Title
Deleting Chapter 54 of the Legislative Code (Title VI) pertaining to Rental Application Fees.
Body
Section 1
WHEREAS, under RES 18-1204, the seated Saint Paul City Council acknowledged “the housing crisis” in our city and region, and the urgent need to address the crisis as our population grows,”; and
WHEREAS, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies decent, safe, and healthy housing for all City of Saint Paul (“City”) residents, fair and equitable access to housing for all City residents, stable rental housing, and improved access to affordable housing as 4 of 7 housing goals; and
WHEREAS, under City ORD 25-31, the seated City Council voted to pass Ordinance 25-31 Creating Chapter 193 of the Legislative Code (Title XIX) pertaining to Tenant Protections; and
WHEREAS, certain provisions of the newly adopted ordinance Chapter 193 regarding tenant protection ordinances may conflict with or supersede provisions contained in Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 54, creating a need to reconcile and clarify the applicable regulatory framework; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 193 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code establishes a comprehensive framework for tenant protections within the City of Saint Paul, addressing a range of tenant rights and landlord obligations beyond the regulation of rental application fees alone; and
WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 requires that the City affirmatively further fair housing, meaning the City must take meaningful action to overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination. Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul does hereby delete Chapter 54 of the Legislative Code in its entirety.
Section 2
Chapter 54 of the Legislative Code is deleted in its entirety.
Section 3
This Ordinance will take effect and be in force thirty (30) days following passage, approval, and publication.