Residential occupancy limits, changes are coming
Complying with a state law
At the July 24, 2024 Planning Commission meeting city staff gave the commissioners a proposed update to the city code relating to residential occupancy limits. The commission voted in favor of the changes.
WHY?
In April 2024 the Harmonizing Occupancy Measures Equitably Act (HOME Act) was signed into state law. This act prohibits limiting the number of people who can live together in a single dwelling unit based on their familial relationship.
Since 1971 Lafayette’s Development and Zoning Code has focused on one family per dwelling unit and limits the number of nonrelated people living together to three. This was the standard for many communities, especially those with a large student population. The code states:
“Family means one (1) or more persons living together on the premises of a dwelling unit; but does not include a group of four (4) or more persons unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption.”
The HOME Act allows cities to regulate occupancy based on health and safety standards found in building codes.
City staff recommended compliance with the HOME Act by replacing familial references in the code with health and safety standards.
From the staff memo:
Here are the proposed changes to the language in the city code.
FOR THE DATA NERDS
City staff included this information in the presentation.
NEXT STEP?
A public hearing before the City Council on August 6, 2024, for the first reading of the ordinance. Second reading August 20.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING
Attend the meeting in person. City Hall Council Chambers, 1290 S. Public Road.
Submit written comments for Public Input to City Council If your written comments are received by 1 pm on the day of the meeting they will be added to the meeting packet for that night. Written comments submitted for Public Input will not be read aloud during the meeting.
Participate by telephone. Call 1-877-853-5247 (toll-free). Once connected, you will be asked for the meeting number. The meeting number is 869 1163 2580. Press # after entering the number. To request to speak, press *9 during Public Input to raise your hand. When it is your turn, we will unmute your microphone.
To request interpreter services, please submit a request at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.
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