Kuhn said she was surprised to find out that some of the people making the most complaints had a long record of code-enforcement infractions. In addition, many of the people who spoke at recent public meetings were not Sanford citizens.
“I knew some of them [landlords] had rental problems, but I didn’t realize how many they had.”
Through conversations with residents, Kuhn said she was directed to alternative rental ordinances around the country, which she passed on to Assistant City Attorney Lonnie Groot. For example, she said, “There is a Royal Oaks, Mich., rental ordinance that very specifically requires [rental] properties to be inspected and maintained.
Because of time constraints, however, other municipal ordinances probably will not be consulted for the seven code-enforcement changes currently being proposed. Kuhn said ordinances may be approved in part or in whole, and may also be changed later.
“But that’s not really the goal,” said Kuhn. “The goal is to pass a good ordinance the first time.”
While the next code-enforcement public-input meeting has not been scheduled, the ordinances will be presented for their first of two public readings during the March 9 city commission meeting. To access a copy of the proposed ordinances, go to the city’s website at www.ci.sanford.fl.us.
And to see Mayor Kuhn's letter to the editor click here.