GREENSBORO, N.C– For more than two years, Greensboro city leaders have been trying to come up with ways to strengthen the Minimum Housing Standards and inspections in the city.
Leaders have come up with what they call “RUCO 2.0″, a proposed ordinance that would comply with the current state law. “RUCO” stands for Rental Units Certificate of Occupancy, which the North Carolina General Assembly got rid of years ago.
The ordinance would define what is reasonable cause for city action would be, like knowledge of unsafe conditions and visible proof of code violation from outside the property.
Beth McKee Huger with the Greensboro Housing Coalition feels the new ordinance would be beneficial for the city.
“It’s really focusing on the problem, rather than giving everybody a certificate for doing the right thing,” Huger said.
If inspectors cite one major code violation or more than five minor violations, owners would have to attend a hearing to discuss the violations and a timetable of compliance.
If the problem isn’t fixed within a certain time, the owner will be charged a fine.
The city had a few problem with apartment buildings last summer, including Cascades Grandview and Heritage House, which did not meet the minimum housing standards.
Greensboro City Council member Zach Matheny hopes this ordinance will help the city go after the properties with violations.
Greensboro City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance July 16.
