College Station City Council Adds A Civil Penalty To Its “No More Than Four Unrelated Occupancy” Ordinance

Screen shots from a city of College Station document.
Screen shots from a city of College Station document.

Five College Station city council members approve adding a civil fine along with continuing the option of criminal prosecution of those found guilty of living in residences that are limited to four unrelated occupants.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha did not vote for or against the motion. She abstained, “because I feel like this vote prevents a false dilemma. It asks me which way I would like someone punished for choosing to live.” Cunha referred to the state of Colorado passing a law this week “that prohibits cities from creating or enforcing laws that limit the number of people allowed to live in a home purely based on their relationship with each other.”

The council also pledged to apply the civil fine in a housing zone nicknamed ROO (restricted occupancy overlay) where the limit is two unrelated occupants. William Wright was among councilmembers who wanted a separate vote and not delay making changes to the other ordinance.

Councilman Mark Smith did not attend the meeting. Approving the motion were councilmembers Wright, Linda Harvell, Dennis Maloney, Bob Yancy, and mayor John Nichols.

Click HERE to read and download background information for the College Station council’s April 25, 2024 meeting.

Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the council’s April 25th meeting.

Click below to hear comments from the council’s April 25th meeting:

 

More News