Moving to a new home in Warrenton soon will include an additional step that city leaders say will ensure the health and safety of residents.Beginning in August, the city will require safety inspections of homes and apartments every time a new occupant moves in. The change applies both to owner-occupied and rental residences.A mandatory $50 fee will be charged for the inspections. Homeowners who move in or landlords who allow a rental property to be occupied without a city inspection could face penalties.The new rule is part of amendments to the city’s property maintenance code approved by the Warrenton Board of Aldermen May 7.“The things that are included are very basic health and safety issues. There’s nothing extravagant,” City Administrator Terri Thorn commented during a discussion of the code amendments.City leaders will host a town hall meeting to discuss the added requirements June 10, at 6 p.m. at Warrenton City Hall.Aldermen said the inspection requirement and other code changes are necessary in a growing city.“We want to provide people who are thinking of moving into our community with safe and healthful living conditions in all of our residential places,” explained Ward 3 Alderman Gary Miller.Regularly inspecting properties will provide assurance that quality standards for homes are being maintained, Miller said. He commented that property owners might be required to address safety issues as a result.Under the new rules, penalties for code violations that aren’t corrected start at $50. Every day that a violation continues is considered a new offense.Property owners found guilty of repeat code violations will be fined increasingly more money, up to $500, and could even receive a jail sentence.The new rules also contain provisions allowing city code enforcement officials to initiate inspections based on observable health or safety violations, or based on complaints.“This is something we’ve been discussing for maybe five years in planning meetings, dealing with how to maintain safety of homes in the community,” commented Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch.He said part of the discussion has been not wanting to put too much of a burden on property owners, while also addressing real safety concerns at some properties.For example, Auch said having properties inspected could potentially identify fire hazards and prevent fires, which have destroyed several homes in recent years.“So much of it has to do with safety, property values and making sure as they change ownership homes are in good condition. I think it’s a very positive thing for the community,” Auch said.Rental property registrationRental home property owners have an extra requirement going into effect. The new city ordinance requires all residential rental property to be registered with the city government. Owners have until July 31 this year to register such property.Owners will have to renew their rental property registrations every year beginning in late 2020. Owners who fail to register will be fined $10 per dwelling unit, to a maximum of $600.Registrations must include the owner’s name, direct mailing address, phone number and email address, as well as contact information for any local property management company responsible for the property.The registration program will provide the city with a means of communicating with property owners, including for code enforcement, according to the text of the new rules.Warrenton city hall sign