Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3477 amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26, Article III, Mandatory Crime Reduction Program for Designated Apartment Complexes; and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch adopted Ordinance No. 3419 on February 21, 2017 amending the Mandatory Crime Reduction Program (MCRP) for Designated Apartment Complexes. This amendment created additional accountability for apartments in maintaining the health, safety, morals and welfare of occupants of designated apartment complexes.
DISCUSSION:
Ordinance No. 3419 was presented to Council at the November 14, 2017 study session. The inclusion list of thirteen apartment complexes that would be in the program under the new ordinance was presented as well. After discussion and input from Council there was concern that the ordinance was too restrictive based upon the number of complexes that would be required to participate under the amended ordinance. The item was tabled with the request of bringing the Ordinance back with a reformulated calculation for determining the Crime Index and Crime Risk/Safety Threshold. Ordinance No. 3477 incorporates suggestions from Council related to weighting violent crimes against persons when calculating the Crime Index for individual apartment complexes and a revised formula that determines inclusion in the program. Ordinance No. 3477 also incorporates the bulleted list below as additional features to assist in maintaining the safety of those living in apartment homes in Farmers Branch.
* All new apartment complex applicants will receive MCRP Program details upon registration with the Building Official;
* Deleted credit history checks;
* Violent Part 1 crimes are weighted double;
* Adds a comparative residential crime index for baseline comparison;
* Further defines the definition of a "Crime";
* Adds a police department Criminal Trespass Program;
* Requires a Residential Security Survey for new occupants;
* Requir...
Click here for full text