Mayor Dan Cougill released copies of a draft last Friday for an ordinance that will “prevent blight and deterioration of the neighborhoods.”

Cougill unveiled the draft at this fall’s first meeting of Eastern’s External Relations Committee.

The mayor attempted to reveal a similar ordinance four years ago, but the fees associated with the previous ordinance prevented its success.

Cougill said the inspections will focus on major safety issues including inspecting residential electrical units and heating and plumbing systems to ensure students’ safety.

Marty Ruhaak, chair of the Student Senate External Relations Committee said, “This ordinance would make Charleston a better place to live. Students will be able to focus on studies rather than safety.”

Some students have expressed concerns about safety in rental property. One student spoke of dangerous open wiring, flood damage and even nesting birds in the kitchen.

Under the proposed ordinance, it would be illegal for rental structures to be occupied without proper certificates of occupancy by city building inspecting officials.

Those certificates would be valid for a minimum of one year and could be issued for a maximum of three years. This requirement would bring housing into compliance with minimum safety standards and provide a safe environment for tenants while expanding to the fullest use of housing at a low cost to tax payers.

The new ordinance contains a $50 penalty when property owners miss scheduled inspections, and violations will be assessed at the time of inspection.

A violation will be designated as either major or minor.

According to the ordinance, major violations will be those that have the potential to immediately threaten the lives of occupants, and minor violations will be those that are not immediately life-threatening but require correction, including broken light plates and holes in required window screens.

Owners of non-owner occupied housing would be required to register their buildings with the city and provide contact information for either themselves or the building managers.

Non-resident owners would need to designate someone responsible for their buildings.

Later on this month, Cougill said the City Council is willing to have a special meeting to discuss it further.

Copies of the draft will be available at City Hall and Charleston Public Library.