In an action against over-occupancy issues in many Iowa City apartment buildings, the City Council passed first consideration of an ordinance that will increase the penalty for failing to disclose occupants.

The consideration passed 6-0, with Councilor Terry Dickens not present.

The current penalty for failure to complete an informational disclosure and acknowledgement form is $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second, and $750 for subsequent violations.

The proposed ordinance will raise each of the penalties by $250, to $500, $750, and $1000, respectively.

— by Daniel Seidl