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Planning staff recommends adjusting proposed family‑definition text amendment; commission defers final action to May 22
Summary
The commission held public hearing on an ordinance that would exempt minors from occupancy limits; staff supported the exemption but urged raising the age in the draft from 13 to 18 to align with fair housing law. The commission deferred final action to its May 22 meeting.
The Metropolitan Planning Commission opened public hearing on April 24 on a councilmember‑filed text amendment that would change the zoning code definition of “family” by excluding persons under a specified age from occupancy limits applicable to unrelated persons living together.
Bob Lehman of the planning staff explained the current definition and the amendment as filed. The proposal would add language exempting “persons under the age of 13 related to an adult occupant by blood, marriage, or law” from the maximum number of allowable unrelated persons in a dwelling. Lehman told the commission staff supports the concept of exempting minors but recommends changing the age threshold from 13 to 18 to align with federal fair housing protections and to avoid conflicts with occupancy limitations elsewhere in the code. “Staff supports the change to the definition to include the exemption for minors. However, we recommend changing the age from 13 to 18,” Lehman said.
Councilmember Joy Kimbrough is the bill sponsor; she was not present at the hearing. No speakers appeared in support or opposition at the hearing.
Under commission procedure the item was opened for public hearing; staff recommended deferral for final action so the commission could consider planning’s suggested substitute. Commissioners voted to defer action for two meetings; the item is set for a final action vote on May 22, 2025.
Votes at a glance
- Text amendment to Title 17 (definition of family): Motion — defer for two meetings to consider staff’s substitute (change suggested from 13 to 18). Outcome — deferred to May 22, 2025.
Ending: Staff will work with the sponsor to draft the substitute language consistent with fair housing law; the commission will take final action at its May 22 meeting.
