The Williamsburg Real Estate Blog

Since I've received two separate calls from a couple of local real estate investors over the last week regarding the "3 person rule" I thought I'd help clear up some misconceptions.  The City of Williamsburg (not James City or York Counties) has had a long-standing rule that states that no more than 3 unrelated people can live in one house.   Legend has it that the rule was originally put in place as an anit-brothel law back in colonial times.  I can't verify that this is actually true but I can say that the "3 Person Rule" has stirred it up at the City Council level. 

The battleground is really defined as the area directly adjacent to the College of William & Mary.  The battle is between the investors who currently rent residential homes in this area who would like to rent to more than 3 students (or any other tenant for that matter); and homeowners who live and occupy the homes in this area. 

The list of issues over why or why not there should be a "3 person rule" is lengthy to say the least.  If you want to hear some real bantering, I suggest you go to a Williamsburg City Council or Planning Commission meeting to hear the latest.

Nonetheless, there is a proposal infront of City Council that would raise the number to 4 unrelated persons living in one home.  It stems from a focus group that was assembled to address the issue at hand.  It sounds like this is all going to happen but don't think that renting a house to 4 people will come cheap.  The permit to allow a landlord to do so will cost around $800 and the house must meet are long list of criteria, including number of bedrooms, bathrooms and parking spaces.  While there looks to be light at the end of the tunnel for the landlords, this loosening of the rules could expose them to additional inspections and the $800 fee could price their rental units right out of the market.

Now the Planning Commission will have a chance to poke holes in the new ordinance.  Check back for more updates.