays all or part of a
tenant’s rent. These additional kinds of subsidy programs include, but are not limited to, the Housing
Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) vouchers, U.S. Housing and Urban Development-Veteran Affair’s
Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, and Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) funds.
4. What are the regulatory requirements regarding “Section 8 or other subsidy program” used for
payment of housing costs?
The regulations prohibit a landlord from denying a person housing or offering different terms to a
person because of the use of a Section housing choice voucher or other housing subsidy benefits to pay
for housing. The new regulations protect a tenant’s use of subsidy benefits to pay for housing, and
require such benefits be included when landlords calculate income criteria in their tenant screening
process. However, housing subsidy benefits with a definitive sunset date occurring within the initial
lease term may be excluded.
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
3 This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations.
The reader is responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
C. PROTECTIONS FOR USING ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF INCOME
The regulations prohibit discrimination against renters who use alternative sources of income to pay for
housing. The following questions and answers explore what is an alternative source of income and the new
requirements.
5. What is an “alternative source of income”?
Alternative sources of income include any lawful, verifiable income that comes from sources other than
employment. This includes monies from Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, retirement
programs, child support, the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Case Assistance Program, Refugee Cash Assistance,
or any federal, state, local government, private, or nonprofit administered benefit program.
6. What are the regulatory requirements regarding “alternative sources of income?”
The regulations prohibit a landlord from denying a person housing or offering different terms to a
person because of the source of income a person uses to pay for housing or living expenses. The new
regulations protect a tenant’s use of alternative sources of income to pay for housing, and requires
alternative sources of income be included when landlords calculate income criteria in their tenant
screening process. However, sources of income with a definitive sunset date occurring within the initial
lease term may be excluded.
7. The definition of alternative source of income means lawful, verifiable income from sources other
than employment. What does “verifiable” mean?
Verifiable means that the amount of the income can be proven or the fact that it was received can be
proven. An applicant must have written documentation that shows either the amount of income or that
the income has been received. The written documentation must also name the source of the income.
For example, an award letter from the Employment Security Department that shows the
weekly/monthly benefit amount for unemployment insurance is considered “verifiable.”
An applicant can provide multiple documents that together identify the source of income and its
amount or that it was received. If an applicant provides more than one document, only one of the
documents needs to identify the source of income.
8. Must applicants provide original copies of the written documentation?
No. The documents do not have to be original copies. As a best practice, an applicant should ensure that
original copies are available upon request and that copies are legible.
D. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING INCOME SCREENING CRITERIA
The regulations do not prohibit landlords from applying income screening criteria in their application
processes. However, landlords are required to subtract subsidy amounts from the total amount of monthly
rent and include all sources of income, including alternative sources, when calculating an applicant’s
income. The following questions and answers explore these requirements in more detail.
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
4 This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations.
The reader is responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
9. Do the Regulations prohibit landlords from having income screening criteria?
The Regulations do not prohibit a landlord from applying income screening criteria. However, if the
landlord does require the applicant to have a certain income to qualify for housing, the landlord must (1)
subtract any payment from a Section 8 or other subsidy program that pays all or part of a tenant’s rent
through a direct arrangement between the program and the owner/lessor of the property from the total
monthly rent; and (2) include all sources of income in the tenant’s total income when calculating income
screening criteria for any tenant. Two examples of this process are illustrated on Page 6 of this FAQ. The
examples illustrate the use of a three to one income ratio (the applicant’s income must equal three
times the monthly rent).
10. What is an “income-to-rent” ratio?
An income-to-rent ratio is one type of income screening criterion used by landlords to determine
eligibility for housing. For example, a landlord may require specific rent-to-income ratio to determine if
a tenant has the income to pay their rent and other monthly costs, such as a three-to-one rent-to-
income ratio. This means that a tenant’s income must equal three times the cost of the tenant’s portion
of the monthly rent.
11. May a landlord offer a shorter lease to an applicant with a short-term subsidy?
No, unless shorter lease terms are also offered to prospective tenants who do not use a subsidy. The
regulations prohibit a landlord from either denying a person housing or offering different terms to a
person because of the source of income a person uses to pay for housing costs.
12. Can a landlord disregard alternative sources of income if it will over-qualify the applicant for the unit?
All sources of income must be included as part of the applicant’s total income except when the housing
unit is subject to income or rent restrictions because the landlord entered a housing regulatory
agreement or subsidy agreement and the agreement dictates what is considered income.
E. COOPERATION WITH SUBSIDY PROGRAMS
The regulations require that landlords cooperate with applicants and tenants in submitting documentation
and providing information to subsidy programs. The following section explores more details of this
requirement.
13. Must a landlord complete paperwork that is required by the applicant or tenant to qualify for a
subsidy?
Yes. Landlords must cooperate with current and prospective tenants by completing and submitting
documentation/information required by a subsidy program. For example, this could include completing
a form that confirms the amount of rent owed by the applicant or completing a Housing Assistance
Payment Contract for a tenant with a Section 8 voucher.
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
5 This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations.
The reader is responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
F. ENFORCEMENT & REMEDIES
The City of Renton Code Compliance Division (Code Compliance) enforces the Fair Housing Regulations. The
following questions and answers explore how the Division enforces the regulations and what consequences
there may be if a violation occurs.
14. How are violations reported?
An individual who believes that they have been subject to a violation of the regulations should contact
Code Compliance at 425-430-7373 or submit an electronic complaint at
http://rentonwa.gov/codecompliance/. An intake investigator will contact the individual to determine
whether a complaint can be investigated. Our services are free and impartial, and language and
disability accommodations are available upon request.
15. How are the regulations enforced?
If an individual believes that there has been a violation of the regulations, the individual may contact
Code Compliance to file a complaint. If the complaint is accepted, Code Compliance will open an
investigation and gather evidence from the parties and other witnesses. After collecting all the relevant
evidence, Code Compliance will determine whether the evidence shows a violation. If the evidence does
not show a violation, Code Compliance will close the complaint. If Code Compliance finds evidence to
show a violation, staff will work with the parties to resolve the issue. During this process, both parties
may voluntarily settle the complaint if they agree to do so.
16. What happens if a housing provider violates the regulations?
If Code Compliance determines that a violation of the Renton’s Fair Housing Regulations (Chapter 6-32
RMC) has been committed, the following penalties may be issued:
A. A violation is punishable by an order imposing a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand
dollars ($1,000). A second violation by the same person within a two (2) year period is punishable by
a civil penalty in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
B. A third violation by the same person within a three (3) year period is punishable as a gross
misdemeanor with a jail sentence of up to three hundred sixty-four (364) days and up to a five
thousand dollar ($5,000) fine, plus restitution.
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
6 This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations.
The reader is responsible for compliance with all code and rule requirements.
G. APPENDIX – QUESTION 10
AGENDA ITEM #1. b)
February2018
1
Renton Safe and Healthy Housing
Issue Paper | February 2018
Issue Paper Executive Summary
I. Introduction and Purpose
Almost half of the City of Renton’s housing units, about 48%, are rental units, and about 40% of the City’s
housing stock was developed 40 or more years ago. Some dwellings were quickly built to house the
workforce employed at truck and aerospace companies more than 75 years ago during World War II,
and those structures are past their useful life. To promote a basic quality of life for rental housing
residents and for the economic well-being of the city, the Community and Economic Development
Department has been considering a Safe and Healthy Housing Program allowed by the Washington
State Landlord-Tenant Act that would license rental housing like other businesses and certify that rental
units meet property maintenance and related health and safety codes.
The Community and Economic Development (CED) Department considered program options including a
more intensive inspection program by City inspectors. Based on stakeholder feedback and City Council
direction in 2017, CED has reworked the program options towards a self-certification program. CED
contracted with BERK Consulting to review information collected about the City’s housing stock, contact
cities with self-certification programs for pointers, prepare a proposed program, and evaluate staff and
program fiscal resource needs.
II. Issues
Should the City of Renton implement an allowed rental housing license and inspection program under
the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act?
Should the City institute a City-led inspection program of rental units, or allow landlords to self-
certify units meet applicable property maintenance and related health and safety codes?
What costs and revenues could the City expect from such a rental housing license and inspection
program with landlord self-certification and limited levels of City inspections through complaints and
code enforcement?
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 2
III. Recommendations
It is recommended that the City:
Require business licenses and registration of rental housing units. This allows the City to contact
landlords should there be emergencies or chronic nuisance complaints, and helps the City to enforce
minimum property standards.
Implement a self-certification program by landlords stating they are in compliance with the
Landlord-Tenant Act. This allows most landlords who well maintain their properties to have a
streamlined and efficient path to attaining a business license, and lets the City focus its enforcement
of nuisance and property maintenance codes on the minority of landlords who may not meet
Landlord-Tenant Act and city standards.
Support the rental business license and self-certification process with:
Updated property maintenance code standards integrating recommendations from the National
Center for Healthy Housing;
A new ombudsman position on city staff to provide support, education, and information to
landlords and tenants and serve as a facilitator of the program and a coordinator between
multiple departments including Community and Economic Development, Community Services,
Administrative Services, and the Renton Police Department;
Enforcement through code compliance staff in Community and Economic Development; and
Limited City inspections, focusing on exterior inspections through complaints. Interior inspections
may occur after tenants follow Landlord-Tenant Act notifications to landlords and through court
warrants.
Determine an appropriate administrative appeal considering different titles and departments
involved in licensing, inspecting, and enforcing the codes.
A phased-in program, with a one-year education and outreach campaign to landlords and
rental housing tenants.
IV. Organization of Paper
This issue paper provides an analysis of self-certification programs, a proposal tailored to Renton, and a
summary of fiscal resources required. This issue paper is organized into two main parts – an Executive
Summary, above, and an Attachment providing background information, example programs, a fiscal
analysis, and technical information:
Issue Paper Executive Summary
I. Introduction and Purpose
II. Issues
III. Recommendations
IV. Organization of Paper
Issue Paper Evaluation
I. Example Programs
II. Proposal and Options
III. Technical Information, including
background
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February2018
3
Issue Paper Evaluation
I. Example Programs
Several cities have a rental housing maintenance program including mandatory city inspections (or
inspections by approved and qualified inspectors) like Tukwila, Auburn, and others. See Technical
Information Section H. In 2016 Renton explored a program that would have included a city-required
inspection on a rotating schedule, but since last year Renton wishes to consider programs that focuses
inspections on those properties where a complaint is received.
Example cities that register rental properties, allow landlords to self-certify, and conduct inspections when
a complaint is received include Tacoma and Bremerton. Tacoma, Bremerton, and Renton, all have a lower
share of owner-occupied housing and a greater share of populations in poverty than their counties.
Exhibit 1. Comparison of Population and Housing Characteristics – Bremerton, Renton, and Tacoma
COMMUNITY POPULATION:
2016
TOTAL
HOUSING
UNITS: 2016
HOUSEHOLDS:
2012-16
OWNER OCCUPIED
HOUSING:
2012-16
PERCENT IN
POVERTY:
2016
Bremerton 40,675 17,273 15,757 42.4% 19.6%
Kitsap County
67.4% 10.1%
Renton 100,953 38,930 38,460 52.0% 11.9%
King County
57.3% 9.3%
Tacoma 211,277 85,786 80,333 50.0% 17.9%
Pierce County
60.8% 12.1%
Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Bremerton is a smaller community and Tacoma a larger community, and their programs may “bookend”
the level of effort that Renton may find is needed for a similar program. Bremerton and Tacoma
programs are described below.
1. Tacoma
Since 2004, the City of Tacoma has required residential landlords to obtain a rental business license. In
2012, the City found “3 to 5 percent of homes in Tacoma are below the minimum building standards and
appear to violate RCW 59.18.060” related to the Landlord-Tenant Act (Tacoma Municipal Code
6B.165.010). Landlords must now submit checklist with their business license that indicates that the units
meet local and state laws. A recent code adjustment requires that all units, whether vacant or not, be
registered.
Tacoma requires landlords with units not meeting its minimum housing standards to obtain a provisional
license and submit to inspections. The units may be inspected by a city inspector or by an inspector on a
city-approved list.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 4
The process is as follows:
Landlords obtain a rental business license and self-certify their properties as meeting the Landlord-
Tenant Act.
If the City receives a complaint, the City does an external inspection, and if the property is found to
violate the City’s Minimum Building and Structures Code or is a Derelict Building the landlord is
required to get a provisional rental license. That provisional license requires an internal and external
inspection for up to three years.
Alternatively, the City may conduct or require an internal inspection, in the following cases: A) Tenant
works with the Landlord-Tenant Coordinator (ombudsman) who advises tenant on how to file a proper
notice with a landlord. If the landlord doesn’t make repairs and tenant asks for inspection then City
(or an approved inspector) does an internal inspection. B) the City has received a written consent from
the property owner.
Tacoma implements the program with its tax and license staff, code enforcement officers, and a
Landlord-Tenant Program Coordinator. This latter position was added to support the program.
There are about 20 FTE’s in Tax and License (Audit, Customer Service, Employment Standards) and 5 Tax
and License Compliance Officers. However, the City does not have a dedicated person who handles
rental businesses. Any Compliance Officer or Auditor that comes across a property owner who is renting
without a license will contact the owner to gain compliance. Customer Service Staff usually handles
registering a rental property owner for a business license, updating accounts and such. There currently is
one staff person who handles the Provisional Rental Licensing portion.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 5
Exhibit 2. Tacoma Rental Housing Program: Staffing and Responsibilities
Sources: City of Tacoma Departmental Website and 2017-2018 Budget, Personal Communications: Linda LeCompte, Tax and
License, and Dan McConaughey, Code Compliance, January 2018; BERK Consulting 2018
To ensure compliance with the Landlord Tenant law, RCW 59.18.060, related to conditions of rental
housing, Tacoma applies its Minimum Buildings and Structures Code (TMC 2.01.060), and Chapter 3.02,
the Fire Prevention Code, to make a threshold determination as to the condition of rental property.
Tacoma has not adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, but instead has developed its
own detailed maintenance code with a point system for exterior and interior conditions. A building or
structure which receives 25 to 49 points is considered a “non-standard” property and a letter would be
sent with actions for mitigating conditions. A substandard building is considered to have 50 points and is
a nuisance, subject to enforcement, but may be allowed human occupancy. A derelict building is not fit for
human occupancy.
The City of Tacoma has not tracked the number of units registered, but the number of properties
registered is 14,000. Between 2012 and 2017, about 135 properties, or 1%, were found to require a Tacoma ProgramFinance: Tax & License: Rental
Business License
20 Total FTEs in Tax & License and 5
Compliance Officers: 1 dedicated to
Provisional Rental Business License.
Authority: Chapter 6B.165 Provisional
Rental Property License
Neighborhoods & Community
Services: Code Compliance
5 Total FTEs in Code Compiance: 0.25 to 0.5
FTE Inspections for Program
Authority, Partial List
Public Nuisance Code (TMC 8.30)
Minimum Building & Structures Code (TMC
2.01)
Residential Rental Inspection (Title 6)
Tax and License Compliance (Title 6)
Land Use Enforcement (Title 13)
Office of Equity & Human Rights:
Landlord‐Tenant Program
1 FTE: Landlord‐Tenant Program
Coordinator
Role: Provide information and referrals to
both landlords and tenants to resolve
disputes that arise under the Washington
State Residential Landlord‐Tenant Act (RCW
59.18).
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 6
provisional rental license and require inspections. See Exhibit 3. Of the properties inspected, 30 were
found non-compliant and required an extensive inspection. Two thirds of the units had both internal and
external inspections and one-third had external inspections only. For more information on Tacoma’s
inspections see Technical Information Part D.
Exhibit 3. Tacoma Inspection Rules and Results
Sources: City of Tacoma, Personal Communications: Linda LeCompte, Tax and License, and Dan McConaughey, Code
Compliance, January 2018; BERK Consulting 2018
The level of effort for the code inspectors has been about 0.25 to 0.5 FTE. The code inspectors are
geographically assigned and more than one inspector may address rental inspections; for all complaints
they have about 250-300 cases per code enforcement officer annually.
Tacoma’s program has benefited from a one-year period education and outreach program between the
City and landlords, as well as an ombudsman position “landlord-tenant” program coordinator who
provides information and referrals on repairs/maintenance issues and landlord-tenant inspections as well
as other topics.
2. Bremerton
Bremerton has required a rental housing business license since 2003 and has required rental property
registration and completion of a self-certification checklist since 2014.
The program is implemented by the Community Development Department who oversees tax and licenses
and code enforcement and the Police Department who address chronic nuisance properties and who
works in partnership with the Puget Rental Owners Association (PROA) on the Landlord Notification
Program (timely notify licensed landlords in Bremerton of police incidents occurring on their properties).
All Subject
Rental Units
Annual business
license and
Certification
required that each
dwelling complies
with RCW
59.18.060
Number of
properties 2018:
14,000
•Units with Violations, Provisional License
A provisional rental property license will be required for a rental property when
Minimum Buildings and Structures Code violations exceed 24 points or is
determined to be a Derelict Building or Structure.
•Inspected: 2012‐2017 ‐135
•Exceed 24 Points ‐67
•Derelict: 2012‐2017 ‐44
•Units with Violations, Inspections
As a condition for the issuance of a provisional rental property license provided
by this chapter, the owner shall provide a certificate of inspection, on forms
provided by the city, that the owner’s rental property complies with State Title
59 Landlord and Tenant section 59.18.060 and does not present conditions that
endanger or impair the health or safety of a tenant.
•Three‐Year License Term, Provisional Rental Properties
Any person required to have a provisional rental property license shall be
licensed for three (3) years. To be released from the requirement for a
provisional rental property license, the owner must be in compliance with RCW
59.18.060 before the license term ends and the dwelling must be approved as
compliant with RCW 59.18.060 in a final certificate of inspection submitted to
the City within 90 days after the provisional license expires.
•30 properties subject to 3‐year term
•25 Inspcted in Initial Year of Term
•5 Inspected over Three Year Term
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 7
Exhibit 4. Bremerton Rental Housing Program: Staffing and Responsibilities
Sources: City of Bremerton Budget, Personal Com Janet Lunceford, Code Compliance Officer, City of Bremerton; Personal
Com. Jeanette Wischhoefer, Tax and License Division, January 2018; BERK Consulting 2018
There are about 1,737 landlords registered representing 11,157 properties/dwellings. The number of
dwellings/properties is estimated by the Police Department. Bremerton plans to request dwelling unit
totals on the next version of the form. The 1,700 rental registrations are a subset of 6,000 business
licenses handled by Bremerton. There are 2 FTEs handling the business licenses.
Bremerton requires a self-certification form be submitted with the license. The checklist is based on items
required to be in repair in the landlord-tenant act as well as items from the building code. The City also
applies the International Property Maintenance Code. If a property is found in violation, Bremerton may
require a certificate of inspection.
Bremerton would only conduct an inspection when there is a complaint. To, date, no one has invited City
inspectors in between January 2014 and January 2018. They must sign a complaint form and let the
inspector in.
If Bremerton staff drive by and see violations (e.g. something is falling off the exterior of the unit), the
code inspectors will file a complaint. They have not been getting any more complaints based on landlord
registration than before the 2014 law. They have been understaffed (750 complaints a year handled by
one person) and are getting another code compliance officer in 2018, and would likely be able to be
more proactive. (Pers. Com. Janet Lunceford, Code Compliance Officer, City of Bremerton., January
2018) Bremerton ProgramCommunity
Development: Tax &
Licenses
2 FTEs: About 0.5 FTE dedicated
to Rental Licensing, rough
estimate
Bremerton Municipal Code
(BMC) 3.48.025
Community
Development: Code
Enforcement
2 FTEs: 1 FTE added in 2018 for
general duties. No increase due
to Landlord Tenant Inspection.
Chapter 5.06 Rental Property
Registration
Police Department
1 FTE: Community Resource
Specialist
Chapter 9.92 Chronic Nuisance
Properties Ordinance and Chapter
5.06.030(3) Landlord Notification
Program
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 8
II. Proposal and Options
A. PROPOSED PROGRAM AND CODE
Proposed code amendments and program implementation would:
Require business license and registration of rental housing units. This allows the City to contact
landlords should there be emergencies or chronic nuisance complaints, and helps the City to enforce
minimum property standards.
Implement a self-certification program by landlords stating they are in compliance with the
Landlord-Tenant Act. This allows most landlords who well maintain their properties to have a
streamlined and efficient path to attaining a business license, and lets the City focus its enforcement
of nuisance and property maintenance codes on the minority of landlords who may not meet
Landlord-Tenant Act and city standards.
Support the rental business license and self-certification process with:
Updated property maintenance code standards integrating recommendations from the National
Center for Healthy Housing;
A new ombudsman position on city staff to provide support, education, and information to
landlords and tenants and serve as a facilitator of the program and a coordinator between
multiple departments including Community and Economic Development, Community Services,
Administrative Services, and the Renton Police Department;
Enforcement through code compliance staff in Community and Economic Development; and
Limited City inspections, focusing on exterior inspections through complaints. Interior inspections
may occur after tenants follow Landlord-Tenant Act notifications to landlords and through court
warrants.
Determine an appropriate administrative appeal considering different titles and departments
involved in licensing, inspecting, and enforcing the codes.
A phased-in program, with a one-year education and outreach campaign to landlords and
rental housing tenants.
The proposed code would be developed after referral of the City Council’s Committee of the Whole
meeting planned for February 26, 2018 to the Planning and Development Committee and Planning
Commission for a public hearing.
B. KEY ISSUES & OPTIONS
1. Interior/Exterior Inspections
The Landlord-Tenant Act allows local municipalities to require a certificate of inspection as business
license condition per RCW 59.18.125:
(1) Local municipalities may require that landlords provide a certificate of inspection as a business
license condition. A local municipality does not need to have a business license or registration
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 9
program in order to require that landlords provide a certificate of inspection. A certificate of
inspection does not preclude or limit inspections conducted pursuant to the tenant remedy as provided
for in RCW 59.18.115, at the request or consent of the tenant, or pursuant to a warrant.
Per the statute a certificate of inspection means that the landlord is in compliance with RCW 59.18.060:
A "Certificate of inspection" means an unsworn statement, declaration, verification, or certificate
made in accordance with the requirements of RCW 9A.72.085 by a qualified inspector that states
that the landlord has not failed to fulfill any substantial obligation imposed under RCW 59.18.060
that endangers or impairs the health or safety of a tenant, including (a) structural members that are
of insufficient size or strength to carry imposed loads with safety, (b) exposure of the occupants to
the weather, (c) plumbing and sanitation defects that directly expose the occupants to the risk of
illness or injury, (d) not providing facilities adequate to supply heat and water and hot water as
reasonably required by the tenant, (e) providing heating or ventilation systems that are not functional
or are hazardous, (f) defective, hazardous, or missing electrical wiring or electrical service, (g)
defective or hazardous exits that increase the risk of injury to occupants, and (h) conditions that
increase the risk of fire.
The definition above states that the certificate is by a qualified inspector. A local government may only
require a certificate of inspection on a rental property once every three years.
This certificate of inspection does not preclude or limit inspections conducted pursuant to:
The tenant remedy as provided for in RCW 59.18.115 where a tenant gives notice in writing to the
landlord, specifying the conditions, acts, omissions, or violations. If after receipt of the notice the
landlord fails to remedy the condition or conditions within a reasonable amount of time under RCW
59.18.070, the tenant may request that the local government provide for an inspection of the
premises regarding the specific condition or conditions that exist as provided in (a) of this subsection.
The request or consent of the tenant, or
Pursuant to a warrant. A search warrant may be issued by a judge of a superior court or a court of
limited jurisdiction to a code enforcement official of the state or of any county, city, or other political
subdivision for the purpose of allowing the inspection of any specified dwelling unit and premises to
determine the presence of an unsafe building condition or a violation of any building regulation,
statute, or ordinance. A search warrant must be supported by a sworn affidavit or declaration
establishing probable cause that a violation of a state or local law, regulation, or ordinance
regarding rental housing exists and endangers the health or safety of the tenant or adjoining
neighbors. In addition, the affidavit must contain a statement that consent to inspect has been sought
from the owner and the tenant but could not be obtained because the owner or the tenant either
refused or failed to respond within five days, or a statement setting forth facts or circumstances
reasonably justifying the failure to seek such consent.
To date, Bremerton has not conducted inspections at a tenant’s request though has issued violations of city
codes if an unsafe exterior condition is noticed.
The City of Tacoma requires each landlord to annually obtain a rental business license and self-certify
that their property meets Landlord-Tenant Act provisions. There are typically two ways in which a rental
housing complaint may come to the attention of the City:
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 10
A complaint filed with Code Compliance Officers, or
A tenant contacts the City’s Landlord-Tenant Coordinator and the coordinator helps the tenant
properly notify the landlord; if the landlord does not provide the repairs the City’s Landlord-Tenant
Coordinator works with Code Compliance Officers to do an inspection of the property.
If a complaint is received, the City would conduct an exterior inspection and may require a provisional
business license.1 Part of the provisional license requirement is for the owner to hire a qualified inspector
to conduct an interior and exterior inspection of the property and that all violations found be repaired
and up to code. The owner must submit a signed statement from the qualified inspector that repairs have
been made and the property complies with RCW 59.18.060. (Pers com, Linda LeCompte, Tacoma Tax
and License, February 2018)
The inspectors consider compliance with the City’s Minimum Building and Structures Code. A non-standard
property has found to have earned 25-49 violation points and a substandard building would be
considered to have earned at least 50 violation points. A derelict building is one not approved for
occupancy.
Tacoma has conducted 135 inspections per its provisional rental license inspection, and nearly two-thirds
were interior and exterior inspections and one third were exterior inspections only. This number is less
than 1% of the 14,000 registered properties over the 5-year period of 2012-2017.
Exhibit 5. Tacoma Provisional Rental License Inspections 2012-2017
INSPECTION OF PROPERTY TYPE OF CASE
Year Interior &
Exterior
Exterior
Only
Total Derelict Sub-
Standard
Below 25
Points
Total
2012 8 8 16 0 10 6 16
2013 25 9 34 12 12 10 34
2014 16 14 30 9 17 4 30
2015 16 5 21 11 9 1 21
2016 14 9 23 9 11 3 23
2017 8 3 11 3 8 0 11
TOTAL 87 48 135 44 67 24 135
Source: Personal Communications: LeCompte, City of Tacoma, January 2018
If a property has been determined to require a provisional rental license due to complaints and
inspection, it must be inspected for three years in a row. The status of the certifications of inspection are
shown below.
1 City of Tacoma Finance Department. 2012 Annual Rental License. Available:
http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/license/TXL_212AnnualRentalLicense2012_300.pdf. Accessed: February 15, 2018.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 11
Exhibit 6. Tacoma Non-Compliance – Certificate of Inspection: 2012-2017
YEAR -
NEEDED
INITIAL
INT/EXT INITIAL EXT
3 YR.
INT/EXT 3 YR. EXT TOTAL
2012 0 1 1 0 2
2013 0 0 2 1 3
2014 2 1 0 1 4
2015 3 2 0 0 5
2016 5 3 0 0 9
2017 5 2 0 0 7
TOTAL 15 10 3 2 30
Source: Personal Communications: LeCompte, City of Tacoma, January 2018
The City of Renton is considering a program like Bremerton’s and Tacoma’s that involves obtaining a
business license and self-certifying the units with inspections based on potential business license revocation
and code enforcement regarding nuisances.
Since under the Landlord-Tenant Act a tenant may request a local government to inspect a unit or the City
may seek a warrant from a court for more extreme violations, the City may be asked to do both or either
an interior or exterior inspection. If 1% of Renton’s future registered properties (3,839 rental properties
containing over 17,700 dwelling units) were requested to be inspected that would be about 39
properties inspected over five years or almost 8 per year. If two-thirds have interior inspections similar to
Tacoma, that would be about 5 properties per year.
It is recommended the City’s proposed program focus on exterior inspections but recognize where the
Landlord-Tenant Act gives the tenant rights to request a local government inspection and to allow for
legal remedies for extreme code violations and nuisances when the City may seek a warrant.
2. Checklist Comparison
According to a subsection of the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18.060), a
landlord in Washington State must disclose to their tenants fire safety and protection information, written
notice that a unit is equipped with a smoke detection device (as required by RCW 43.44.110) and
maintenance responsibilities of the device, as well as information about health hazards associated with
exposure to indoor mold and how to control its growth. In addition to these disclosures, a landlord must
provide the following for a rented unit:
Maintained structural components such as roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, foundations and
all other structural components.
Clean common areas that are sanitary and safe from defects increasing the hazards of fire or
accident.
Insect, rodent, and other pest infestation control. In the case of SFR, pests control during tenancy is the
responsibility of the tenant, not the landlord.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 12
Premises in as good condition as it is by law, and repairs to keep it as such.
Locks and keys, with master and duplicate keys safeguarded.
Maintained electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by the
landlord.
Dwelling unit in weathertight condition, and maintenance to keep it as such.
Appropriate receptacles in common areas for removal of ashes, rubbish, and garbage and arrange
for reasonable and regular removal of waste. In the case of SFR, this is a tenant responsibility.
Facilities adequate to supply heat and water and hot water as reasonably required by tenant.
Both Tacoma and Bremerton’s rental inspection checklist largely address these legal requirements of the
Landlord Tenant Act in addition to basic life safety items that the building code or code compliance
inspectors seek. These checklists along with US Housing and Urban Development and Renton Housing
Authority Checklists are compared below.
Code enforcement staff have reviewed the examples and concur with examples from Tacoma, Bremerton,
and US Housing and Urban Development. It is recommended that the City have a self-certification form
with rental business licenses similar in form to Tacoma or Bremerton that incorporate not only Landlord-
Tenant Act items but also common building code or maintenance code items. See Technical Information
Section J for a draft checklist.
a) Tacoma Guide to Residential Rental Inspection
The City of Tacoma provides a checklist to property owners as a guide when inspecting their properties
to ensure compliance with standards set forth in the State Landlord Tenant Act in Section 59.18.06 and
that the property does not present conditions that endanger or impair the health or safety of the tenants.
The Tacoma checklist outlines minimum requirements in life safety, exits, structural, fire, electrical,
plumbing/heating/light & ventilation, and sanitation. In addition, Tacoma lists additional requirements for
commercial rental properties around exits and fire safety.
77 checklist items with an additional 23 exit and fire safety items for commercial properties.
Code Compliance Inspectors in Tacoma have a similar list that they check when inspecting a unit, which
assigns points to violations. Life/safety violations carry the heaviest number of points (50) while less
serious violations carry lower points (5 – 25) for items such as unsightly yards and peeling paint to
graffiti and improperly installed appliances.
b) Bremerton Residential Rental Inspection Checklist
When applying for a landlord license in Bremerton, landlords must sign a declaration that all rented
dwelling units comply with RCW 59.18.060, a subsection of the Landlord Tenant Act that outlines
minimum standards for rental units. A checklist is provided to landlords along with their application that
can be used as a guide to determine if their rented units present conditions that endanger or impair the
health or safety of their tenants.
The Bremerton checklist outlines minimum requirements in life safety, exits, fire, structural, electrical,
plumbing, heating, light and ventilation, and sanitation.
70 checklist items.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 13
c) HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program Inspection Checklist
Under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, HUD is authorized to collect information for the
purposes of determining if a unit meets the housing quality standards of their Section 8 rental assistance
program when qualifying a unit or property for voucher use. The checklist (Form no. HUD-52580) reviews
heating and plumbing, general health and safety, electricity, electrical hazards, smoke detectors, security,
lead-based paint, cooking and food preparation availability, sanitary, general conditions, and other
potentially hazardous features in each room of a rental unit, in addition to the general condition of
exterior features. These attributes are reviewed on a pass/fail/inconclusive basis to determine if a
property meets minimum requirements.
80+ checklist items. 10 items are repeated for each additional general room, 4 items are repeated
for each additional secondary room not used for living.
d) Renton Housing Authority Inspection Preparation Checklist
The Renton Housing Authority provides a checklist to landlord and tenants to check if a unit would likely
pass inspection for a housing choice voucher. The list is not the official check for determining if a unit
passes or fails inspection.
The checklist helps landlord prepare the unit to meet the minimum requirements for a housing choice
voucher by listing items to check at the front and back door, entry way, hallways, living room, kitchen,
bathroom, bedrooms, circuit breaker and electrical system, hot water tank, exterior, and other
miscellaneous items.
51 checklist items.
3. Resources/Fiscal Analysis
a) Fee Structure
The proposed business license fee for landlords below is based on the existing $150 business license fee
for both commercial and in-home businesses in Renton. Each landlord would be required to register
annually and apply for a rental registration license. One application would be needed regardless of
how many rental properties were owned. In addition, each landlord would pay an annual rental
registration on top of their business license, depending on the number of units at their properties. This
approach is proposed to address the potential complaint that single-family residences pay the same fee
as large apartment companies. It is also a simpler approach than charging by gross rental income as
Tacoma’s program does. The rental registration is for units covered under the Landlord-Tenant Act and
would not include mobile home parks, retirement homes, or nursing homes that are covered under other
laws; thus, communal residences are not addressed in the rental registration fees.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 14
Exhibit 7. Renton Proposed Fee Structure
FEE TYPE RENTAL TYPE FEE
Business License Any $150/year
Rental Registration
1-4 unit(s) $12/unit/year
5-24 units $10/unit/year
25+ units $8/unit/year
Source: City of Renton 2017; BERK Consulting 2018
The proposed Renton fees are similar to those imposed in both Tacoma and Bremerton, but vary slightly.
The current Tacoma Rental Licensing Fees are based on Gross Rental Income, as shown in the table below.
In addition to rental business license fees, Tacoma also charges a penalty for late filings. The penalties
allow a one-month grace period with no late fee, those license fees paid within two months from start
date pay 20% of the license fee of $25 whichever is greater, and those paying after two months or
more from the start date pay 50% of the license fee or $50, whichever is greater.
The cost for an annual landlord license in Bremerton is $75, which is equivalent to their general business
license fee. Business license applicants can pay a prorated amount for new businesses that begin after
July 1.
Exhibit 8. Tacoma Rental Licensing Fees
GROSS RENTAL
INCOME >$250K
GROSS RENTAL
INCOME $12K -
$250K
GROSS RENTAL
INCOME <$12K
Annual Rental Business License Fee $250 $110 $25
Pro-rate Rental Business License Fee
(Rental Start date July 1 – Dec 31)
$125 $55 N/A
Additional Business License Fee – Not
Subject to Gross Income
$25 $25 $25
TOTAL $150 - $275 $80 - $135 $50
Source: City of Tacoma, 2018
In addition, Tacoma has a provisional rental property license that is required of properties that are found
to be endangering the health or safety of tenants. This provisional license is not required of all property
owners, but of landlords whose building conditions do not meet minimum building structure code. The fees
associated with the provisional license increase when corrections to substandard buildings are not made.
The provisional license fees are shown in the table below.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 15
Exhibit 9. Tacoma Provisional License Fees
TYPE FEE
Provisional rental property license $25
Provisional rental property license – 2nd notice of
violation for same property and same owner
$500
Provisional rental property license – 3rd and subsequent
notice of violation for same property and same owner
$1,000
Source: City of Tacoma, 2018
b) Staff
Bremerton and Tacoma both shared information about staffing requirements of their respective rental
registration programs. Bremerton did not add new staff when launching their rental registration program
and uses existing business licensing staff to process rental licenses. In addition, Bremerton only has one
code compliance inspector, but is adding another this year (2018). The existing code compliance
inspector is responsible for inspecting rental unit complaints, but not exclusively.
As described in section I.1 above, the City of Tacoma implements their program with its tax and license
staff (1 FTE), code enforcement officers (0.25 – 0.5 FTE), and a Landlord-Tenant Program Coordinator (1
FTE). The last of which was specifically added to support the rental program.
The City of Renton preliminarily anticipates needing the following dedicated staff to implement the
Healthy Homes Rental Program.
Ombudsman to review housing conditions and standards, provide information and referrals to
landlords and tenants, and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants that arise under the
Washington State Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). 1 FTE at an anticipated cost of
$80,000. This cost is estimated from the annual cost of a senior Housing Repair Coordinator position
at Step E.
A Rental Licensee to process approximately 2,900-3,800 rental business license applications
annually; it is likely less than 100% of the 3,839 units will register given the experience of other
municipal programs. 1 FTE based on Bremerton’s staffing needs of 0.5 FTE to process approximately
1,700 rental licenses, almost half of Renton’s anticipated rental registrations. At this equivalent
staffing costs are estimated to be $58,000 based on the annual salary of an Accounting Assistant III
position at Step E.
Code compliance inspectors to inspect properties upon complaint. Based on interviews with Bremerton
and Tacoma the number of inspections should not be a significant increase over current code
compliance inspections. And a budget of 1 FTE could be considered. The staffing costs estimated to
be $78,000, based on the rounded salary of a non-lead code compliance inspector position in
Renton at Step E.
Tacoma averages 23 inspections each year. Of those, approximately 64% include an interior
and exterior inspection, while 36% are exterior only. They also estimate that their code
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 16
inspectors do approximately 300 – 350 inspections/year per inspector. At this rate, rental
registration inspections take up about 8% of one code inspectors workload. Renton is
anticipated to have fewer rental properties than Tacoma. A conservative estimate is to assume
one additional FTE.
In 2017, benefits were estimated to cost 77.8% of each FTE salary. Using this rate, the additional
cost for benefits for the above outlined positions are estimated to cost up to $166,000.
Total Staffing Costs, including benefits, are estimated at up to $382,000.
c) Budget
With currently proposed fee structure and the understood number of rental units within the city. Revenue
from licenses and rental registration is estimated to be between $555,000 and $740,000. This estimate
assumes on the low end that not all landlords will register their rental properties (a 25% discount has
been applied to account for this) and on the high-end that there will be 100% uptake of the program.
Based on our conversations with other jurisdictions not all single family residential landlords will register
their rental properties due to not being aware of the program, and 100% participation is not achieved
with landlords of larger properties either.
Exhibit 10. Renton Anticipated License and Rental Registration Revenue with 75% Participation
RENTAL
TYPE FEE
TOTAL
LANDLORDS/
UNITS
ANTICIPATED
PARTICIPATION
(%)
ANTICIPATED
REGISTRATIONS
(#)
ESTIMATED
REVENUE
Business License (landlords)
SF $150/year 3,416 75% 2,562 $ 384,300
MF $150/year 423 75% 317 $ 47,588
Business License Subtotal 3,839 75% 2,879 $ 431,888
Rental Registration (units)
1-4 unit(s) $12/unit/year 5,131 75% 3,848 $ 46,179
5-24 units $10/unit/year 848 75% 636 $ 6,360
25+ units $8/unit/year 11,743 75% 8,807 $ 70,458
Rental Registration Subtotal 17,722 75% 13,292 $ 122,997
TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUE $ 554,885
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 17
Exhibit 11. Renton Anticipated License and Rental Registration Revenue with 100% Participation
RENTAL
TYPE FEE
TOTAL
LANDLORDS/
UNITS
ANTICIPATED
PARTICIPATION
(%)
ANTICIPATED
REGISTRATIONS
(#)
ESTIMATED
REVENUE
Business License (landlords)
SF $150/year 3,416 100% 3,416 $ 512,400
MF $150/year 423 100% 423 $ 63,450
Business License Subtotal 3,839 100% 3,839 $ 575,850
Rental Registration (units)
1-4 unit(s) $12/unit/year 5,131 100% 5,131 $ 61,572
5-24 units $10/unit/year 848 100% 848 $ 8,480
25+ units $8/unit/year 11,743 100% 11,743 $ 93,944
Rental Registration Subtotal 17,722 100% 17,722 $ 163,996
TOTAL ANTICIPATED
REVENUE $ 739,846
With anticipated fee revenues between $555,000 and $740,000 and anticipated costs of $382,000
(not including fleet use, training, or other administrative costs), the rental registration program should
recoup its costs and provide additional revenues between $173,000 and $358,000 each year.
In addition to business license and rental registration revenue, there is an option to charge Inspection Fees
and Provisional License Fees for owners in violation of building codes. Based on Tacoma’s rate of 1% of
their rental properties requiring an inspection, Renton could expect to charge inspection fees for about
39 properties. Based on Tacoma’s provisional license fee schedule this could generate an additional
$1,000 to $59,500 in revenue each year. The maximum amount is based on the unlikely scenario of all
39 properties receiving a third violation and paying licensing fees at each stage of their delinquency.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
The Renton Safe and Healthy Housing program would likely be a combined effort of Community and
Economic Development to provide code enforcement services and Administrative Services to provide tax
and license services to register rental units. The position of ombudsman may be most appropriate to have
the position in Community Services. See Technical Information Section D for an example position
description for the Ombudsman.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 18
Technical Information and Background
A. PURPOSE AND NEED
1. Purpose
The National Center for Healthy Housing2, and the King County Green Building Handbook3 identify the
basic standards for a healthy environment as moisture free, adequately ventilated, contaminant free,
free of pests, clean, well-maintained, free of injury hazards, and thermally controlled. Basic safety
standards also include safe and secure access and presence of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors.
While the City construction and inspection standards address these principles for new construction, it has
been more difficult to address conditions of older housing within the city. This revised proposed “Safe and
Healthy Housing Program” in Renton is designed to:
Help stabilize neighborhoods that have concentrations of housing in poor condition;
Reduce unhealthy conditions of rental housing units, hundreds of which were originally built to be
temporary;
Reduce higher than necessary energy costs for tenants,
Reduce social and medical needs and therefore higher costs for the City and community;
Create a registration and self-certification process that recognizes most landlords well maintain their
dwellings and properties, and focus on landlords who do not maintain minimum standards, who are a
small subset of landlords;
Provide a venue for complaints and exterior inspections by the City, and recognize that the law
allows for interior and exterior inspections after tenants notify landlords and allow a response; and
Create an accessible source of ownership contact information for emergency responders to facilitate
response times and public health and safety.
2. Needs Assessment – Housing Conditions
The City commissioned a Community Needs Assessment for Human Services and Housing in 2014.4 That
study found:
Available, quality housing is a significant need in the City of Renton. Many families are living in sub-
standard housing that is outdated or not designed to meet the particular needs of their family in
terms of size, configuration, or location.
2 National Center for Healthy Housing. August 30, 2017. “A Shower of Benefits: Drinking Water and Healthy Housing.”
Available: http://www.nchh.org/Resources/Blog/DrinkingWaterandHealthyHousing.aspx. Accessed: January 22, 2018.
3 King County, Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER). February 2015. Green Building Handbook.
Available: http://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts/permitting-environmental-review/dper/documents/green-
sheets/1605_4454w_DPER_fixed_pdf_GREENbldgHANDBK.ashx?la=en. Accessed: January 22, 2018.
4 BERK. June 2014. Community Needs Assessment for Human Services and Housing. Available:
http://rentonwa.gov/uploadedFiles/Living/CS/HUMSERV/Needsassessment.pdf. Accessed: January 22, 2018.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 19
Regarding the Renton Sunset area in particular the Community Needs Assessment found:
…the affordable housing stock is largely older with significant portions built as temporary housing
for the war defense industry in the 1940s. Much of this housing is still in use today and approaching
functional obsolescence.
Additionally, Renton city staff reviewed a 10-year old inventory of units in the Sunset Area and
compared it with existing conditions. While there have been some changes and improvements, staff found
that it appears the conditions of many rental units continue to deteriorate. This is also the case in other
areas of the City.
3. Rental Housing Regulation – Landlord-Tenant Act
The Landlord-Tenant Act is designed to ensure that housing units are offered in good condition and
maintained in good condition, as well as addressing terms of rental agreements. A summary of key
provisions for landlords and tenants is provided in Technical Information Section E.
Per RCW 59.18.125, local municipalities may require that landlords provide a certificate of inspection as
a business license condition. A local municipality does not need to have a business license or registration
program to require that landlords provide a certificate of inspection. A certificate of inspection does not
preclude or limit inspections conducted pursuant to the tenant remedy as provided for in RCW
59.18.115, at the request or consent of the tenant, or pursuant to a warrant.
A qualified inspector who is conducting an inspection under this section may only investigate a rental
property as needed to provide a certificate of inspection. A local municipality may only require a
certificate of inspection on a rental property once every three years. A penalty for noncompliance under
this section may be assessed by a local municipality.
The City of Renton is considering what a local rental registration and licensing program could look like. A
key issue is how to allow landlords of well-maintained properties a straightforward self-certification
process while providing a pathway to inspections for properties that do not meet Landlord-Tenant Act
requirements.
B. RENTAL UNITS IN RENTON
1. Total and Occupied Dwellings Estimates
Currently the Renton city limits have over 42,000 dwelling units according to the State Office of Financial
Management (OFM).5 About 53% are single-family, over 2% are mobile homes, and almost 45% are
multifamily dwellings. See Technical Information Section F.
The US Census indicates the number of occupied dwelling units in the City of Renton as of July 2016,
excluding vacant units. About 92% of total units are occupied or 38,460, based on Census survey
estimates. About 52% are owner-occupied or 19,992, and 48% are renter occupied or 18,468 units.
See Technical Information Section F.
5 Washington State Office of Financial Management. June 2017. April 1, 2017 Housing Units.
https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/population-demographics/population-estimates/april-1-official-population-
estimates. Accessed: January 22, 2018.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 20
Most of Renton’s occupied housing units are single-family attached and detached at about 55% similar to
the total occupied and unoccupied dwellings estimated with OFM data. About 45% of occupied housing
units are attached. Some single-family dwellings are rented – estimated at about 23%, or about 4,210
dwellings. Almost 12% of apartments are owner-occupied or nearly 2,340. See Technical Information
Section F.
Thus, if estimating housing stock that could be subject to a rental housing registration program, it could
equal up to 18,468 based on Census data for the year 2016. However, this is based on Census survey
estimates, and may not be as accurate as locally prepared estimates.
2. Rental Properties Parcel Data
Renton city staff developed a parcel-based data set from the King County Assessor office dated
December 2016, and cross-checked it with aerial photos. The results show the number of rental properties
that appear to be only renter-occupied. Excluded are nursing homes, retirement homes, and mobile
homes regulated under other state laws.
The number of renter-occupied single-family dwellings and apartments are similar to US Census Bureau
American Community Survey estimates, but the number of multiplexes in the table below is less than the
federal estimates. The federal estimates are based on survey data from a 5-year period of 2012-2016
and may not be as current or accurate as Renton’s parcel-based estimates.
Exhibit 12. Renton Parcel-Based Rental Dwelling Estimate December 2016
DWELLING TYPE ESTIMATE PERCENT
Single-family Residential 4,273 24.1%
Duplex & Triplex 519 2.9%
Fourplex 339 1.9%
5 - 24-unit Apartments 848 4.8%
25+ unit Apartments 11,743 66.3%
Total 17,722 100%
Source: City of Renton, May 2017
The number of properties with renter-occupied units was estimated through parcel records and aerial
photo review as well. Because some persons or corporations own more than one property, the number of
single-family dwellings is less than reported in the table above. Regarding apartments, there are
numerous apartments on any one site.
Exhibit 13. Rental Property Owners
DWELLING TYPE NUMBER OF OWNERS
Single Family Residential 3,416
Apartments 423
Total 3,839
Source: City of Renton, May 2017
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 21
3. Rental Housing Stock – Age
About 40% of the City’s housing stock was developed before 1980 per Census information. See
Technical Information Section F.
Based on parcel records, apartments have been developed mostly between 1960 to 1990. See Exhibit
14.
Exhibit 14. Year Built – Apartments
Source: King County Assessor, City of Renton, BERK Consulting 2017
Fourplex units have been developed mostly between 1950 to 1980, whole duplex and triplex units
mostly between 1940 and 1965. See Exhibit 15.
Exhibit 15. Year Built – Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex
Source: King County Assessor, City of Renton, BERK Consulting 2017
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 22
C. CURRENT RENTON HOUSING QUALITY & REGISTRATION REGULATIONS
The Renton Municipal Code (RMC) regulates housing quality through nuisance regulations, which address
unfit structures and chronic nuisance properties, and through property maintenance codes. See Exhibit 17.
Renton business license regulations do not clearly address rental properties, and the code has not been
applied in the past to rental property owners. Business licenses can be revoked for chronic nuisance
commercial properties but not for residential rental properties since those were not interpreted to require
such a license.
Renton can enforce any violation of a city regulation through a non-judicial process. Renton’s code
enforcement regulations allow code enforcement officers (currently including 3 fulltime equivalents) to
issue a warning of a violation, and require an immediate compliance, a 7-day schedule for compliance,
or a voluntary correction agreement, during which time fines are suspended. The City may also issue a
citation for a finding of violation or refer the violation to the prosecutor for criminal violation. See Exhibit
16 and Exhibit 17.
Exhibit 16. Renton Code Enforcement Flow Chart
Code EnforcementIssuance of a Warning of
Violation
Issue a warning with immediate compliance.
Agree to a 7‐day schedule for compliance.
Enter into a voluntary correction agreement. The
voluntary correction agreement acts as a stay of the
accrual of costs and/or fines.
Citation for a Finding of
Violation
Finding of violation is final unless appealed. May
include payment of costs or fines.
Refer to Prosecutor for
Criminal Violation
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February2018 23 Exhibit 17. Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Sections: Housing Quality & Registration Regulations RMC SECTION PURPOSE RELATIONSHIP TO RENTAL HOUSING AND APPEALS 1-3-2 Code Enforcement To protect and promote the health, safety, sanitation and aesthetics in the City of Renton by providing, in normal circumstances, an expedited and cost-effective process to address civil code violations, provide for prompt hearings and decisions, and for the collection of appropriate fines, costs, and fees. Process to determine and remedy a code violation including nuisances and business licenses and maintenance codes below. Appeals of the violation go to Administrator of the code that has been violated. 1-3-3 Nuisances Unlawful, unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary, improperly maintained premises, properties, sidewalks and easements, premises where illegal and/or code violating conduct occur, and nuisances and chronic nuisance properties within the City, create potentially grave habitability, health, safety, sanitation, and welfare concerns for the City, its residents and guests, and for the value and economic well-being of the premises and properties and premises and/or property owners in Renton. Addresses violation of any federal, state or county regulation, land use, navigation, public health or morals ordinance or criminal law. Addresses violation of any section of the RMC identified as unlawful and/or a nuisance … or public health or morals ordinance or criminal law. Defines chronic nuisance premises including residential properties with a certain number of 911 calls over periods of time. Addresses standards for repair, vacation, or demolition of unfit buildings. Acting, failing to act, permitting, or allowing any act or failure in the use of a rental premises for criminal purposes. Appeals of the cost of abatement are filed with City Clerk and heard by the Hearing Examiner. Chapter 5 Business Licenses The provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the power of the City to license for revenue and regulation. These powers include, but are not limited to, an inherent and necessary power to audit records to determine appropriate reporting units or fee amounts. The provisions of this Chapter prescribing license fees shall be strictly construed in favor of the applicability of the license fee. Code language appears to cover rental housing owners: “Owning, renting, leasing, maintaining, or having the right to use, or using, tangible personal property, intangible personal property, or real property while permanently or temporarily located in the City.” However, code is not enforced with that intent. Allows the City to revoke business license of Chronic Nuisance Premises, but defined in this chapter as a building, structure or business used for commercial, retail, or entertainment purposes. Does not reference residential chronic nuisance properties unlike RMC 1-3-3. An order to close a business without a business license or violates the code including chronic nuisances premises can be appealed to the Administrative Services Administrator. Any business enterprise aggrieved by the amount of AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 24 RMC SECTION PURPOSE RELATIONSHIP TO RENTAL HOUSING AND APPEALS the fee or tax may appeal to the City Council by filing a written notice of appeal with the Administrative Services Administrator. 4-5-130 International Property Maintenance Code Applies to all existing residential and non-residential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, a reasonable level of safety from fire and other hazards, and for a reasonable level of sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, an owner’s authorized agent, operators, and occupants, the occupancy of existing structures and premises and for enforcement and penalties. Adopts 2015 International Property Maintenance Code. Directly addresses maintenance of existing residential structures for health and safety purposes. Does not adopt scope and administration elements of the International Property Maintenance Code. RMC 4-5-060 appears to provide a universal construction administrative code including the International Property Maintenance Code. Violations are referred to RMC 1-3-1 and appeals to RMC 4-8-110, which would be addressed by the Hearing Examiner (per Hearing Examiner duties in RMC 4-8-070). Source: Renton Municipal Code, BERK Consulting 2018 AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February2018
25
D. STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH
The City of Renton conducted stakeholder meetings with tenants and landlords including:
Public and Subsidized Housing Residents Focus, Renton Housing Authority Office, April 2016
Elderly Affinity Focus, Hillcrest Community Building, April 2016
Hispanic Focus, Highlands Elementary School, April 2016
Landlord/Tenant Meeting, Highlands Library, May 2016
Landlord/Tenant Meeting, Renton City Hall, March 2017
Landlord Focus Group, Rental Housing Association, April 2017
Tenants identified run-down and poor quality of housing and a need for revitalization and update of
housing. See Technical Information Section G.
Landlords indicated a need for the program to avoid being too broad and focusing on bad actors rather
than putting unnecessary requirements on good actors; the group identified the Tacoma program as a
potential model. See Technical Information Section G.
Technical Information Sections
E. WASHINGTON LANDLORD-TENANT ACT SUMMARY
The following summary is based on a City of Seattle guide to tenants.6
Basic Principle: State law requires landlords and tenants to act in good faith toward one another.
Tenants Covered Under Law: Most tenants who rent a place to live come under the Washington State
Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. However, certain renters are specifically excluded from the law: Renters
of mobile home spaces (instead subject to RCW 59.20), residents in transient lodgings (motels, hotels),
residents of public or private medical/religious/educational/recreational/ correctional institutions,
tenants with earnest money agreement to purchase dwelling, tenants employed by the landlord, tenants
leasing a single-family dwelling for one year or more, and tenants using property for commercial
purposes.
Rights of All Tenants: Regardless of whether they are covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act,
all renters have these basic rights under other state laws: The Right to a livable dwelling; Protection from
unlawful discrimination; Right to hold the landlord liable for personal injury or property damage caused
by the landlord’s negligence; Protection against lockouts and seizure of personal property by the
landlord.
Privacy and Access for Repair: See RCW 59.18. 150. The landlord must give the tenant at least a two-
day written notice of his intent to enter at reasonable times. However, tenants must not unreasonably
refuse to allow the landlord to enter the rental where the landlord has given at least one-days’ notice of
6 Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. December 2017. Information for Tenants. See Portion: Washington State
Law. Available: https://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cs/groups/pan/@pan/documents/web_informational/dpdd016420.pdf.
Accessed: January 22, 2018.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 26
intent to enter at a specified time to exhibit the dwelling to prospective or actual purchasers or tenants.
The law says that tenants shall not unreasonably refuse the landlord access to repair, improve, or service
the dwelling. In case of an emergency, or if the property has been abandoned, the landlord can enter
without notice. The landlord still must get the tenant’s permission to enter, even if the required advance
notice has been given.
Landlord Maintenance: See RCW 59.18.060. Partial list includes: Maintain the dwelling so it does not
violate state and local codes in ways which endanger tenants’ health and safety. Maintain the dwelling in
reasonably weather tight condition. Provide the necessary facilities to supply heat, electricity, hot and
cold water. Control pests before the tenant moves in. Make repairs to keep the unit in the same condition
as when the tenant moved in. Keep electrical, plumbing and heating systems in good repair, and maintain
any appliances which are provided with the rental. Provide written notice of fire safety and protection
information and ensure that the unit is equipped with working smoke detectors when a new tenant moves
in. Provide tenants with information provided or approved by the Department of Health about the health
hazards of indoor mold, including how to control mold growth to minimize health risks.
Tenant Responsibilities: See RCW 59.18.130. Partial list includes: Pay rent, and any utilities agreed
upon. Comply with any requirements of city, county, or state regulations. Keep the rental unit clean and
sanitary. Not permit “waste” (substantial damage to the property) or “nuisance” (substantial interference
with other tenant’s use of property). Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices including
battery replacement. When moving out, restore the dwelling to the same conditions as when the tenant
moved in, except for normal wear and tear.
Repairs: A tenant must be current in the payment of rent including all utilities to which the tenant has
agreed in the rental agreement to pay before exercising any statutory remedies, such as repair options.
[RCW 59.18.080] When something in the rental unit needs to be repaired, the first step is for the tenant
to give written notice of the problem to the landlord or person who collects the rent. [RCW 59.18.070]
After giving notice, the tenant must wait the required time for the landlord to begin making repairs. Those
required waiting times are: 24 hours for no hot or cold water, heat or electricity, or for a condition which
is imminently hazardous to life; 72 hours for repair of refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing
fixture supplied by landlord; 10 days for all other repairs. Several options are possible after notice is
given and if repairs are not started in the required timeframe and the tenant is up to date on rent and
utilities, including moving out, litigation, or hiring someone to do the repairs and deducting it from rent.
Inspections by Local Municipalities: Per RCW 59.18.125, Local municipalities may require that
landlords provide a certificate of inspection as a business license condition. A local municipality does not
need to have a business license or registration program to require that landlords provide a certificate of
inspection. A certificate of inspection does not preclude or limit inspections conducted pursuant to the
tenant remedy as provided for in RCW 59.18.115, at the request or consent of the tenant, or pursuant to
a warrant. A qualified inspector who is conducting an inspection under this section may only investigate a
rental property as needed to provide a certificate of inspection. A local municipality may only require a
certificate of inspection on a rental property once every three years. A rental property that has received
a certificate of occupancy within the last four years and has had no code violations reported on the
property during that period is exempt from inspection under this section. A rental property inspected by
a government agency or other qualified inspector within the previous twenty-four months may provide
proof of that inspection which the local municipality may accept in lieu of a certificate of inspection. If
any additional inspections of the rental property are conducted, a copy of the findings of these
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 27
inspections may also be required by the local municipality. A rental property owner may choose to
inspect one hundred percent of the units on the rental property and provide only the certificate of
inspection for all units to the local municipality. However, if a rental property owner chooses to inspect
only a sampling of the units, the owner must send written notice of the inspection to all units at the
property. The law indicates the percentage of units that may be selected for inspection based on the
number of dwelling units on the site and whether there has been a finding that there are conditions that
endanger or impair the health or safety of a tenant reported since the last required inspection. If a rental
property owner does not agree with the findings of an inspection performed by a local municipality
under this section, the local municipality shall offer an appeals process. The landlord shall provide written
notification of his or her intent to enter an individual unit for the purposes of providing a local
municipality with a certificate of inspection in accordance with RCW 59.18.150(6). A tenant who
continues to deny access to his or her unit is subject to RCW 59.18.150(8). A penalty for noncompliance
under this section may be assessed by a local municipality. A local municipality may also notify the
landlord that until a certificate of inspection is provided, it is unlawful to rent or to allow a tenant to
continue to occupy the dwelling unit.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 28
F. RENTON HOUSING STOCK
This section addresses federal Census and State OFM data for comparison to the City’s parcel-based
data.
The table below shows total units, both occupied and vacant.
Exhibit 18. Renton Housing Stock – All Structures by Type Including Vacant Units – OFM 2016 and 2017
YEAR TOTAL ONE UNIT TWO + UNITS MOBILE HOMES
2016 42,003 22,349 18,656 998
Percent 100% 53.2% 44.4% 2.4%
2017 42,420 22,501 18,916 1,003
Percent 100% 53.0% 44.6% 2.4%
Source: State of Washington Office of Financial Management (OFM), 2017
About 92% of total units are occupied if considering American Community Survey data from the US
Census Bureau.
Exhibit 19. Renton Occupied Housing Units and Tenure: American Community Survey 2016
OCCUPIED
HOUSING UNITS
OWNER-
OCCUPIED
OWNER-
OCCUPIED %
RENTER-
OCCUPIED
RENTER-
OCCUPIED %
38,460 19,992 52% 18,468 48%
Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Just over half of Renton’s units are single-family dwellings.
Exhibit 20. Renton Occupied Housing Units and Unit Mix: American Community Survey 2016
COMMUNITY 1,
DETACHED
1,
ATTACHED
2 TO 4
PLEX
5-9
UNITS
10+
UNITS
MOBILE
HOMES
Renton 50.7% 4.4% 7.0% 8.0% 27.7% 2.2%
Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
The City has single family dwellings that are renter occupied though most are owner occupied. A small
percentage of attached units are owner occupied and most are renter occupied.
Exhibit 21. Renton Occupied Housing Units, Detailed Type, and Tenure: American Community Survey 2016
UNITS IN STRUCTURE
TOTAL
OCCUPIED UNITS
OWNER-
OCCUPIED UNITS
RENTER-
OCCUPIED UNITS
Occupied housing units 38,460 19,992 18,468
1, detached 50.7% 78.5% 20.7%
1, attached 4.4% 6.5% 2.1%
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 29
UNITS IN STRUCTURE
TOTAL
OCCUPIED UNITS
OWNER-
OCCUPIED UNITS
RENTER-
OCCUPIED UNITS
2 apartments 2.4% 1.2% 3.8%
3 or 4 apartments 4.6% 2.5% 6.9%
5 to 9 apartments 8.0% 2.9% 13.4%
10 or more apartments 27.7% 5.1% 52.1%
Mobile home or other type of housing 2.2% 3.4% 1.0%
Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
About 40% of the City’s housing stock was built prior to 1980.
Exhibit 22. Renton – Occupied Dwellings – Age of Housing Stock 2016
YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT OCCUPIED UNITS
OWNER-OCCUPIED
UNITS
RENTER-OCCUPIED
UNITS
Occupied housing units 38,460 19,992 18,468
2014 or later 0.5% 0.5% 0.6%
2010 to 2013 4.1% 4.0% 4.1%
2000 to 2009 21.6% 24.3% 18.6%
1980 to 1999 33.2% 28.4% 38.5%
1960 to 1979 25.0% 25.1% 24.9%
1940 to 1959 11.8% 14.6% 8.7%
1939 or earlier 3.9% 3.2% 4.7%
Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 30
G. OUTREACH
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 31
February 2017 Summary Presentation to City Council
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 32
February 2017 Summary Presentation to City Council
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
February2018 33 H. EXAMPLE RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAMS Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Auburn (2013) Advisory Board on Rental Housing Rental Housing Business License Application fee: 1‐4 du $53/yr; 5‐24 du $106; $25+ du $212/yr; Communal residence $150/yr (no pro rata) annual City only; for applicable health, building, fire, housing or life‐safety code violations or other serious violations Provide annually # bedrooms & # occupants; signed statement of understanding of responsibilities to provide safe living environment; bldg has permits; garb & recyc managed; off street parking provided; noise & nuisances monitored & controlled; annual inspections; under 18 subject to curfew regs. Program closely tied to crime & nuisance prevention strategies AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 34 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Bellingham (2015) Planning & Community Dev Dept Rental Registration & Safety Inspection Program 1 ‐ 20 du $10/ea unit 21 or more du $8/ea unit (property, not portfolio based) Once every 3 years City or qualified private; City fee of $100 and if private inspection, $41 admin fee to City Exempt from program if owner lives on property; Health and safety, incl structural integrity, weather exposure, plumbing & sanitation, heat, water, and wastewater, ventilation, defective or hazardous electrical wire and/or service, safe & functional exits, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. Mold exempt unless a symptom of weather intrusion, plumbing leaks, or lack of ventilation. Lead paint & asbestos only if being disturbed. 15,000 rental units; registered units listed on city website AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 35 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Kent (2013) Dept of Public Safety ‐ Code Enforcement Division Business license required for all rental properties. 2 ‐ 10 units or spaces =$101; 11 ‐ 50 = $301; 51+ = $601; fee waived for STAR members; code violation in preceding yr = $1,000 fee STAR program emphasis is on crime prevention. City has funded a study of a mandatory inspection program. No inspections, but landlord must ensure 3rd party background checks, maintain property in accordance with city and state codes. Safe Tenants and Rentals (STAR) Program purpose is to ensure provision of safe rentals, avoid rentals of units to those who engage in criminal conduct, improve quality of rental housing in the city, and protect public health, safety, and welfare. The STAR is voluntary. Penalty for not obtaining a license is $100/day for first 10 days and up to $400/day in excess of 10 days. Mount Vernon (2011) Building & Inspection Department and Fire Department Mandatory Rental Dwelling Inspection Program Application filing fee for Cert of Occupancy, initial inspection, and one subsequent inspection and for each renewal and renewal inspection is $50 for one unit; 2‐10 units: $38/unit; 11‐20 units: $35/unit, 21+ units: $30/unit. $25 for each inspection past 2. Once every 3 years or more often if requested Inspections by Building and Inspection Dept and Fire Dept when when applying for Cert. of Occupancy or when necessary; Certificate of Occupancy (Occupancy Permit) required; every property owner must assign an agent whose contact info is provided to the city. AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 36 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Mountlake Terrace (2012) Community & Economic Dev Dept Residential Rental Business License and Certificate of Compliance Inspection Program Annual license: $40, plus $1.50 fee per unit; Certificate of Compliance: $15; Initial inspection: $0; 1st reinspection: $90; 2nd: $125; 3rd+: $200; Residential Housing Inspectors' (RHI) registration: $110; RHI annual renewal: $60; RHA exam (admin by City): $210. Certification of Compliance (inspection) valid for 3 years and 90 days, if violation for unit, new inspection required and CofC only valid for 2 years for those units. City or private inspector contracted by City & registered w/City Many listed exemptions; Pasco (1997) Code Enforcement Rental Dwelling License and Certificate of Habitability Jan 1 ‐ Jun 30: $30 for 1st unit + $3 for ea add'l unit; Jul1 ‐ Dec 31: 1/2 license fee Certificate of Habitability req once every 2 years. City (no charge); inspectors cert by HUD for grant‐req inspections; cert private inspectors approved by City Certificate of Inspection prior to issuance of license. All rental units must comply with Uniform Housing Code and do not present conditions that endager or impair the health or safety of the tenant (list). AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 37 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Prosser (2012) City Administrator Business Rental License and Certification of Inspection $30 for 1st du & $5 for ea addl du Inspection required every 5 years City Code Enforcement or building official; HUD certified; private inspectors, approved by City; WA licensed structural eng or arch. $35 for ea du inspected. If participation in voluntary crime‐free rental housing program is required, applicant for business license must provide certification of participation from Chief of Police. Revenue generated dedicated to prevention of criminal activity related to rental housing, admin costs, inspection costs, auditing, and collection. Seattle (2014) Dept of Construction and Inspections Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) Base fee +1 unit=$175; $2 ea add' unit; fees good for 5 yrs All 148,000 non‐exempt rental units inspected every 10 years. Qualified rental housing inspector or City inspector. Units w/prior enforcement action inspected early in program. All properties with rental housing units shall be registered; for condos and coops, the property required to be registered shall be the individual unit being rented and not the entire building; an owner with multiple units in a condo or coop may have a single registration for all the units in the building. Vacation rentals (max 3 mons single tenant); commercial lodging, state‐licensed facilities (adult homes), and public housing authority and gov owned units are exempt from registration. Registration prog separate from complaint‐based enforcement. AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 38 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Sunnyside (2010) Police Dept Residential Rental Housing License $100 for 1st unit and $50 ea add'l unit to max of $750. Fee subj to waiver if owner participates in the Crime‐free Rental Housing Program. None required N/A Participation in Crime‐free rental housing program is mandatory for any owner/licensee receiving 2 or more notices of instances of criminal activity on the premises of one or more residential du for which a license is held. Provide address of ea unit; manager & owners' names and contact info. Revenue from licensing fees dedicated to prevention of criminal activity related to rental housing, admin costs, auditing, and collection. Toppenish (2010) City Clerk and Code Enforcement Officer Business License for Residential Rental Units One or two units=$40; 3 and up $15 each All units, once every 3 years, exempt if unit has a cert of occupancy w/in 4 yrs and no code violations Code enforcement officer, building inspector, HUD cert inspector; ASHI cert inspector; private inspector cert by NAHRO or AACE, WA licensed structural eng, WA licensed arch. Min 48 hours notice for inspection Certification required that ea occupied residential rental unit will be kept fit for human habitation and will be maintained in full compliance with all applicable ordinances of the city. AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 39 Jurisdictions Administration Business license or registration program? License / registration Fees Frequency of inspections Inspectors / Inspections Licensing / registration requirements Notes Tukwila (2011) Department of Community Development ‐ Code Official Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program 1 ‐ 4 units = $60 / year; 5+ units = $175 / year Each unit inspected every 4 years; city organized by zones, ea zone has 1,000 units +/‐; one zone inspected per year. Subsequently extended to every 8 yrs if prop is participating in the Crime‐Free Multi‐Housing Program. City inspector ($50/ unit) or non‐City inspector (pre‐approved by city) Issuance of a residential rental business license dependent on completed inspection Certificate signed by inspector. Upon receipt of inspection Certificate, Certificate of Compliance issued by code official. Rental Inspection Deficiency Point System: code violations rated on a 1‐25 scale. Units that fail inspection by 25 points or more are considered unfit for occupancy. Inspection fee paid for ea inspection, incl after failures. Cannot have more than 3 verified complaints in any 6‐month period. AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
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40
I. EXAMPLE OMBUDSMAN POSITION
Staff in Community Services have developed a draft position description for the Ombudsman position.
The position would also be an opportunity to coordinate other relevant duties, such as the CDBG
program.
Safe & Healthy Housing Ombudsman Position: Direct and control (oversee, organize) rental housing
code compliance operations in the Community Services Department/Human Services Division. Work with
South King County Human Service Planners and other Non-Profit agencies on eradication of homelessness
and affordable housing initiatives. Oversee the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) in
accordance with established policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; participate in the City’s
Emergency Response.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions:
Coordinate and oversee the Rental Housing code compliance issues for the City, providing leadership
and guidance. Respond to tenant compliance, coordinate with code enforcement inspectors to do
external inspections of rental properties to ensure compliance.
Foster the development of community collaborations and partnerships to provide quality and affordable
rental housing to Renton residents. Advocate for and support a systems approach to eradicating
homelessness and meeting community needs.
Oversee the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) in accordance with established policies,
procedures, regulations and requirements.
Understand, measure, analyze and respond to community needs on an ongoing basis. Communicate an
understanding of community housing rental needs to stakeholders, and promote available resources and
solutions. Ensure that the community and other city departments and staff are aware of human services
resources and providers within the city and can make appropriate referrals.
Help make city housing and rental programs as accessible as possible to all residents, regardless of
income or other characteristics.
Collaborate with other city departments to address changing needs and demographics in Renton on an
ongoing basis, including through broad community engagement and tracking community and agency
outcomes.
Coordinate programs and activities with local and regional human service providers and with other
jurisdictions’ code compliance divisions. Note: coordinate system delivery, common application and
reporting forms, also develop responses to common issues and needs. Participate in local, South King
County, regional and King County wide conversations around human services and landlord tenant issues to
align city and regional priorities. Work with other cities and non‐profits to coordinate the delivery of
services.
Serve as the city’s housing/rental compliance representative to committees and organizations,
communicate and meet City officials and administrators, the Human Services Advisory Committee;
public and private organizations, agencies, residents.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 41
Maintain documents, reports and files in accordance with federal, State and local laws. Ensure
effective customer service, efficient productivity, and functional operations of the division.
Standard Functions:
Prepare informational and marketing materials to promote and publicize various programs and
human services available to City residents.
Perform related duties as assigned.
May be assigned to support critical city priorities during disasters or other emergencies.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 2018 City of Renton | Renton Safe and Healthy Housing – Issue Paper 42
J. EXAMPLE CHECKLIST
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page | 1
Residential Rental Checklist
The purpose of this form is to provide rental property owners a guide when inspecting their properties to ensure
compliance with the standards set forth in the Washington State Landlord Tenant Act, Title 59 RCW and that the
property does not present conditions that endanger or impair the health or safety of the tenants.
General
Junk vehicles in the yard.
Garbage, Junk, or Debris in the yard.
Overgrown vegetation which constitutes a nuisance per
Renton Municipal Code 1-3-3.
Lack of, or inadequate garbage and rubbish
storage for disposal.
Exterior stairways (in yards) need
handrails/guardrails.
Exterior sidewalks broken, buckled or
deteriorated.
Life Safety
Missing or unreadable address numbers or apartment
numbers.
Exit stairs need to be repaired or replaced.
Exit stairs are missing or have improper landings.
Exit stairs have incorrect rise and run.
Exit stairs need to be provided with
handrails/guardrails, or handrails/guardrails need
repair or replacement.
Stairs width is too narrow.
Door locks missing, inoperative, or illegal.
Window locks missing or inoperative.
Porch, deck, or balcony needs to be repaired, replaced
or removed.
Porch, deck or balcony needs guardrail.
Room and space dimensions less than required.
Exit(s)
Exterior doors and/or door framework need to be
repaired or replaced.
Exit windows from sleeping rooms not provided.
Exit windows from sleeping rooms too small in area or
dimension.
Overcrowding: Any building or portion thereof, where
the exiting is insufficient in number, width, or access for
the occupant load served, or where the number of
occupants in sleeping rooms exceeds the number
permitted by the area of sleeping.
Structural
Roofing needs repair.
Roofing needs replacement.
Chimney(s) needs to be repaired or removed.
Ceiling and/or roof framing needs repair.
Foundations need replacing.
Foundations need repair.
Wall framing needs repair.
Exterior walls need siding repaired.
Window glass needs replacement.
Window frames need repair or replacement.
Floor framing needs repair or replacement.
Peeling or absence of paint or weather protection on
exterior walls, decks, stairs, porches, and other exterior
surfaces.
Deteriorated or crumbling plaster or gypsum board.
Fire
Missing or inoperative smoke detectors in bedrooms.
Smoke detectors are not centrally located outside of
sleeping areas, and/or are not on each floor.
Improper storage, building clutter, or other fire
hazards.
Electrical
Improper or hazardous wiring.
Access to electrical panels is adequate.
If there are fuses, are the circuits properly fused.
Electrical convenience outlets or switches do not have
plates.
Burnt or painted outlets that need to be replaced.
Inadequate number of electrical convenience outlets.
Ground fault circuit interrupters not installed in the
bathrooms and kitchens.
Missing or damaged light fixtures, receptacles or
switches.
Plumbing/Heating Lighting & Ventilation
Improper toilets, lavatories, bathtubs, showers, or other
plumbing fixtures as required by the size or occupant
load of the occupancy.
Any lavatories, sinks, bathtubs or similar fixtures where
the spigot outlet is below the level of the basin rim, and
any other fixtures where cross-connection or back-
siphonage is possible.
Plumbing piping or fixtures of non-approved materials.
Leaking plumbing piping (supply and/or waste).
Sagging or improperly supported piping.
Clogged or inoperative plumbing piping.
Missing temperature/pressure relief valve on water
heater.
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page | 2
Substandard Laundry Facility. All residential buildings
shall provide facilities for the washing of clothes in
accordance with the provisions of the codes in force at
the time the building was constructed. In an apartment
house, where laundry facilities are not provided for
each unit, means such as laundry trays or washing
machines shall be provided elsewhere on site and shall
be available to tenants.
Inadequate or deteriorated heating or mechanical
equipment.
Inadequate supply of combustion air for fuel fired
equipment.
Improper gas piping.
Inadequate or no ventilation (either natural or
mechanical ventilation)
Windows painted shut.
Unlisted wood stoves or other appliances have been
illegally installed.
Appliances, including solid-fuel-burning appliances,
have been installed without proper clearances to
combustible materials.
No windows or inadequate windows to provide natural
light.
Sanitation
Substandard Kitchen: Each dwelling unit shall be
provided with a kitchen. The kitchen area shall contain:
• Space for a stove, microwave or hot plate.
• Space for a refrigerator.
• Adequate counter space for food preparation and
dish washing.
• Adequate storage space for kitchen utensils and
food.
• Adequate floor space.
• Communal kitchens, where allowed by zoning and
building codes, shall be located within a room
accessible to the occupants of each guest rooms
sharing the use of the kitchen without going outside
the rooming house or boarding home, or going
through a unit of another occupant.
Broken or plugged sewer.
Dampness, mold and/or mildew within the building.
Flaking, scaling, or peeling of wallpaper, paint or other
interior wall coverings.
Floor surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Wall surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Ceiling surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
repaired.
Infestation of vermin.
a) Apartments & Commercial Properties
Please Note: This section of the guide has additional
requirements that apply to apartments and
commercial units. Please use both sides when
inspecting your properties.
The following code requirements primarily apply to
apartments and commercial units.
Exit(s)
Exit signs are not provided with two sources of power.
Exit path lighting is not provided with two sources of
power.
Exit paths are not properly illuminated
Required exit signs are missing.
Required exit signs are not illuminated.
To ensure that fire escapes work properly, they must be
visually inspected every year by owner/agent and
provide documentation to the Tacoma Fire Department.
Fire
Missing or inoperative fire extinguishers.
Required fire sprinkler system inoperative or missing.
Lack of, inoperable, or inadequate fire alarm systems.
Doors to stair enclosures do not meet required fire
assembly requirements, or fire assembly needs,
replacement or repair.
Doors to stair enclosures are missing or are blocked
open.
Stair enclosures are not of the proper fire rating.
Corridor doors are not properly rated (or equivalent)
Corridor doors don't have closers.
Corridor doors have improper hold open devices.
Corridor doors don't have gasketting.
Corridor door frames need to be repaired or replaced.
Transoms above corridor doors are not sealed or fire-
rated.
Required corridors are not of one-hour construction.
Exit doors have improper hardware.
Fire resistive construction needs repair or replacement.
Required fire doors are missing or damaged.
Stairs need to be enclosed in a fire rated shaft
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page | 3
Optional
Right of Entry
Name:
Address:
Parcel Number:
I, ______________________________, owner of the property at __________________address, Renton WA,
do hereby give my permission to the City of Renton and their authorized agents to conduct an inspection of this
property to ensure compliance with applicable City of Renton Property Maintenance, Nuisance, Fire, and other
applicable health and safety codes.
Signature: Date:
AGENDA ITEM #2. a)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 1 of 8
Inspection Checklist
Property Name:
Date of Request: (mm/dd/yyyy)
Inspector:
Date of Inspection: (mm/dd/yyyy)
Type of Inspection: Initial Special Reinspection
A. General Information
Inspected Unit: Year Constructed: (yyyy) Unit Type (check applicable):
Single Family Detached
Duplex or Two Family
Row House of Town House
Low Rise: 3, 4 Stories, incl.
Garden Apartment
High Rise: 5 or More
Stories
Manufactured Home
Congregate
Cooperative
Independent Group
Residence
Single Occupancy Room
Shared Housing
Other
Full Address (incl. Street, City, County, State, ZIP):
Owner
Name of Owner of Agent Authorized to Lease
Unit Inspected:
PHONE NUMBER:
Address of Owner or Agent:
B. Summary Decision on Unit (to be completed after form has been filled out)
Pass
Fail
Inconclusive
Description:
ITEM GENERAL PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Junk vehicles in the yard.
Garbage, Junk, or
Debris in the yard.
Overgrown vegetation
which constitutes a
nuisance per Renton
Municipal Code 1-3-3.
Lack of, or inadequate
garbage and rubbish
storage for disposal.
Exterior stairways (in
yards) need
handrails/guardrails.
Exterior sidewalks
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 2 of 8
broken, buckled or
deteriorated.
ITEM LIFE SAFETY PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Missing or unreadable
address numbers or
apartment numbers.
Exit stairs need to be
repaired or replaced.
Exit stairs are missing or
have improper landings.
Exit stairs have incorrect
rise and run.
Exit stairs need to be
provided with
handrails/guardrails, or
handrails/guardrails
need repair or
replacement.
Stairs width is too
narrow.
Door locks missing,
inoperative, or illegal.
Window locks missing or
inoperative.
Porch, deck, or balcony
needs to be repaired,
replaced or removed.
Porch, deck or balcony
needs guardrail.
Room and space
dimensions less than
required.
ITEM EXIT(S) PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Exterior doors and/or
door framework need to
be repaired or replaced.
Exit windows from
sleeping rooms not
provided.
Exit windows from
sleeping rooms too small
in area or dimension.
Overcrowding: Any
building or portion
thereof, where the
exiting is insufficient in
number, width, or access
for the occupant load
served, or where the
number of occupants in
sleeping rooms exceeds
the number permitted by
the area of sleeping.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 3 of 8
ITEM STRUCTURAL PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Roofing needs repair.
Roofing needs
replacement.
Chimney(s) needs to be
repaired or removed.
Ceiling and/or roof
framing needs repair.
Foundations need
replacing.
Foundations need repair.
Wall framing needs
repair.
Exterior walls need
siding repaired.
Window glass needs
replacement.
Window frames need
repair or replacement.
Floor framing needs
repair or replacement.
Peeling or absence of
paint or weather
protection on exterior
walls, decks, stairs,
porches, and other
exterior surfaces.
Deteriorated or
crumbling plaster or
gypsum board.
ITEM FIRE PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Missing or inoperative
smoke detectors in
bedrooms.
Smoke detectors are not
centrally located outside
of sleeping areas,
and/or are not on each
floor.
Improper storage,
building clutter, or other
fire hazards.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 4 of 8
ITEM ELECTRICAL PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Improper or hazardous
wiring.
Access to electrical
panels is adequate.
If there are fuses, are the
circuits properly fused.
Electrical convenience
outlets or switches do not
have plates.
Burnt or painted outlets
that need to be
replaced.
Inadequate number of
electrical convenience
outlets.
Ground fault circuit
interrupters not installed
in the bathrooms and
kitchens.
Missing or damaged
light fixtures, receptacles
or switches.
ITEM
PLUMBING/HEATING
LIGHT & VENTILATION PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Improper toilets,
lavatories, bathtubs,
showers or other
plumbing fixtures as
required by the size or
occupant load of the
occupancy.
Any lavatories, sinks,
bathtubs or similar
fixtures where the spigot
outlet is below the level
of the basin rim, and any
other fixtures where
cross-connection or back-
siphonage is possible.
Plumbing piping or
fixtures of non-approved
materials.
Leaking plumbing piping
(supply and/or waste).
Sagging or improperly
supported piping.
Clogged or inoperative
plumbing piping.
Missing
temperature/pressure
relief valve on water
heater.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 5 of 8
ITEM
PLUMBING/HEATING
LIGHT & VENTILATION PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Substandard Laundry
Facility. All residential
buildings shall provide
facilities for the washing
of clothes in accordance
with the provisions of the
codes in force at the time
the building was
constructed. In an
apartment house, where
laundry facilities are not
provided for each unit,
means such as laundry
trays or washing
machines shall be
provided elsewhere on
site and shall be
available to tenants.
Inadequate or
deteriorated heating or
mechanical equipment.
Inadequate supply of
combustion air for fuel
fired equipment.
Improper gas piping.
Inadequate or no
ventilation (either natural
or mechanical ventilation)
Windows painted shut.
Unlisted wood stoves or
other appliances have
been illegally installed.
Appliances, including
solid-fuel-burning
appliances, have been
installed without proper
clearances to
combustible materials.
No windows or
inadequate windows to
provide natural light.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 6 of 8
ITEM SANITATION PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Substandard Kitchen:
Each dwelling unit shall
be provided with a
kitchen. The kitchen area
shall contain:
Space for a stove,
microwave or hot plate.
Space for a
refrigerator.
Adequate counter space
for food preparation
and dish washing.
Adequate storage space
for kitchen utensils and
food.
Adequate floor space.
Communal kitchens,
where allowed by
zoning and building
codes, shall be located
within a room accessible
to the occupants of each
guest rooms sharing the
use of the kitchen without
going outside the
rooming house or
boarding home, or going
through a unit of another
occupant.
Broken or plugged
sewer.
Dampness, mold and/or
mildew within the
building.
Flaking, scaling, or
peeling of wallpaper,
paint or other interior
wall coverings.
Floor surfacing needs to
be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Wall surfacing needs to
be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Ceiling surfacing needs
to be thoroughly cleaned
or repaired.
Infestation of vermin.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 7 of 8
Please Note: This section of the guide has additional requirements that apply to apartments and commercial
units.
ITEM EXIT(S) PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Exit signs are not
provided with two
sources of power.
Exit path lighting is not
provided with two
sources of power.
Exit paths are not
properly illuminated
Required exit signs are
missing.
Required exit signs are
not illuminated.
To ensure that fire
escapes work properly,
they must be visually
inspected every year by
owner/agent and
provide documentation
to the Tacoma Fire
Department.
ITEM FIRE PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Missing or inoperative
fire extinguishers.
Required fire sprinkler
system inoperative or
missing.
Lack of, inoperable, or
inadequate fire alarm
systems.
Doors to stair enclosures
do not meet required fire
assembly requirements,
or fire assembly needs,
replacement or repair.
Doors to stair enclosures
are missing or are
blocked open.
Stair enclosures are not
of the proper fire rating.
Corridor doors are not
properly rated (or
equivalent)
Corridor doors don't
have closers.
Corridor doors have
improper hold open
devices.
Corridor doors don't
have gasketting.
Corridor door frames
need to be repaired or
replaced.
Transoms above corridor
doors are not sealed or
fire-rated.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 8 of 8
ITEM EXIT(S) PASS FAIL
IN-
CONC. COMMENT
FINAL APPROVAL
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Required corridors are
not of one-hour
construction.
Exit doors have improper
hardware.
Fire resistive construction
needs repair or
replacement.
Required fire doors are
missing or damaged.
Stairs need to be
enclosed in a fire rated
shaft.
AGENDA ITEM #2. b)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 1 of 3
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL CHECKLIST
The purpose of this form is to provide rental property owners a guide when inspecting their
properties to ensure compliance with the standards set forth in the Washington State Landlord
Tenant Act, Title 59 RCW and that the property does not present conditions that endanger or
impair the health or safety of the tenants.
General
Junk vehicles in the yard.
Garbage, Junk, or Debris in the yard.
Overgrown vegetation which constitutes a nuisance per
Renton Municipal Code 1-3-3.
Lack of, or inadequate garbage and rubbish storage
for disposal.
Exterior stairways (in yards) need handrails/guardrails.
Exterior sidewalks broken, buckled or deteriorated.
Life Safety
Missing or unreadable address numbers or apartment
numbers.
Exit stairs need to be repaired or replaced.
Exit stairs are missing or have improper landings.
Exit stairs have incorrect rise and run.
Exit stairs need to be provided with
handrails/guardrails, or handrails/guardrails need
repair or replacement.
Stairs width is too narrow.
Door locks missing, inoperative, or illegal.
Window locks missing or inoperative.
Porch, deck, or balcony needs to be repaired, replaced
or removed.
Porch, deck or balcony needs guardrail.
Room and space dimensions less than required.
Exit(s)
Exterior doors and/or door framework need to be
repaired or replaced.
Exit windows from sleeping rooms not provided.
Exit windows from sleeping rooms too small in area or
dimension.
Overcrowding: Any building or portion thereof, where
the exiting is insufficient in number, width, or access for
the occupant load served, or where the number of
occupants in sleeping rooms exceeds the number
permitted by the area of sleeping.
Structural
Roofing needs repair.
Roofing needs replacement.
Chimney(s) needs to be repaired or removed.
Ceiling and/or roof framing needs repair.
Foundations need replacing.
Foundations need repair.
Wall framing needs repair.
Exterior walls need siding repaired.
Window glass needs replacement.
Window frames need repair or replacement.
Floor framing needs repair or replacement.
Peeling or absence of paint or weather protection on
exterior walls, decks, stairs, porches, and other exterior
surfaces.
Deteriorated or crumbling plaster or gypsum board.
Fire
Missing or inoperative smoke detectors in bedrooms.
Smoke detectors are not centrally located outside of
sleeping areas, and/or are not on each floor.
Improper storage, building clutter, or other fire
hazards.
Electrical
Improper or hazardous wiring.
Access to electrical panels is adequate.
If there are fuses, are the circuits properly fused.
Electrical convenience outlets or switches do not have
plates.
Burnt or painted outlets that need to be replaced.
Inadequate number of electrical convenience outlets.
Ground fault circuit interrupters not installed in the
bathrooms and kitchens.
Missing or damaged light fixtures, receptacles or
switches.
Plumbing/Heating Lighting & Ventilation
Improper toilets, lavatories, bathtubs, showers, or other
plumbing fixtures as required by the size or occupant
load of the occupancy.
Any lavatories, sinks, bathtubs or similar fixtures where
the spigot outlet is below the level of the basin rim, and
any other fixtures where cross-connection or back-
siphonage is possible.
Plumbing piping or fixtures of non-approved materials.
Leaking plumbing piping (supply and/or waste).
Sagging or improperly supported piping.
Clogged or inoperative plumbing piping.
Missing temperature/pressure relief valve on water
heater.
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 2 of 3
Substandard Laundry Facility. All residential buildings
shall provide facilities for the washing of clothes in
accordance with the provisions of the codes in force at
the time the building was constructed. In an apartment
house, where laundry facilities are not provided for
each unit, means such as laundry trays or washing
machines shall be provided elsewhere on site and shall
be available to tenants.
Inadequate or deteriorated heating or mechanical
equipment.
Inadequate supply of combustion air for fuel fired
equipment.
Improper gas piping.
Inadequate or no ventilation (either natural or
mechanical ventilation)
Windows painted shut.
Unlisted wood stoves or other appliances have been
illegally installed.
Appliances, including solid-fuel-burning appliances,
have been installed without proper clearances to
combustible materials.
No windows or inadequate windows to provide natural
light.
Sanitation
Substandard Kitchen: Each dwelling unit shall be
provided with a kitchen. The kitchen area shall contain:
• Space for a stove, microwave or hot plate.
• Space for a refrigerator.
• Adequate counter space for food preparation and
dish washing.
• Adequate storage space for kitchen utensils and
food.
• Adequate floor space.
• Communal kitchens, where allowed by zoning and
building codes, shall be located within a room
accessible to the occupants of each guest rooms
sharing the use of the kitchen without going outside
the rooming house or boarding home, or going
through a unit of another occupant.
Broken or plugged sewer.
Dampness, mold and/or mildew within the building.
Flaking, scaling, or peeling of wallpaper, paint or other
interior wall coverings.
Floor surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Wall surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
replaced.
Ceiling surfacing needs to be thoroughly cleaned or
repaired.
Infestation of vermin.
APARTMENTS & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Please Note: This section of the guide has additional
requirements that apply to apartments and
commercial units. Please use both sides when
inspecting your properties.
The following code requirements primarily apply to
apartments and commercial units.
Exit(s)
Exit signs are not provided with two sources of power.
Exit path lighting is not provided with two sources of
power.
Exit paths are not properly illuminated
Required exit signs are missing.
Required exit signs are not illuminated.
To ensure that fire escapes work properly, they must be
visually inspected every year by owner/agent and
provide documentation to the Tacoma Fire Department.
Fire
Missing or inoperative fire extinguishers.
Required fire sprinkler system inoperative or missing.
Lack of, inoperable, or inadequate fire alarm systems.
Doors to stair enclosures do not meet required fire
assembly requirements, or fire assembly needs,
replacement or repair.
Doors to stair enclosures are missing or are blocked
open.
Stair enclosures are not of the proper fire rating.
Corridor doors are not properly rated (or equivalent)
Corridor doors don't have closers.
Corridor doors have improper hold open devices.
Corridor doors don't have gasketting.
Corridor door frames need to be repaired or replaced.
Transoms above corridor doors are not sealed or fire-
rated.
Required corridors are not of one-hour construction.
Exit doors have improper hardware.
Fire resistive construction needs repair or replacement.
Required fire doors are missing or damaged.
Stairs need to be enclosed in a fire rated shaft
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)
Rental Housing Checklist
DRAFT February 20, 2018 Page 3 of 3
OPTIONAL
RIGHT OF ENTRY
Name:
Address:
Parcel Number:
I, ______________________________, owner of the property at __________________address, Renton WA,
do hereby give my permission to the City of Renton and their authorized agents to conduct an inspection of this
property to ensure compliance with applicable City of Renton Property Maintenance, Nuisance, Fire, and other
applicable health and safety codes.
Signature: Date:
AGENDA ITEM #2. c)
Renton Safe and Healthy
Housing Program
City Council Committee of the Whole
February 28, 2018 AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
2
Agenda
Need for Safe & Healthy Housing
Council Direction 2017
Model Programs
Proposed Program for Renton
Checklist
Fiscal Analysis
Next Steps
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
3
Need for Safe & Healthy Housing
Age of Housing StockRenter Occupied Housing
About 40% of Renton’s housing
stock developed before 1980.
Estimated 17,700 rental units.
Owner
Occupied,
52%
Renter
Occupied,
48%
0%20%40%60%80%100%120%
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing
Available, quality housing is a significant need in the
City of Renton. Many families are living in sub-
standard housing that is outdated or not designed to
meet the particular needs of their family in terms of
size, configuration, or location.
~ Renton Community Needs Assessment for Human
Services and Housing in 2014 AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
4
Background
Community and Economic Development (CED) Department developed a
Draft Program in 2016
based on broad outreach
review of other cities’ programs
approach included three year rotating inspection program
Based on stakeholder feedback and City Council direction in 2017, CED
has reworked the program options towards a self-certification program
CED contracted with BERK Consulting to:
Review City’s housing stock information,
Contact cities with self-certification programs for pointers,
Prepare a proposed self certification (Tacoma, Bremerton) program, and
Evaluate staff and program fiscal resource needs.
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
5
Tacoma ~14,000 Rental Properties
Tax & License
Annual Business
License & Self-
Certification
Provisional License if
Failed External
Inspection
Landlord-Tenant
Coordinator
Provide information
and referrals to
landlords and
tenants
Help community
self-advocate
Code
Compliance
Respond to
Complaints &
Conduct Exterior
Inspections
Conduct or require
internal inspection if
complaint
Staff
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
6
Tacoma Process Phase in
Program
License &
Self-Certify
Complaint &
Inspection
Provisional
License
Three-Year
Inspection
•One-year Phase In
•Hired Landlord-Tenant Act
Coordinator
•Focus on self-certification
•Inspect on complaint basis
•External inspections may lead to
provisional license
•Internal inspections conducted
when tenant has properly
followed Landlord-Tenant Act or
if landlord consents
•Tacoma has conducted 135
inspections in 5 years out of
14,000 properties ~ 1% of
properties
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing
99% of
properties
1% of
properties AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
7
Bremerton ~1,737 landlords
ProcessStaff
Community
Development
Rental
License &
Self-Certify
Code
Enforcement
Police
Department
Chronic
Nuisance
Properties
Landlord
Notification
Program
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing
License &
Self-Certify
Complaint &
Violation
Documented
Require
Certificate of
Inspection
Abatement
Process
•External inspections if
complaint or violation
•Tenants have not
requested internal
inspection to date
•Staff is under-
resourced and
adding a code
compliance officer
AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
8
Proposed Program for Renton
Feature Rationale
1 Require business licenses and
registration
Allows notifications when emergencies or nuisance complaints arise
2 Implement a self-certification
program
Streamlined and efficient –most landlords in good stead.
Focus on landlords who don’t meet.
3 Update property maintenance
code standards
Per National Center for Healthy Housing & King County.
Determine an appropriate administrative appeal.
4 Create a new Ombudsman
position in Community Services
Provide support, education, and information to landlords and tenants and
coordinate between multiple departments.
5 Provide enforcement through
Code Compliance staff
Already enforce other building and property codes.
6 Limit City inspections Effectively use Code Compliance staff and follow Landlord-Tenant Act.
Focus on exterior inspections through complaints. Interior inspections only
after tenants notify landlord, or landlord permission, or through court
warrants. Develop list of approved inspectors.
7 Phase in the program One-year education and outreach campaign to landlords and rental
housing tenants to build awareness and encourage compliance.
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
9
Checklist
Self-Certification Checklist
Similar to Tacoma & Bremerton
content
Based on Landlord-Tenant Act and
Building Code
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
10
Fiscal Analysis
RevenuesFee Structure
75% compliance
Business License: $431,888
Rental Registration:$122,997
Total Revenue $554,885
100% compliance
Business License: $575,850
Rental Registration:$163,996
Total Revenue $739,846
FEE TYPE RENTAL TYPE FEE
Business License Any $150/year
Rental Registration
1-4 unit(s)$12/unit/year
5-24 units $10/unit/year
25+ units $8/unit/year
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing
•Similar to current Renton Business license
•Based on units–more straightforward compared to
by income as Tacoma does AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
11
Fiscal Analysis (cont.)
Relationship of Costs to RevenuesCosts
Costs: For regular staff positions
Approximately $382,000
Does not account for City Attorney or other
position support
Revenues: Depending on compliance, excludes
additional penalties and inspections
$555,000 to $740,000
Base Salary
Ombudsman: 1FTE @ $80,000
Rental business license position 1FTE @$58,000
Code compliance inspector: 1FTE @$78,000
Benefits: $166,000
Total Costs: $382,000
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
12
Outstanding Issues
Balancing protecting tenant from retribution with property owners rights
Penalties for non-compliance
Evaluation of fee structure balancing revenues with city resource costs
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
13
Next Steps
Refer back to Planning and Development Committee
Develop staff-recommended code proposal
Bring ordinance forward to City Council
Complete Summer 2018
February 2018 | Safe & Healthy Housing AGENDA ITEM #2. d)
ABOUT OUR FESTIVALABOUT OUR FESTIVALABOUT OUR FESTIVALABOUT OUR FESTIVAL
Originating in 1986, this celebration unites residents, businesses, organizations, and Puget Sound region tourists together to enjoy a
wonderful variety of events and special features for youth, families, and seniors. Annual favorites include arts and crafts, visual and
performing arts, recreation, food, exhibitions, car and boat shows, children’s activities, and culturally diverse stage entertainment.
Renton River Days, a 501c4 nonprofit, works in partnership with the City of Renton, numerous volunteer groups, and other community
stakeholders to produce Renton’s community family festival. Featuring nearly 35 events and special programs over several days and at
locations within Renton, the main festival is held the fourth weekend of July at Liberty Park.
Estimated attendance has risen to 35,000 for the multi-day celebration of Renton and its residents, history and culture.
2017 FESTIVAL BY THE NUMBERS
Over 50 businesses and
community organizations
sponsored or
supported festival
events
4,350
duckies floated
the Cedar River
1,400 participants in
82 Parade
entries
More than 250 performers
took the stage throughout
festival weekend
45 non-profits
and 21 sponsor booths on-site
66 quilts
displayed
in Annual Quilt
Show 806 miles logged by 130
walkers in Fun Walks
476 volunteers
4,372 hours
2 new volunteer
Art Market managers
17 new vendors Charitable
donations, juried
art awards, and
contest prizes totaled
$46,550
New this year, the
Antique & Classic
Boat Show had 30
boats on display and provided
over 500 free boat rides
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
2017 Festival Highlights AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
2017 Festival
Volunteer Committees
Antique & Classic Boat Show
Art Market
Board of Directors
Chalk Art Contest
Community Booths
Deutsch-Marque Show & Shine
Entertainment
Family Fun & Films
Festival Volunteer Program
Finance
Graphics & Marketing
Kids Photo ID Cards
KidZones & Children’s Activities
Nibble of Renton
Pancake Breakfast
Parade
Products & Souvenirs
Quilt Exhibition
Renton Annual Art Show
Renton Historical Museum
Renton Kiwanis & Key Clubs
Resource & Development
Rubber Ducky Derby
Senior Day Picnic
Seattle Electric Vehicle Assoc Car Show
Soccer Tournament
Tennis Tournaments
Volkssport Fun Walks
Volunteer Coordination
City of Renton Support Teams
Communications
Community & Economic Development
Community Services
Police
Public Works
Renton Fire Authority
Technical Services
Transportation Systems
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
2017 Festival Co-Sponsors
2017 Presenting Sponsor
2017 Event & Activity Sponsors
Aces Tennis
ADT Security Services
AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union
Atkinson Wealth Strategies Group
Jim & Char Baker
Banner Bank
Bath Fitter
Champion Windows
Costco
Cugini Florist & Fine Gifts
D&D Floor Covering Inc.
Fred Meyer
Garland Jewelers
Renton Chamber of Commerce
Michael J. Hardy, DDS
Hampton Inn & Suites
Harley Exteriors
Hub Insurance Agency
Iron Horse Hay & Feed
Kenworth Renton
King & Bunny’s Appliance & TV
Gary & Betty Kohlwes
Law Offices of Dan Kellogg
Mountain Mist
Renton Public Library (KCLS)
Renton Reporter
Renton School District
Renton Technical College
Renton Village Merchants Assoc.
Seattle Revival Center
Service Linen Supply
Smith Brothers Farms
STAR 101.5 FM
St. Charles Place Antiques & Res-
toration
Stoneway Concrete
Law Offices of Steven D. Weier
Torero’s Mexican Restaurants
UW Medicine-Valley Medical Center
Walker’s Renton Subaru
Wiener & Lambka, P.S.
AGENDA ITEM #3. a)
Renton River Days
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2018 Renton River Days
Presentation will highlight:
•History
•Renton’s Current Events
•2017 RRDs Highlights
•Leadership & Planning
•Budget
•Revenue & Cost-Savings
•Trends Impacting Events
•Sustainability
•Next Steps AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
History between RRDs & COR
How it all began:
•In 1986, with initiative and direction from former Mayor Shinpoch
and community leaders, separate events combined into the same
week. “Voila” –Renton River Days was born!
•Objectives (then and now):
efficient use of city resources and amenities
inclusive community engagement & shared experiences
opportunities for local organizations
to participate
community groups lead events
& programming
family-oriented
•2018 marks the 33rd RRDs festival AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Event Growth in Renton
Events create inclusive shared experiences:
•City of Renton:
State of the City
Memorial Day Event
Juneteenth
Unity March
Neighborhood Program:
Community Celebrations, Film Series, Bark in the Park
Volunteer Program: Arbor Day/Earth Day, Day of Service
4th of July
Renton Farmers Market
Suburban Farm & Garden Expo AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Event Growth in Renton
Events create inclusive shared experiences:
•City of Renton:
Senior Activity Center events (i.e. Senior Expo, Holiday Bazaar)
Summer Concert Series at Coulon
Family Fun & Films (various locations)
Cruz the Loop
Pooch Plunge
Renton Multi-Cultural Festival
Hassle Free Holiday Bazaar
Holiday Lights at the Piazza and at Coulon Park
Polar Bear Dip
Renton History Museum:
Exhibitions, speaker series AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Event Growth in Renton
Events create inclusive shared experiences:
•Seahawks 12K
•Renton Community Foundation (i.e. “Love of Community”)
•Renton Downtown Partnership events
•Parklets & Pop-Up events
•Renton Chamber events (Eyes on Renton, Economic Forecast
Luncheon, Wine Walk(s), Friday music series, RenCon)
•Communities In Schools of Renton (i.e. Spaghetti Dinner)
•Renton Rotary “Caper;” Renton Lions Club “Italian Night”
•Arts Unlimited
•Return to Renton Car Show AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2017’s Summary Highlights
2017’s festival at a glance:
•Renton’s largest, longest running,
multi-event, multi-day festival
•Est 30,000: several days, various
locations
•Web & social media: 2,915 “Likes”
& 201,445 Total Unique Users
•50+ sponsors
•45 nonprofits, 21 sponsors on site
•30+ sanctioned event and/or
program area planning teams AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2017’s Summary Highlights
2017’s festival at a glance:
•25 free activity stations for kids
•250 culturally diverse stage
performers (35 groups)
•1,400 participants,
82 Parade entries
•500 free rides, safety education
at Antique & Classic Boat Show
•476 volunteers, 4,372 hrs of service
•$46,550: charitable donations,
juried art awards, contest prizes AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2017 RRDs Festival Map
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2017 RRDs Festival Map
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Festival’s Leadership Team
Who are the team members behind the planning?
•Board of Directors:
15 volunteers, meets year-round
•RRDs Task Force meets February -August:
30+ sanctioned event volunteer chairmen
25+ city staff
•Festival Coordinator AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
City Department Support
Numerous departments support RRDs:
•Community Services
Park Maintenance: logistics, set-up to break-down, safety
Facilities Division: custodial services, park power, portolet and
handsink locations & service schedule
Recreation & Neighborhoods: supporting festival events inside
RCC, organizing and operating Community Services Dept booth
during festival
•Police
Safety, on-site engagement and activities with
the public, along Parade route and at
intersections, security presence AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
City Department Support
Numerous departments support RRDs:
•Public Works
banner installation, closing streets, assists with overnight security
at Liberty and Cedar River Parks
•Communications
marketing inclusions, Print Shop
•Renton Regional Fire Authority
safety, emergency preparedness, inspections, on-site first aid,
on-site engagement and activities with the public, crowd
management (end of Parade route)
•$118,000:city’s investment in the value of
staff time (including benefits) AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
RRDs Budget History
Examples of Budget Demands
Children’s Activities: $45,000 Rented Equipment:$38,000
Stage & Performing Artists: $25,000 Insurance: $10,000 AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Revenue Generating Ideas
Offsetting festival expenses and improving visitor
experience and “vibe” at Liberty Park:
•Restructuring Sponsor Tiers and Benefits
•Adding “Marketplace” (franchise/distributor) to Art Market
•Feature Food Truck(s) as part of the Nibble of Renton
AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Revenue Generating Ideas
Offsetting festival expenses and improving visitor
experience and “vibe” at Liberty Park:
•Beer & Wine Garden -learning from other events,
vendors, and WSLCB
•“Pay to Play” Children’s activities –
exploring options for low cost
“day pass” and/or “weekend pass”
•Increase children’s activities
co-located among nonprofit and
sponsor booths in Little Liberty AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Cost-Saving Strategies
Reducing festival expenses:
•Eliminate additional
children’s activities
•Eliminate one of two
entertainment stages
•Utilize City 24’x24’ stage
and sound team
•Utilize in-house banner
production and print
previously outsourced AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
Trends Impacting
Free Community Events
Resources vs Expectations:
•Sponsor trends, corporate giving
•Comprehensive programming, infrastructure,
and logistics
•Shifts in marketing, social media frequency,
response, and engaging in e-conversations
•Sponsorship as primary revenue source
no longer able to sustain free community
events with programming demands
•Resources (budget, revenues, staff time,
volunteers) not keeping pace with growth,
demands, and expectations AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
How to Ensure Sustainability?
Next Steps:
•Intentionally partner with the City of Renton
improve communication with wins, updates, current issues
year-end festival report
•Moving forward with cost-saving
strategies
•Finalize Request for Proposal
for Beer/Wine Garden
•Identifying revenue generating events
and activities
•Provide new experiential-based events
which appeal to Renton’s young professionals AGENDA ITEM #3. b)
2019 and Beyond
Let’s continue the conversation . . . .
•Questions?
•Thank you for your time!AGENDA ITEM #3. b)