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Cost: In addition to the cost of updating the code to include this program, there would also be administration time involved in locating rental properties, processing applications, recording applications, and issuing approved licenses. As noted above, the City had an estimated 210 non-homesteaded single family properties in August 2008. A city can charge permit fees that are sufficient to cover the cost of inspection and administration; however, there may not be enough rental properties in Arden Hills to cover the cost of an additional full time employee. The city would likely need to hire an inspection service to handle the building inspections. Ongoing administration costs may also require outside assistance. Staff is in the process .of estimating total setup and ongoing expense; however, it will be higher than rental registration due to more administration and inspection work. Education and Resources Education is a key component of any existing or new regulatory, enforcement, or inspection program. Most property owners do not intentionally violate the code and most are anxious to resolve the situation when they are notified of a violation. Keeping residents up to date on City regulations is an important part .of deterring violatians. As noted above, a rental registration pragram may pravide an informational boost to rental housing by ensuring that occupants and property owners are aware of city regulations and expectatians. Staffhas been in contact with Bethel University and Northwestern College regarding student occupied housing. Both institutions have expressed a desire to work with the City to distribute the applicable regulations to students that chaose to rent. Whether a rental registration pragram is developed or not, staff is recomlnending the preparation .of a rental h.ousing guide for students and other renters. In addition to a city prepared educational booklet, staff also recommends keeping an updated list of grant and loan programs to assist residents, whether .owner or rental, in keeping their properties well-maintained. Re2ulation Review Since it can be difficult to fully measure the cost or effectiveness of a particular regulation when it is adopted, it is important to periodically evaluate the City's regulatians to ensure that they are meeting the goals of the City, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and that the costs do nat outweigh the benefits. While many regulations are important to ensure a healthy and safe living environment, ather regulatians reflect aesthetic preferences that can change over time. For example, the current City Code requires garbage containers to be ".. .kept in an enclosed building .or in a location which is properly screened to be as least conspicuous as practical fram City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for October 20, 2008 \\AhdocsJ\ah\AHdafa\Planning\Commun;~v Development\Commun;~v L;vabihtyLMemos\102008 - CC Memo - Commun;~v Livability.doc Page ]0 of]2