With the continual growth occurring in Loveland, the City is experiencing an increase in code and property maintenance violations. The increase in violations is most notable within single-family, non-owner occupied rental units. In addition, emergency officials report numerous observations of unsafe living conditions during response call runs within rental units. Loveland City Council has recognized this issue as a growing concern and acknowledges the responsibility to assure safe living conditions for all residents. In their 2018-2019 Work Plan, Goal #3 expresses: “The establishment of an open multi-modal communication with our residential and business communities to maintain service levels that are commensurate with the requirements of a growing community”. In aiding to the completion of this goal, Fire Chief, Otto Huber has led several discussions with key stakeholders and has conducted extensive research with neighboring communities in an effort to develop a Rental Occupancy Inspection Program for the City of Loveland, Ohio
How the program works. The Residential Occupancy Inspection Program requires that each landlord within the City annually register a written report of each tenant known to have occupied a rental property. The report is to include changes in occupancy. Upon completion of registration, the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department will conduct an inspection of the dwelling(s) and/or property to ensure that the dwelling(s) are safe and habitable for occupancy. It is not the intent of the program to address short-term rentals.
The City's Law and Ordinance Committee reviewed the proposed legislation during three public meetings held on December 5, 2018, January 2, 2019, and February 6, 2019. In their meeting held on February 12, 2019, City Council requested that a public hearing of the Residential Occupancy Inspection Program be scheduled for March 26, 2019. On March 26th a public hearing was held where feedback was received. A copy of the Residential Occupancy Inspection Program can be found here: Residential Occupancy Inspection Program.