HOUGHTON — A public hearing is coming up on changes to Houghton’s rental ordinance.

In a change from prior practice, rental applications that meet all the requirements for a rental property would no longer have to come before the Rental Housing Board. Instead, it will function as an appeals board for applicants that would like to contest a denied license.

The board may also look at conditional licensing, for properties that need something like a driveway to bring it into compliance.

Additionally, rental licenses no longer transfer with properties, said Clerk Ann Vollrath. When the owner of a rental property sells the building, the new owner will have to reapply.

“The way it’s been structured in here, it’s easier, it’s cheaper than getting a new license, but at least there’s something in there,” he said.

The ordinance has also been reordered to make it clearer to follow, Waara said. The step-by-step process for licensure and pulling a license are also articulated.

“There was no mechanism in there for pulling a license ever before,” Waara said.

The hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. July 10.

The revision was based on a work done by a Planning Commission subcommittee, as well as input from the ordinance committee and city attorney.