Pierre’s proposed rental dwelling program draws big crowd, but little support

The public hearing on a proposed Dwelling Rental Registration and Inspection Program drew a big crowd at the Pierre City Commission meeting last night (Sept. 14, 2021).

There was about an hour of discussion with two proponents and over a dozen opponents providing comments.

Originally, the city was looking at a licensing and inspection program for residential rental units in Pierre. After holding three public information meetings in July and receiving input from stakeholders, city staff modified the licensing piece to a registration system and simplified the fee structure.

Pierre real estate agent JJ Linn said the proposed program will negatively impact renters.

Pierre resident Jasper Diegel owns an association management and lobbying firm and represents the South Dakota Manufactured Housing Association. She says the program would increase the cost of housing and is government overreach.

Landlord Randy Moses says property owners and tenants should have been included in the development of the proposed program.

The Pierre City Commission took no action last night on the proposed Dwelling Rental Registration and Inspection Program. Mayor Steve Harding said he plans to bring it up for discussion again at the commission’s Sept. 28, 2021, meeting.

Find more information at cityofpierre.org. From the Rental Registration and Inspection link, people can find a program overview, a draft inspection checklist, a draft ordinance and Frequently Asked Questions.

Listen to the entire rental program discussion at the meeting in this KGFX Beyond the Mic podcast.

The Pierre City Commission meeting Sept. 14, 2021, drew a big crowd for the public hearing on the proposed Dwelling Rental Registration and Inspection Program.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.

The Pierre City Commission meeting Sept. 14, 2021, drew a big crowd for the public hearing on the proposed Dwelling Rental Registration and Inspection Program.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.

The Pierre City Commission meeting Sept. 14, 2021, drew a big crowd for the public hearing on the proposed Dwelling Rental Registration and Inspection Program.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.