STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: February 22, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Code Compliance
EXECUTIVE: Carl Simpson
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 8A, “Boarding Home Facilities,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Chapter 8A; (1) requiring a license for each boarding home facility; (2) amending the requirements for a license application; (3) requiring denial of a license for boarding home facilities located within 1,000 feet of another boarding home or group dwelling facility; (4) providing that licenses are nontransferable; (5) amending the structure and maintenance requirements; (6) prohibiting retaliation against residents; (7) providing a penalty not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or 180 days in jail; (8) providing a saving clause; (9) providing a severability clause; and (10) and providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The Department of Code Compliance currently has 89 licensed boarding homes that are monitored and inspected every 90 days or as needed to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
A Boarding Home facility is an establishment that furnishes, in one or more buildings, lodging to person(s) who are unrelated to the owner of the establishment by blood or marriage; and must provide at least one or more services (i.e., meal preparation, light housework, laundry services), but does not provide personal services (i.e., feeding, bathing, dressing, movement, or other personal needs or maintenance).
The Boarding Home operator must pay a non-refundable/non-transferrable annual application fee of $500.00, renew their license annually, and provide an annual criminal background report.
Unlicensed boarding homes are reported and identified through 3-1-1 calls, resident calls, or departmental referrals for investigation. Prior to Senate Bill 500, once a boarding home was identified as an unlicensed operating facility, some facility operators would work with the boarding home team to achieve compliance, while many other boarding home operators close down, relocate and continue the pattern of unlicensed and unregulated boarding home operations.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee was briefed regarding this matter on January 17, 2023.
The Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee was briefed regarding this matter on May 16, 2022.
On April 13, 2022, City Council authorized an amendment to Chapter 8A of the City Code in response to Senate Bill 500, by Resolution No. 22-0530 and Ordinance No. 32168.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.