process for code enforcement that gives property owners due process, yet provides for efficient application of the code. It provides flexibility for the code enforcement officer to work with property owners making progress towards code compliance, and at the same time provides a swift mechanism for referring property maintenance matters to the Oakwood Municipal Court when necessary. Oakwood maintains a Council-appointed Property Maintenance Board (PMB). The Board has been in place since 1968. In 2022, City Council expanded the Board from three members in each of five property maintenance districts, to three members in each of the city’s eight voting precincts. The 24 citizen Board members serve in a volunteer capacity and are appointed to five year terms. The PMB is involved in enforcing the Property Maintenance Code and in implementing the Beautification Awards Program. The PMB keeps an eye out for property maintenance violations in their respective precincts, is an appellate body for property owners seeking to challenge a ruling or order from the Code Enforcement Officer, and evaluates cases identified for referral to the Oakwood Municipal Court.
b.
Since 1968, the city has conducted a pre-sale property inspection program. The program includes exterior and interior inspection. It requires that residential and business properties be inspected by the city prior to the transfer of ownership. The program also requires that rental properties be inspected when there is a change of tenant, but no more frequently than once every 12 months. The purpose of the inspection program is to ensure that properties comply with the property maintenance code. It has been an excellent tool in maintaining Oakwood property values. The program was legally challenged in 2016. The city vigorously defended the program, and it was ultimately upheld by a federal court and continues to protect and benefit Oakwood residents and business owners.
2.
Review and evaluate the current policies regarding subdivision of residential properties, and if needed, modify the subdivision and zoning codes to maintain existing neighborhood ambiance.
a.
The Oakwood Subdivision Code has been in place since 1968 and was last modified in 2002. Over the past decade, there have been no proposed land subdivisions that were controversial or otherwise suggest that the code should be modified.
3.
Support the development of new or upgraded housing options that would be attractive to Oakwood’s elderly population and empty nesters, and improve existing multi-family housing units within the community.
a.
The Pointe Oakwood residential development explained above added significant housing options to Oakwood. The development has been very well received by the Oakwood community and accounts for most of the nearly 400 additional residents reflected in the population counts identified through the 2020 Census.
b.
Multi-family properties are regularly inspected for code compliance with each change of tenant, pursuant to the city’s rental unit inspection program. This ensures proper maintenance and incremental improvements as needed to provide safe and attractive rental housing.