Fayetteville’s much discussed ordinances for maximum residential occupancy and group homes were adopted June 21 with little fanfare. The proposed ordinance addressing residential parking will be on the council’s July 19 agenda.

The ordinance addresses maximum occupancy, room dimensions, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The ordinance sets a limit of no more than six adults, 18 years or older, in one home and a maximum of two occupants per bedroom. The maximum may be exceeded by one minor child per bedroom. The child must be within legal custody of another legal occupant of the dwelling unit, the ordinance said.

The ordinance further states that every dwelling must have at least one bedroom with a minimum of 70 square feet for the first occupant and at least 50 square feet for each additional occupant. No more than two occupants can share a bedroom except for the minor child exception.

Residences must have a minimum of one bathroom per one to three bedrooms, two bathrooms per four to five bedrooms and three bathrooms per six to seven bedrooms. The kitchen must be a separate room with a sink, cabinets, stove and refrigerator.

The group home ordinance covers a range of facilities, all of which must be licensed to operate and comply with state regulations. Those categories include personal care homes, drug treatment centers, intermediate care centers, community living arrangements and nursing homes.

Drug treatment centers and intermediate care homes are not allowed within 600 feet of any residence in a residential zoning district except in those designated Residential Professional. For community living arrangements, the facilities must be 2,500 feet from another facility in residential zoned districts except in those designated as Residential Professional.

Regarding the proposed ordinance on residential parking, City Manager Joe Morton asked that the item be tabled until the July 19 meeting so that city engineer Don Easterbrook could be consulted on some minor issues.

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