Title
Creating Chapter 48 of the Legislative Code requiring property owners to provide voter registration information to tenants.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1
Chapter 48 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code Is Hereby Created To Read As Follows:
Chapter 48 - Notification of Voter Registration Information
Section 48.01 Definitions
Dwelling unit. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation within the unit.
Let for occupancy or let. To permit, provide or offer possession or occupancy of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit, building, premise or structure by a person who is or is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten lease, agreement or license whether or not for compensation.
Owner. The person, firm, corporation or other entity listed in the records on file in the recorder's office as holding fee title to the building.
Rooming unit. Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes.
Voter Registration Information. The information identified by the Saint Paul City Clerk explaining the process for a voter to register which shall include at a minimum a link to a website containing a printable annually-updated letter containing relevant dates and a voter registration form. The letter shall be written in English, Hmong, Spanish, and such other languages as the City Clerk shall deem appropriate.
Section 48.02 Owner Obligations
A. Obligation to Inform. An owner of a residential property that lets for occupancy any dwelling unit or rooming unit for a period of more than thirty (30) days, at the time of lease signing (or at the time of first occupancy if there is no formal lease), provide information to all tenant(s) who are 18 years of age or older of the tenant(s)’ right to register to vote in the state of Minnesota and provide information on how to register to vote. An owner may shall satisfy this requirement by providing voter registration information identified by the City Clerk.
Section 48.03 Penalty for Violation
Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be a petty misdemeanor.
SECTION 2
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force sixty (60) days following passage, approval and publication.