09-442Council File #�—� ��—
Green Sheet # 3069477
Presented by
RESOLUTION `5
OF S�NT PAUL, MINNESOTA
1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the March
2 17, 2009 decision of the Legislative Hearing OfFicer for Appeals on Letters of Certificate of Occupancy
3 Deficiency List, a Denial of Issuance of Permits for a Category Registered Vacant Building and a
4 Certificate of Occupancy Revocation for the following addresses:
5
6 Property Aanealed Appellant
7
8 701 Portland Avenue Keith Collins
9
10 Decision: Grant a variance for the egress windows.
11
12 773 Seventh Street East Shoua Xiong
13
14 Decision: Deny the appeal and grant an extension to April 1 for compliance on all items.
15
16 1533 Vir�inia Street R.T. Harper
17
18 Decision: Deny the appeal and grant an extension until the end of March 20 for the removal of the illegal
19 lock and for installation of a carbon monoxide detector. Access to all areas should be provided at the
20 scheduled March 27 re-inspection and grant an extension for three months for the egress windows and
21 exterior items.
22
23 69 Manitoba Avenue John Kane
24
25 Decision: Deny the appeal for the egress windows and grant an extension for three months.
26
27 239 Front Avenue Dan Larson
28
29 Decision: Grant a variance on the egress windows for the front and side bedrooms. Deny and grant an
30 extension for two months on all of the remaining items on the deficiency list, including installing steps
31 below the front window to address sill height.
32
33 1030 Atlantic Street Robert Krey
34
35 Decision: Grant variances on the egress windows in Units 101, 102, 103, 104, 109, 110, 111, ll2, 113,
36 and ll4.
37
38 687 Wells Street Koua Lee
39
40 Decision: Grant the appeal and the Category III status be changed to a Category II.
41
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42 720 Armstron2 Avenue
43
Paul Stefanyshyn
44 Decision: Deny the appeal and grant an extension for 90 days for compliance on all items and that
45 the vacant building fee would be waived during that time. The upstairs could be occupied as soon
46 as the guardrail and lock (Items 10 and 11) had been conected and re-inspected.
47
48
Requested by Department oE
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Form Approved by City Attorney
By:
Adopted by Council: Date �/,�s��% Form Approved by Mayor for Submission to Counci]
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
BY� ! �° //s/l..�GSi)�
Approved b��q� Yor: Date `��7���
BY �-"� f ViMSG�uv�i'` 6
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Approved by the Office of Financial Services
By:
� Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sfieet Green Sheet .
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DepartmenUOffice/Council: Date Initiated:
co -�°���� 14APR-09 Green Sheet NO: 3069477
Contact Person 8 Phone: Deoartment Sent 7o Person InitiaVDate
Marcia Moertnond y o 000ca �
6-8570 1 oanN De artment Director
Assign 2 'NClerk C5 Clerk
Must Be on Council Agenda by (Date): Number 3 �
Routing 4 �
Doc. Type: RESOLUTION - Order g �
E-DocumentRequired: Y
Document Contact: Mai Vang
Contact Phone: 6-8563
7ota1 # of Signature Pages _(Clip All Locations for Signature)
Action Requested:
Resolution approving the Mazch 17, 2009 decisions of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Appeals of Letters of Deficiency Lis[,
Revocation, and a Denial of Issuance of Permits for Registered V acan[ Building Category 3 for properties at 701 Portland Avenue,
773 Seventh Street East, 1533 Virginia Street, 69 Manitoba Avenue, 239 Front Avenue, 1030 AHantic Street, 687 Wells, and 720
Annstrong Avenue.
Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject (R): personal Service Contrects Must Answer the Following Questions:
Planning Commission 1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department?
CIB Committee Yes No
Civil Service Commission 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee?
Yes No
3. Does this person/firm possess a skill not normally possessed by any
current city employee?
Yes No
F�cplain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet.
Initiating Problem, lssues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Whyj:
Advantages If Approved:
Disadvantages If Approved:
Disadvantages If Not Approved:
Total Amount of
Transacti0n: Cost/Revenue Budgeted:
Funding Source: Adivity Num6er:
Financial fMormation:
(Explain)
April 14, 2009 8:19 AM Page 1
09- u� �-
MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
ON LETTERS OF DEFICIENCY, CORRECTION NOTICES
AND CORRECTION ORDERS
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Room 330 City Hall, 15 Kellogg Blvd. West
The hearing was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Leanna Shaff, Department of Safety and Inspections (DSn — Fire Prevention;
Reid Soley, DSI; and Mai Vang, City Council Offices
2. Appeal of Keith Collins to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at 701
Portland Avenue.
Appellant Keith Collins (7420 Coventry Way, Edina, MN 55439) appeazed and provided
photographs.
Ms. Shaff stated that Inspector A.J. Neis had conducted a Fire Certificate of Occupancy inspection
on February 24, 2009 and found that the egress window openable dimensions were 17.5 inches high
by 38 inches wide in Units 1, 2, 3 and 4; and 13.5 inches high by 38 inches wide in Units 5, 6 and 7.
Ms. Moermond asked Mr. Collins to describe the rypes of windows and explain the photographs.
Mr. Collins stated that the windows in the four upstairs units were slightly larger and that they had
been installed in 1995 by the previous owner. He said every tenant was educated on how to remove
the windows, and that the opening size when the window was removed was 37.5 inches high by 37
inches wide. He said he'd owned the property for eight years and had several inspections and the
windows had never been an issue.
Ms. Shaff staxed that a guest or child might need to use the egress window in an emergency
situation and that the code assumed that possibility.
Mr. Collins stated that the openable height could be increased by three inches if a horizontal
decorative piece were removed. He reviewed a diagram of the window with Ms. Moermond and
Ms. Shaff.
Ms. Moermond recommended granting a four inch variance on the openable height of the egress
windows in the upper bedrooms if the windows could be made to open to at least 20 inches and
granting 30 days to bring those windows into compliance. She recommended denying the appeal on
the windows in the lower bedrooms and granting an extension for 120 days to bring into
compliance.
On March 20, Ms. Moermond recommended granting a five inch variance on the openable height of
the egress windows in the upper bedrooms.
Mazch 17, 2009 Property Code Heazing Minutes
Page 2
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3. Appeal of Shoua Xiong to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at "173
Seventh Street East.
Appellant Shoua Xiong (376 Fuller Avenue, # 3, St. Pau, MN 55103) appeazed.
Ms. Shaff stated that Inspector James Thomas had conducted the Fire Certificate of Occupancy
inspection on February 23, 2009 and found that the porch floor was rotted through and that window
screens needed maintenance.
Ms. Moermond stated that the appeal indicated that Mr. Xiong was unable to do the work in the
time allowed and was asking for at least 60 more days. She asked Mr. Xiong why he needed more
time to make the corrections. Mr. Xiong responded that it had been cold when the inspection had
been conducted and that he had been waiting to see whether the inspector would allow more time.
He said repairing the window screens would require the use of a high ladder and that there was still
snow in the yard. He said he had the wood to repair the porch floor but that it was too cold to do the
work.
Ms. Moermond stated that the corrections were not temperature sensitive and that the rotted porch
floor was dangerous regardless of the season. Mr. Xiong stated that some of the porch floor was
frayed out at the edges and that there were no areas where someone could step through. Ms. Shaff
stated that that was not what was indicated in the inspector's notes.
Ms. Moermond stated that there were a number of other items that needed to be corrected including
over-occupancy. Mr. Xiong stated that that had been a concern of his as well, and that the tenants
had agreed to move out and were moving out that day.
Ms. Moermond asked how many bedrooms were in the units. Mr. Xiong stated that there were
three bedrooms.
Ms. Moermond asked whether there were 8 to 17 people per unit. Mr. Xiong stated that the
inspectar had counted two beds per bedroom and two people per bed. He said that the unit had been
rented to a woman and her five children, and that he had discovered later that the tenant's boyfriend
and several additional family members had moved in. He said that the family had just moved out of
a shelter and had been told that they could only stay temporarily. He said that even six people was a
lot to be staying in the unit because three of the tenanYs children were teenagers, but that they had
found another place to live and were moving out.
Ms. Moermond recommended granting an extension to April 1 for compliance on all items.
Mr. Xiong asked whether he could have at least another month. Ms. Moermond stated that based
on the deficiency list, it did not appear that Mr. Xiong was actively managing the property.
Mr. Xiong stated that he worked every other weekend and that he had to work the next weekend.
Ms. Moermond stated that the orders had been written on February 23 and that Mr. Xiong had had
time to address the items on the list.
March 17, 2009 Properry Code Hearing Minutes Page 3
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4. Appeal of R.T. Harper to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for properry at 1533
Virginia Street.
Appellant R.T. Harper (1149 Laurel, St. Paul, MN 55103), and tenant Chanel Scarvel appeared.
Ms. Shaff stated that Inspector Lisa Mar[in had been to the property on more than one occasion and
that the openable dimensions of the egress window in the main floor bedroom were 16 inches high
by 33 inches wide, and that there had been no access granted to the second floor.
Ms. Scarvel stated that she received rent assistance from Section 8 and that Section 8 had not paid
rent for the current month and might not pay for the next month. She said that the dimensions of the
bedroom window were 16 by 20 inches and she understood that the requirement was 24 by 20
inches. She said that on previous inspections, she'd been told that the door to the unused second
floor could be kept locked. She said both she and her son had climbed in the window when they'd
been locked out of the aparhnent and that the PHA inspector had told her that the window might be
approved since it was old. She said that replacing the window would involve heating the ground
and would cost several thousand dollars.
Ms. Shaff stated that Section 8 enforced city codes and would not accept a provisional Certificate of
Occupancy. All areas of the property would need to be made accessible to the Fire inspector. She
said the window openable height fell far short of the requirement and Yhat the code also took into
account the need for a firefighter in full gear to access the room.
Ms. Scarvel stated that the window had not been cited in previous inspections. Ms. Shaff stated that
single-family homes and duplexes had been inspected only since March 2007.
Mr. Harper stated that money was short and asked for additional time to get the money together.
Ms. Shaff asked whether the windows were double hung and whether they were wood or vinyl. Mr.
Harper staxed that they were double hung, vinyl windows. Ms. Scarvel stated that having the
window replaced would represent an inconvenience for her, and asked for an extension.
Ms. Moermond asked whether the items involving the illegal lock and carbon monoxide detector
had been addressed. Ms. Scarvel stated that the lock could be removed to provide access to the
upstairs but that the carbon monoxide detector had not been installed.
Ms. Moermond recommended an extension until the end of the day on March 20 for the removal of
the illegal lock and for installation of a cazbon monoxide detector. She said that access to all azeas
should be provided at the scheduled March 27 re-inspection and recommended denying the appeal
and granting an extension for three months to bring the egress window and exterior items into
compliance.
Mazch 17, 2009 Property Code Hearing Minutes
Page 4
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5. Appeal of John Kane to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at 69
Manitoba Avenue
Appellant John Kane appeazed and provided photos. He said that he was looking for an extension
of time to satisfy the Section 8 requirement.
Ms. Moermond referred to the inspector's report which stated that the openable dimensions of the
egress windows in both bedrooms measured 32 inches high by 16 inches wide.
Ms. Moermond recommended denying the appeal and granting an extension for three months to
bring both windows into compliance.
6. Appeal of Dan Larson to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at 239
Front Avenue.
Appellant Dan Larson (4310 W. 100"' Street, Savage, MN 55378) appeared.
Ms. Shaff stated that Inspector Lisa Martin had inspected the property on March 3, 2009 and found
that the openable dimensions of the two side egress windows were 21 inches high by 24 inches
wide, and 21 inches high by 23 inches wide, and that the sill height of the front window was 60
inches and the dimensions were 22 inches high by 51 inches wide.
Ms. Moermond asked Mr. Larson whether he was willing to build a step or ladder to address the sill
height. Mr. Larson stated that he was.
Ms. Shaff said that it could not be a ladder. She then reviewed the requirements for a stair unit.
Mr. Larson stated that Section 8 had approved the rooms the previous yeaz because there were two
escape routes, both through doors. Ms. Moermond responded that this was not relevant to the
current appeal and that the issues being considered were egress window size and sill height.
Ms. Moermond recommended granting a three inch variance on the openable height of the side
egress windows and a two inch variance on the openable height of the front egress window. She
granted two months for all remaining items on the deficiency list, including installing steps below
the front window to address sill height.
7. Appeal of Robert Krey to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at 1030
Atlantic Street
Appellant Robert Krey appeazed.
Ms. Shaff stated that Inspector James Thomas inspected the property and found that the openable
height of the egress windows was 20 inches in Units 101, 103, 104, 109, 111 and 113; and 21 inches
in Units 102, 110, 112 and 114. She said that the inspector's report gave a si11 height of 52 inches
in units all Units but 109, and 54 inches in Unit 109.
Mr. Krey stated that he'd already built the steps to address the sill height.
March 17, 2009 Properly Code Hearing Minutes Page 5
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Ms. Moermond asked about the width of the egress windows. Mr. Krey stated that it was 27 inches,
and provided a photograph. Ms. Moermond reviewed the photographs with Mr. Krey and stated
that the openable width appeazed to be about 25 inches.
Ms. Moermond recommended granting a four inch variance on the openable height of the egress
windows in Units 101, 103, 104, 109, 1 ll and 113; and a three inch variance on the openable height
of the egress windows in units 102, 110, 112 and 114.
Ms. Shaff asked whether the steps had been built and permanently affixed to the walls below the
egress windows. Mr. Krey responded that this was correct.
8. Appeal of Koua Lee to a Denial of Issuance of Permits for a Category 3 Registered Vacant
Building at 687 Wells Street.
Appellant Koua Lee (990 Arcade Street) appeared.
Mr. Soley stated that Mr. Lee had come to DSI in mid-February, 2009 to obtain a building permit
for the recently purchased property but that the property was a Category 3 Vacant Building and the
permit could not be issued He stated that he had sent a denial letter to Mr. Lee on February 24.
Mr. Soley stated that he offered Mr. Lee the opportunity to appeal DSPs decision, per Steve Magner
from DSI — Vacant Buildings.
Mr. Lee stated that he had gone to city offices on November 10, 2008 to check with DSI before
making an offer on the property because he had seen the vacant building placards on the building.
He said he was told at that time that the property was Category 3 but could be rehabbed if a licensed
contractor did the work.
Ms. Moermond asked how it had been determined that the property was a Category 3. Mr. Soley
responded that the building had been changed from a Category 2 to a Category 3 on Mazch 4, 2008.
Ms. Moermond asked whether it had been determined to be a nuisance property based on a
deficiency inspection. Mr. Soley said that he believed that was the case. Ms. Moermond responded
that she needed that information.
Mr. Lee stated that there was no code compliance inspection. Mr. Soley confirmed that.
Mrs. Lee stated that they'd been responsible enough to check with DSI before parchasing the
property and had been told that it was a Category 3 but was still fixable. She said they would bring
the property up to code; however, they were out $30,000 if they were unable to and had been
advised that their only recourse was legal action against the seller.
Mr. Soley stated that records showed an inspection appointment letter dated March 4, 2008 for an
inspection on March 18, 2008.
Ms. Moermond asked whether Yhere was an order to abate a nuisance building. Mr. Soley said that
he didn't see one.
March 17, 2009 Property Code Hearing Minutes Pa¢e 6
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Mrs. Lee said that this would be their second building rehabilitation and that they were living in the
first one. She said that they had quotes for the plumbing and electrical work and had paid deposits
to the contractors. She said they would prefer not to have to take legal action.
Ms. Moermond asked Ms. Vang to look for the records relating to the Category 3 Vacant Building
status. Ms. Vang left the hearing and then returned. She said there were no additional records for
the property.
Mr. Soley stated that there was no building deficiency inventory (BDI) or order to abate, and the
reason for the March 4, 2008 Category 3 designation was not clear.
Ms. Moermond stated that because there had been no official nuisance determination, the building
was a Category 2 and not a Category 3. She asked that work and financial plans be submitted to
Mr. Soley and that a code compliance inspection be scheduled.
9. Appeal of Paul Stefanyshyn to a Certificate of Occupancy Revocation for property at 720
Armstron� Avenue.
Appellant Paul Stefanyshyn, tenant Anthony Garofola (both 720 Armstrong Street, St. Paul, MN
55102) and Adel Stefanyshyn (98 Garfield, St. Paul, MN 55102) appeared.
Ms. Shaff read the history for the property. She said that on October 9, 2008 her department had
received a complaint that there was a renter living at the property with no Certificate of Occupancy.
Inspector Neis had followed up on October 22, 2008 and it had appeared from the building exterior
that it was a single-family home. The inspector was not able to gain entry and called the old owner
to get contact information for the new owner. The new owner, Mr. Stefanyshyn, stated that the
property was a duplex with renters upstairs, and that he was living downstairs part-time. Inspector
Neis verified Mr. Stefanyshyn's address and sent a notice requesting an inspection to determine use.
On November 3, 2008 a Certificate of Occupancy inspection was completed of the lower unit. The
building was being remodeled and appeared to have once been an approved duplex that had been
converted to a single-family and was back in use as a duplex. There were two gas meters installed
but one had been removed and capped. The owner was advised not to occupy the first floor and to
contact zoning.
Ms. Moermond asked whether it was a nonconforming use at that time. Ms. Shaff said that it
appeared to be. Ms. Shaff stated that on December 3, 2008 the property was approved for use as a
duplex. An inspection was completed at Yhat time and orders were issued with a re-inspection date
of January 7, 2009. Mr. Stefanyshyn requested an extension and on January 25, Inspector Neis
encountered the upper unit tenant who told him that he was moving out; that no wark had been done
on the lower unit and the building was vacant. On January 30, 2009 Mr. Stefanyshyn called to
cancel the inspection because the work was not done and the building was vacant. Inspector Neis
informed Mr. Stefanyshyn that he could not allow more time and would be forwarding the file to
vacant buildings.
Ms. Moermond asked whether it was the vacant building status that was being appealed. Mr.
Stefanyshyn said that it was. He said that he had called to confirm the January 30 appointment and
had been told by Inspector Neis that an inspection wasn't required to declare the property a vacant
building. He said that he wanted a follow up inspection on the deficiencies and told Inspector Neis
March 17, 2009 Properiy Code Hearing Minutes
Page 7
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that they had an inspection appointment and that he expected to see him there. He said he hadn't
initially been awaze of the Certificate of Occupancy requirement, had had some bad tenants and a
string of bad luck, and was asking for compassion. He said he had rescheduled the December
appointment because of a death in the family. He said he had been working on the house and had
told Inspector Neis that he was doing the best he could under the circumstances and had been told
that his best wasn't good enough.
Mr. Gazofalo stated that his brother, Mr. Stefanyshyn, had been allowing him to stay at the house
rent free since his father had died, and that he was disabled and had nowhere else to go. He said
that a lot of work had been done on the house.
Mr. Stefanyshyn stated that a11 of the items on the deficiency list had been addressed. He said that
Ed Smith had put vacant building stickers on the property but had called later and said that the
stickers could be taken down pending the appeal. Mr. Stefanyshyn stated that the letter he'd
received from Inspector Neis had not included information on appealing, and that the City Clerk
had told him that that was an oversight.
Mrs. Stefanyshyn asked why the city was imposing hardship on people who were trying to make a
living. She said that her son was unemployed, that she was retired and had medical problems, and
was not in a position to help him. She said she counted on him to help her.
Ms. Moerxnond stated that the intent was not hardship but safety. She confirmed that the letter from
the inspector included new orders but did not include the required information about appealing. Ms.
Shaff stated that she'd given Mr. Stefanyshyn that information verbally on more than one occasion.
Ms. Moermond asked whether the work was all done. Mr. Stefanyshyn stated that it was a11 done.
Ms. Moermond confirmed that there were no active permits. Mr. Stefanyshyn stated that no permits
had been required. Ms. Moermond asked whether the property was a Categary 2 Vacant Building.
Ms. Shaff stated that it was.
Ms. Moermond asked whether Mr. Stefanyshyn's main concern was regazding the vacant building
status. Mr. Stefanyshyn stated that he had heard that registered vacant buildings were subject to
more stringent requirements for regaining the Certificate of Occupancy.
Ms. Moermond stated that the property was refened to vacant buildings because it was unoccupied
and had deficiencies. She recommended granting 90 days for compliance on all items and that the
vacant building fee be waived during that time.
Mr. Soley asked whether a code compliance inspection was required. Ms. Shaff stated that the Fire
Certificate of Occupancy was adequate.
Ms. Moermond asked whether the work could be completed in 90 days. Mr. Stefanyshyn said that
it could. He asked whether the upper unit could be occupied in the meantime. Ms. Moermond
stated that the upstairs could be occupied as soon as the guardrail and lock (Items 10 and 11) had
been wrrected and re-inspected.