College Station requested input from citizens for a proposed Restricted Occupancy Overlay ordinance. 76.4% of respondents were against the proposed ordinance. The city plans on moving forward despite negative feedback. The ordinance would allow area property owners to request an overlay zoning restricting occupancy to no more than two unrelated persons in their neighborhood.
The City of College Station did not disclose that the survey revealed overwhelming opposition but instead stated that “there are substantial concerns regarding the definition of related and how it affects the determination of a family.”
Survey respondents voiced concerns over the proposed ordinance as an infringement of their property rights.
“People purchased their properties with specific intentions. Imposing limitations after the fact is unjust!”
Citizen Feedback
Another concerned homeowner believes that this ordinance exceeds the city’s mandate for administration:
“Restrict reasonably unlawful behavior, not lawful relationships. If you want to improve property values, rise the tide, and make College Station a city people other than students also want to live in, by other means. These should include modest and respectful taxation, solid schools, plentiful work, entrepreneurial opportunities, cost effective and well managed community services, cultural and civic enrichment, affordable mobility with good signage, respect for actual values rather than hollow ones, and a governmental reputation for integrity, courtesy, and humility.”
Citizen Feedback
Homeowners who responded to the survey also believed that a much higher percentage of the property owners should consent if the ordinance moves forward. The city provided four options: 50% +1, 58%, 67%, or a write-in. Many of the write-in responses believed that 75-100% of the property owners should consent to a neighborhood’s restriction. Once the write-in values were considered, the average consent citizens’ desire is 69%.
Contact your representatives
To contact Karl Mooney, contact the city at 979.764.3500 or email kmooney@cstx.gov
To make written comments for College Station City Council or to speak to the Council, fill out the comment form on the Council website. https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/council/comments
Sources:
ROO Survey Dataset
