OCEANSIDE -- The Planning Commission on Monday will consider tighter restrictions on crowded homes.
The City Council has said it wants to do something about packed houses, which lead to complaints about parking shortages and unsanitary living conditions.
Cities can't directly regulate occupancy; those limits are set by state law. Oceanside city staffers have recommended another approach: requiring a permit for houses with more than six adults contingent upon having adequate off-street parking.
Senior Planner Richard Greenbauer has suggested charging a $200 permit fee to cover staff time.
Many California cities are struggling with overcrowding. Neighbors of packed homes often complain about diminishing property values. Oceanside already requires permits for houses with more than 10 adults, and it prohibits homeowners from renting out more than two rooms.
At a small public meeting in February, some residents welcomed tighter restrictions, describing homes in their neighborhoods that are filled with 10 or more adults. They said people were living in garages, and in one case, a backyard play set.
But one landlord warned about problems this could cause for Marines living together to save money. He claimed to own four homes near the back gate of Camp Pendleton that he rented to 27 people, including 20 Marines.
Another concern was raised in a March 16 letter by the San Diego County Apartment Association: "Many disabled persons rely on the ability to rent out extra rooms in their homes to assist them with living expenses," said Alan Pentico, director of public affairs. "Many of these individuals have limited incomes and have been able to purchase their own homes and fulfill their dreams of homeownership via these types of rental arrangements."
On average, Oceanside had 2.9 people per household in January 2008, according to the most recent figures available from the San Diego Association of Governments. The county average was 2.79.
The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 300 N. Coast Highway. Its recommendation will be forwarded to the council.
Contact staff writer Craig TenBroeck at 760- 901-4062.
