Friday, January 10, 2003

A story released today by the New Observer reports that members of Raleigh City Council committee got an earful Wednesday from people for and against a proposed ordinance that would limit the number of unrelated people who can live together in a single-family home, townhouse or duplex.

"This proposal is a draft," said Neal Hunt, chairman of the Comprehensive Planning Committee, as audience members readied questions. "It's basically been approved by nobody."

The proposed ordinance would cut the number of unrelated roommates who can live in single-family homes, townhouses or duplexes from four to two. It would require property owners who rent to more than two people now to register with the city and provide it with a list of occupants twice a year.

Concerns in neighborhoods mostly in Southwest Raleigh near N.C. State University sparked the proposal. Homeowners say investors are buying single-family homes, converting them into rental properties and crowding them with occupants. The results are diminishing property values and the flight of homeowners from their neighborhoods, they say.

"Has anyone attempted to envision all of the unintended consequences of this broad approach?" asked Bill Blake, president of the Wake County Apartment Association.

Joe Greiner, a retired Raleigh resident, owns a home near NCSU and rents to four students.

"What I am for is responsible property ownership and enforcement of the laws that we have," he said after the meeting.

But others talked about neighborhoods where the house next door has turned into a rental property. Ordinance supporters say some property owners aren't caring for the rental properties and crowded conditions lead to parking problems and messy yards.

"The big-ticket issue is what do you want to see Raleigh become as a community," said Bruce Mamel, who lives in West Raleigh and supports the proposal.