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Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3851, amending the Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 26, "Businesses," Article VII, "Mandatory Crime Reduction Program For Designated Apartment Complexes," amending Section 26-451 adding a definition of "Housing Unit"; amending Section 26-453 "Apartment Complex Crime Index and Crime/Risk Safety Threshold"; and amending Section 26-455(c) "Mandatory Crime Reduction Program; When Required"; and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
Established in Ordinance 3477, the Mandatory Crime Reduction Program (MCRP) aims to protect apartment complex occupants' health, safety, morals, and welfare by prioritizing greater compliance with minimum property standards.
Apartments possessing a crime index higher than the crime risk/safety threshold are required to enact the following minimum property standards:
* Have all tenants sign a crime-free lease addendum.
* Hold at least one crime watch meeting per quarter on premises in cooperation with the Police Department.
* Conduct a criminal background check on all future residents.
* Permit a minimum of two inspections.
* Participate in the criminal trespass enforcement program.
* Conduct a residential security survey.
* Pay a $2,000 program fee. Additional requirements exist for apartment complexes remaining in the program for more than 24 months.
The goal is to reduce crime at an apartment complex designated for MCRP inclusion by administering the aforementioned requirements and collaborating with the police department.
DISCUSSION:
The MCRP has been analyzed for efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness. Under the Ordinance 3477 computation model, many apartment complexes that comply with minimum property standards, including Chapter 56-150 minimum security standards, are MCRP-designated. The program review, which included meeting with various apartment complexes and the Dallas Apartment Managers Association representatives, resulted in the department proposing a more eq...
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