CLEVELAND — The City of Cleveland is working to update its current building code to include language that will address property maintenance that will require property owners to meet certain criteria about the quality of housing.
The ordinance will aid the city in addressing substandard housing, officials say.
The city council held the first public hearing and discussion on this topic Monday night, and City Administrator Tom O'Bryant told council members the change will give the city the authority to bring substandard housing up to code.
“We have a basic nuisances ordinance, but it's not very strong,” O’Bryant told councilmembers.
The city will use the International Property Maintenance Code to develop the regulations.
O'Bryant said the city also is looking at revamping the building inspection department with the retirement of current inspector Paul Norris. The new property maintenance ordinance will add to that change.
