Title
Discuss an amendment to the Code of Ordinances related to Residential Certificate of Occupancy permits.
Body
BACKGROUND:
At the request of previous Councilwoman Bennett-Burton, Councilmember Merritt, and current Mayor Pro Tem Roman, the staff is providing an update regarding owner-occupied single-family Residential Certificates of Occupancy (RCO).
For many years, the City of Farmers Branch has required residents to obtain a residential certificate of occupancy when first acquiring a property. This process was initially adopted and processed under the International Residential Code (IRC). The ordinance was amended in August of 2021 to move the process from the IRC to Section 56 of the Code of Ordinances and incorporated a fee of $60.00.
DISCUSSION:
Staff received various concerns from residents regarding equity and friction points with the existing RCO requirement. After researching the ordinance and discussing it with utility companies, staff proposed amendments to remove the requirement of an RCO prior to utility connection. The Code Enforcement Division will continue to monitor and enforce single-family rental, short-term rental, and multi-family permits/licenses.
The staff will present the information and will be available to answer any questions.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Draft Ordinance Residential Certificates of Occupancy
2. Presentation