I.  INTRODUCTION

The Marion Housing Code requires that a plan of inspection be developed and presented to the City Council for adoption as part of the City's housing inspection program, as mandated by the Code of Iowa.  This plan of inspection is applicable to the inspection of all dwelling units, subject to the provisions of the Marion Housing Code, including:

• The regular inspection of all rental units, rooming houses, congregate housing, and independent group residences.
• The inspection of all residential dwellings contained within the City of Marion upon receipt of complaints.

II.  COMPLAINTS

The Housing Inspector shall investigate all complaints alleging a violation of the Housing Code.  All such complaints shall be registered on a complaint form.

It is the policy of the City of Marion to investigate all complaints within 48 hours of receipt of the complaint.

The violations identified as a result of complaints shall be processed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Housing Code.

The Housing Inspector shall attempt to notify the property owner or agent by telephone personal contact, or regular mail that a complaint has been filed with the City alleging housing code violation(s) and that the City intends to inspect the dwelling in question.  The property owner or agent shall be advised of the time and date of the inspection and shall be given an opportunity to accompany the inspector on the inspection.  In the event that contact cannot be made with the owner or agent within the twenty-four (24) hour notice requirement, the owner or agent shall be notified in writing that the complaint has been filed with the City and that the inspection has been conducted. (Amended Resolution No. 7063 10/15/81).

III.  REGULAR INSPECTIONS - FREQUENCY

Regular inspection of all rental dwelling units are to be conducted every three (3) years.  If a dwelling unit is converted from owner-occupied to renter-occupied status, such unit is to receive a regular inspection within twelve (12) months subsequent to-such conversion becoming known to the Housing Inspection Division.  If a new rental unit is constructed, the regular housing inspection of such unit is to occur three years subsequent to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for that structure. (Amended Resolution No. 7908 - 6/6/85)

IV.  FORM OF INSPECTION

The Housing Code establishes performance requirements and acceptability criteria for the housing inspection program.  To assure uniformity and consistency in the housing inspection, the attached Housing Inspection Form will be used in the inspection of dwelling units.

If a dwelling unit complies with the housing quality standards, a Certification of Inspected Housing shall be issued as provided in the Housing Code.  If deficiencies or violations are detected as part of the housing inspection process, a notice of violation shall be issued as set forth in the Housing Code.

It is the intent of the City of Marion that the inspections of the Housing Inspector shall be coordinated as closely as possible with the inspection and enforcement procedures of other City agencies, including Fire Department, Police Department, and Building Department.

V.  NOTIFICATION OF REGULAR INSPECTIONS

The City shall notify property owners of it's intent to inspect a dwelling unit at least five (5) working days, and preferably ten (10) working days, prior to the date of inspection.  Such notification shall be in the form of a letter or telephone communication with the owner or designated agent of a property.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to make the necessary arrangements with the tenants so as to permit entry into the unit.

VI.  RIGHT TO APPEAL

Any person aggrieved by a written notice of the City issued in connection with any alleged violation of the Housing Code or a applicable rule or regulation issued pursuant thereto, or by a order requiring repair or demolition, has the right of appeal the Housing Code Board of Appeals, as provided in the Housing  Code.  Notices of violation to property owners shall advise property owners of this right of appeal.

VII.  MONTHLY REPORTS

The Housing Official shall submit monthly reports to the City Council describing monthly and cumulative actions taken with respect to the enforcement of the Housing Code.  Such monthly reports shall contain (at a minimum) the following information:  Regular inspections performed; inspections initiated by complaints; reinspections; correction of violations obtained; other inspections performed (nuisance violations, zoning violations, etc.); and such other relevant information as may be deemed appropriate by the Housing Official.

VIII.  PUBLIC NOTICE

Before making regular inspections pursuant to the Plan of Inspection, a public notice advertising this plan shall be published in both the Marion Sentinel and the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  A copy of the public notice is attached.

Section 2.   All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith will be and the same are herebv repealed.

Section 3. It is the intent of the City Council that each section, paragraph, sentence, clause and provision of this Ordinance is seperable and if any provision is held unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the remainder of the Ordinance, nor any part thereof other than that affected by this decision.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.