Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Housing and the laws that govern it in Lawrence and Douglas County became a national story last month involving Judson King and his hedgehog. Judson, an 11-year-old Lawrence resident, successfully petitioned the city commission, during a period of three years to allow ownership of hedgehogs within the city limits. Though Judson’s request might seem more lighthearted than other housing and zoning battles, it is a testament to the power of someone traditionally outside the planning and zoning process. Students must seize the opportunity to change the neighborhood dynamic that reigns in the Oread. If an 11-year-old can change things, students twice that age can too.
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To Change zoning laws contact Michelle Leininger, Area and Neighborhood planner at (785) 832-3163 or mleininger@ci.lawrence.ks.us
Last semester, The University Daily Kansan reported the story of six women whose house the city inspected after they ran into major problems with the house’s plumbing. The inspection found serious fire code violations, including ungrounded electrical outlets and a dangerous attic bedroom lacking a fire escape. According to the inspector, violations were fixable, albeit extremely dangerous, but occupancy limits were non-negotiable; the six women would have to become four or face eviction. Occupancy limits in Lawrence prohibit more than four non-related people in a dwelling unit in multi-family zoned areas, or three non-related people in single-family zoned areas.
Brian Jimenez, zoning code manager, described most of the Oread as multi-family residential. This allows higher density development such as subdivided houses and apartment complexes but maintains the occupancy limit per dwelling unit. The result is a confusing situation where large houses are divided to reach full occupancy legally, but large, undivided houses, along Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky that students might rent in groups of eight or nine, are technically in violation of occupancy limits.
Jimenez said the city did not actively enforce occupancy violations and that action was usually only taken when a neighbor complained or an inspection exposed a problem. This being the case, it is irresponsible of the city to facilitate a state of de facto negligence of its own codes among landlords, by letting it be known that the codes aren’t actively enforced, but to then turn around and threaten eviction of students and renters when they report possibly life-threatening violations.
It is up to the renters and students to rectify this situation. Poor maintenance and occupancy limits are among the pet peeves of some residents of the Oread. Those residents should stand up and petition for changes that make their neighborhoods more enjoyable.
Fortunately, students have an opportunity to propose those changes. Michelle Leininger, area and neighborhood planner with the City of Lawrence, has started work on a new plan for the Oread that will seek input from involved groups, including the Oread Neighborhood Association, KU Student Housing and students. With this new plan, students can bring their interests into play, replacing the current system of neighborhood associations and landlords that currently run the Oread. As Jimenez put it “Hey, you guys have got to get together and decide which position you stand for.”
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Comments
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky conditions
Alex- Good article, look in to the possible rental registration expansion that is on the table right now. It could remedy alot of these issues before people get evicted. The only concern I have is the potential for landlords to pass down expenses on renters.
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky conditions
Well done Mr. Doherty, good sourcing in the story, good info, good anecdote.
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky conditions
There are several landlords in Lawrence that own a lot of the rental property. This translates into money which translates into major influence brokering. Think economics 101. My belief is that the slumlords are thinking, well, these students will only be here for a short time so why do anything? Or, they are all going to party and trash the place anyway, or, if you don't like it, don't rent or move. But with so much property in the hands of so few people it makes moving very difficult. Remember that you pay the landlord and the renter is the source of income. The trick is to find a way to use that effectively.
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky conditions
Excellent article. You got to the heart of the problem in the 4th paragraph.
irishwearingen: the shear number of concerned citizens and students can overcome such problems when properly organized.
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky conditions
pizzaboy, I do believe you. The landlords are an organized group that exert considerable influence at city hall. Which is probably how they get away with breaking the law. I would not be surprised if now they use the economic mess we are in as an excuse. Now, how do you go about organizing renters and concerned citizens to do something that is speedy and effective?
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