Prince William County will consider changing its rules on overcrowding in private homes after a consulting firm’s report found the problem was not widespread.
The county Board of Supervisors today is scheduled to consider a study prepared by a firm that recommended the county occupancy ordinance be revised to link the number of adults allowed to live in a dwelling to homes’ square footage.
Neighborhood services director Michelle Casciato said that because overcrowding violations were detected at only a “slightly higher rate” in a six-month pilot program than in recent years, the Department of Public Works will not recommend implementing a new program that specifically targets overcrowding.
“We don’t have the luxury to earmark staff for that,” said County Executive Craig Gerhart.
During the pilot program, which ran from April 1 to Aug. 26, 28 of the 145 occupancy complaints that were opened, or 19 percent, resulted in violations. A year earlier, 263 cases were opened and 45 violations were detected, about 17 percent. In fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, the percentages held steady at 12 percent, in spite of 970 complaints.
“In the properties where an occupancy violation was found, the inspectors often found un-permitted second kitchens, interior reconstruction and rooming house arrangements,” according to a letter from Director of Public Works Thomas Brunn to the Board of Supervisors.
Rather than pursue a similar program specifically targeting occupancy complaints, the outside consulting firm Community Planning and Design is recommending that occupancy standards be linked to square footage.
The county allows four types of occupancy based on family relationships. A family may live with two additional boarders, two single adults may live with their minor children, three unrelated adults may live as a single housekeeping unit, and group homes are permitted under Virginia regulations.
The suggested fifth provision would allow for between four and 10 adult occupants, depending on house size.
