Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 6, 1993 TAG: 9305060239
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
It's a law that, if passed, could mean thousands of lost dollars for some home owners now renting apartments built onto their homes.
It's also an ordinance so confusing that even town officials don't completely understand it. The Planning Commission, which has been discussing the ordinance since December, delayed action until its June meeting and scheduled a work session for Tuesday to talk about it some more.
The proposed ordinance is somewhat complex, but its main intent is to require home owners to live in the house if they wish to continue renting the accessory apartment.
"Dwelling units in single-unit zoning districts that are not owner occupied, create an unreasonably burdensome and disruptive impact upon surrounding residential neighborhoods," reads the ordinance.
The regulations don't stop there.
The ordinance also says that if renting an accessory apartment causes "a change in character" from its present use, then the owner would lose the right to rent the apartment.
That means if a quiet, courteous student moves from an accessory apartment, the owner will not be allowed to rent to a loud, partying student it.
Supporters of the proposed law say they are tired of the noisy parties and run-down houses in their neighborhoods, while opponents say the ordinance would penalize every house with an accessory apartment when only a few cause problems.
John Skelton, a local real-estate agent, said the ordinance also would penalize many senior citizens who rely on money from a rental unit.
One question about the ordinance that remains unclear is whether owners already renting both their home and accessory apartment will be allowed to continue under a grandfather clause.
In other action, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a special-use permit allowing Blacksburg's Head Start program to move into Blacksburg Presbyterian church.
Head Start, a federal enrichment program for preschool children from low-income families, is now at Glade Baptist Church, but neighbors of the church have complained about noise and traffic.
Town Council will decide next Tuesday whether to approve the special-use permit.
by CNB