NORC of MN Appendix

NORC - Nurturing Our Retired Citizens


	helping seniors to"Age in Place"

Appendix J

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The City of St. Louis Park was one of the first municipalities to incorporate a point of sale housing inspection program as early as 1978. The primary goal of the program has been to encourage homeowners in maintaining quality housing. Prevention and repair of building deterioration in addition to correction of hazardous situations helps maintain a welcoming and vital community.

A PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CERTIFICATE IS NECESSARY FOR THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF ALL PROPERTIES.
The City of St. Louis Park will issue a Property Maintenance Certificate when the property complies with the minimum requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. The following steps are necessary if you are selling or even transferring the title of your house, town home, duplex or condominium:

* Application. Property sellers or their agents are responsible for completing and submitting an application with payment to the City of St. Louis Park Inspections Department. Our new "one-stop" shopping feature means that you can apply for a housing inspection, pay a fee, make an appointment & know your inspector's name before leaving City Hall.

* Inspection. All inspections and reinspections are now conducted by city inspectors. Inspections are scheduled at the time of application and can take up to one hour.

* Corrections. If code deficiencies are identified, the seller is responsible for correcting all items indicated on the correction notice issued by the inspector.

* Re-inspection. A re-inspection should be scheduled by the seller as soon as the corrections are made. Generally, this re-inspection lasts for a half hour or less.

* Issuing a Certificate. After the inspector verifies all corrections have been made and the property meets the City Code requirements, a Property Maintenance Certificate will be issued for the sellers to present at the closing. On occasion, a residence may be sold "as is", but additional paperwork & fees referred to as a Temporary PMC and escrow will be required by the City before the closing.

Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
What if I sell or give my house to other family members? Does this program still apply?
Yes, it does. City Code requires a property maintenance inspection for all types of sales and property transfer.

What if I go through a private attorney for the sale or transfer of my house?
City code still requires homeowners and/or their representative to come in and make application.

What code does the City apply during my inspection?
There are no "special codes" enforced on houses for sale. The City adopted and enforces the Property Maintenance Code, the "Housing Code", because it addresses several sections from the former housing code as well as nuisance, fire and zoning violations. The code does not require you to upgrade; only to maintain your property to code. One exception: Minnesota law does require all homes to have smoke detectors no matter when it was built.

As an example, I have a 60 amp fuse box in my house. Is it still acceptable?
It might be still acceptable! If the 60 amp service - or other structural condition - 1) met code at the time of installation, and 2) has been maintained in good condition and 3) poses no imminent safety or health hazard, then yes, chances are it would pass.

I think I have maintained my house to code. But I'm sure the inspector will find something else! Does the City have a list of what they look for?
The City does have a quick reference handout sheet you can obtain when making application, entitled, "Most Commonly Found Housing Violations". All properties must meet the same minimum requirements of the housing code (Property Maintenance Code).

We hope that now you have a better understanding of the Property Maintenance Certificate Program.

Feel free to contact any of our helpful staff in the Inspections Department if you have further questions: 952-924-2588.

Property Maintenance Certificate Program provided by St. Louis Park Inspections Department.

9/04

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