Citing Baltimore County?s apparent disinterest, concerned lawmakers said they are considering legislation that would regulate the number of people allowed to live in an apartment unit.
State-level lawmakers representing the Towson area said demand for off-campus student housing and increasing Towson University enrollment is encroaching upon quiet family neighborhoods. Representatives of the area said they are weighing a statewide limit to the number of people in an apartment through legislation in a future General Assembly session.
Del. Susan Aumann, a Republican from Towson?s 42nd District, said the local government?s decision to let landlords self-regulate capacity is frustrating.
“They should take it upon themselves to protect citizens in a way that?s meaningful,” Aumann said. “This issue has gone on for a long time. We have heard about it six ways from Sunday.”
County officials said complaints are concentrated in Towson, and regulations countywide would unfairly affect landlords in other areas. Property managers understand it?s in their best interest to self-regulate, county spokesman Don Mohler has said previously.
The county allows two unrelated people in boarding houses without a special permit, but does not regulate apartment occupancy. Members of the Baltimore County council earlier this month formally requested the planning board recommend changes to boarding house regulations, but the resolution they adopted made no mention of apartments.
State Sen. Jim Brochin, a Democrat, said he plans to seek advice from Maryland?s Attorney General to clarify a dispute between county officials ? who said a cap on apartment tenants has never existed ? and residents who believe regulations exist but are unenforced.
“It?s troublesome,” Brochin said. “I think the neighbors have a legitimate concern and I think it does need to be addressed. We have to find a way to coexist.”
