What is the name of your state? Utah (City of Provo)
I purchased a property about one year ago. It is a legal duplex and my wife and I live in one half and rent out the other half to university students that attend BYU. (I guess I'm just a sucker for pain.)
The question that I have is this: Provo city has zoning ordinances that limit the number of unrelated persons who can live in a single residence. I understand this rule, as it would detract from the residential character of a neighborhood if homes were turned into boarding houses. The questionable part of the whole issue is the zoning of my property RC (residential conservation, which means that only people with deep pockets get the changes in zoning that they want). My next door neighbor is a 60 unit apartment complex, accross the street there are apartments, etc. I am one of only two houses left on the street (the other house is rented to students as well). The other half of the home that I rent out has five bedrooms and two bathrooms and I find it ridiculous that I can only rent to three people. I called the zoning office and asked them what I would have to do to get a zoning variance to rent out to more unrelated individuals. I was informed that it would require a proposal being filed and a fee being paid. I said that I would submit one but the man told me not to bother because it would be rejected. What the heck does that mean? They won't even look at it? There has to be some recourse for me, doesn't there? Any help would be greatly appreciated.