BayPointArchitect
Sawhorse
Given:
I enforce zoning regulations.
Our zoning regulation allows a single family to occupy a single family home.
Our definition of FAMILY allows for an unlimited number of blood-related family members to live under one roof. In addition to those blood-related family members, any number of adopted children and foster children may live there as a family. In addition to the family unit, only two more people may reside with the family that are not related by blood or adoption or otherwise assigned to the care and custody of the family as parental guardians. A typical example of three unrelated college students is allowed by the zoning code. And if two of those college students are brothers, then there could be four total.
Situation:
Twelve people are living in a single family house. The owner of the property lives there. The owner tells neighbors that he is allowing transients to live in his house. This sounds like a group home but it is not licensed as a group home. For a single family home to be converted into a group home (or halfway house or alternative to imprisonment or alcohol rehab, etc.) a permit application and approval is required.
The neighbors notice the increase in activity at the house. Most notably is the frequency of visits by the police. A building inspector stops by to inform the home owner that a conversion from a single family home to any other type of residential use requires a permit application and approval. But the home owner explains to the inspector that the only people living there are him and his sister-in-law. He goes on to explain that his sister-in-law is being harassed by her husband. Hence the reason why the police continue to show up.
Based on the testimony from the home owner, the building inspector closes the complaint. No further action required because it is not a building and safety issue.
Questions:
1) As a building official, what would you do when the neighbors continue to complain about this situation?
2) Knowing that the home owner is not being truthful, what more can be done?
Thanks in advance.
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
I enforce zoning regulations.
Our zoning regulation allows a single family to occupy a single family home.
Our definition of FAMILY allows for an unlimited number of blood-related family members to live under one roof. In addition to those blood-related family members, any number of adopted children and foster children may live there as a family. In addition to the family unit, only two more people may reside with the family that are not related by blood or adoption or otherwise assigned to the care and custody of the family as parental guardians. A typical example of three unrelated college students is allowed by the zoning code. And if two of those college students are brothers, then there could be four total.
Situation:
Twelve people are living in a single family house. The owner of the property lives there. The owner tells neighbors that he is allowing transients to live in his house. This sounds like a group home but it is not licensed as a group home. For a single family home to be converted into a group home (or halfway house or alternative to imprisonment or alcohol rehab, etc.) a permit application and approval is required.
The neighbors notice the increase in activity at the house. Most notably is the frequency of visits by the police. A building inspector stops by to inform the home owner that a conversion from a single family home to any other type of residential use requires a permit application and approval. But the home owner explains to the inspector that the only people living there are him and his sister-in-law. He goes on to explain that his sister-in-law is being harassed by her husband. Hence the reason why the police continue to show up.
Based on the testimony from the home owner, the building inspector closes the complaint. No further action required because it is not a building and safety issue.
Questions:
1) As a building official, what would you do when the neighbors continue to complain about this situation?
2) Knowing that the home owner is not being truthful, what more can be done?
Thanks in advance.
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner