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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: May 21, 2015
SUBJECT:
Staff is requesting approval for a proposed change in fees associated with the Rental Licensing Program conducted by the Division of Property Standards.
PURPOSE:
The primary role of property inspections conducted by the Division of Property Standards is the approval of Rental Licenses in support of the objectives of the Crime Free Housing Ordinance. A strategic goal for the City of Aurora to provide "quality of life" for every resident. According to most recent census data, Aurora has an estimated 60,000 housing units. The data estimates 20,000 of those units are non-owner occupied. Attached to the resolution is like data of our comparable communities. Each community surveyed varies greatly as to the scope and method of property inspections. It should be noted that Aurora inspections are comprehensive in comparison to others. From feedback received in forums with various professional organizations, management of Property Standards has become aware of several variations to the licensing process. Some communities, such as Rockford and Naperville, are considering the adoption of a program similar to Aurora. The property inspection comes with a proposed fee that more fairly distributes the associated costs among the program participants by making the cost more of a user fee.
BACKGROUND:
The fees associated with the operation of Aurora's rental licensing program were adjusted most recently in 2006 and, prior to that, in 1994. In 2008, Aurora began inspecting all rental units including single family homes. Approximately 10,000 properties are licensed in the program. The licensing process begins with the annual property registration and $40.00 fee due by August 31. Late fees are currently $250.00 for 30 days past due and $500.00 for 60 days past due. The proposed change is an annual license fee increase to $80.00 with an additional late f...
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