Export council looks at tightening up rental inspections

Patrick Varine | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 10:37 p.m.

Patrick Varine | Tribune-Review

The Export Borough building on Washington Avenue.

Export officials want a clearer picture of who’s moving in and out of town, particularly when it comes to rental properties.

Borough council on Tuesday asked solicitor Wes Long to bring back language tightening up the requirements for occupancy permits and rental inspections.

Council President Barry Delissio said only about 25% of rental properties in the borough have the proper occupancy permits.

New code enforcement officer Mark Cypher, who is replacing the retiring Mike Stack, offered a potential solution.

“Mike had a system in other communities where there was a registry of rental properties and owners, and once every two years, they’re all inspected,” Cypher said. “It’s worked well elsewhere.”

“This is something we’ve talked about before in council meetings: not knowing who is moving in and moving out,” Councilwoman Melanie Litz said.

Long agreed.

“As Mark indicated, this is also a health and safety issue,” Long said. “We want to make sure that properties are in compliance.”

Long said he would bring back ordinance language for council to consider at next month’s meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., Feb. 2 at the borough building on Washington Avenue.