Chesterfield County considers occupancy limits

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The Associated Press
© July 22, 2009

CHESTERFIELD

Chesterfield County is considering adopting regulations that limit the number of family members who can live in a home.

The county's Planning Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday to recommend setting more rigid occupancy standards. The Board of Supervisors could vote as early as next month on the measure, which was prompted by complaints of overcrowding in certain neighborhoods. Opponents say it unfairly targets Hispanics.

If it is approved, the ordinance would allow up to four adults to live under a single dwelling from 901 to 1,200 square feet, and five related adults in a 1,201- to 1,750-square-foot home. The limits would move upward in increments.

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I can't believe I'm seeing this . . .

Submitted by marym63204 on Wed, 07/22/2009 at 1:45 pm.

The same people who will say to keep the government out of our bedrooms when the issue concerns abortion or gay sex will then turn around and say the government can count the number of people inhabiting a bedroom???

Give me a break. If there are 50 people living in a home, then probably some fire hazards are present or something else zoning related. If the house is breaking zoning ordinances, go after the inhabitants for that. But don't take the easy way out and make new rules that people can't invite destitute relatives to live in the homes that *they* own!!!

this is ideal in any community....

Submitted by iqdou on Wed, 07/22/2009 at 10:12 am.

but will be difficult to enforce as the economy and jobs decline and more people move out of their foreclosed homes. We will see more extended family members moving into previously single family occupied dwellings.

Don't be unfair

Submitted by jimm53479 on Wed, 07/22/2009 at 9:52 am.

Remember that this dwelling belongs to the people that live in it, however I understand your concern with the overcrouding part. Why don't you set the limits of two adults per bedroom space. Disallowing a makeshift bedroom like in an un used dinning area etc. But two adults per bedroom would make sense and some of these houses do have three bedrooms, which would equal six adults. Not too bad.