Blog Williamsburg

Owner-Occupied Deed Restrictions

An idea is being explored among some City residents to encourage homeowners to place a restriction in their deed which requires the house to be owner-occupied. The concept is still in its infancy. Below is an excerpt from the minutes of the November 6, 2004 meeting of the Neighborhood Council of Williamsburg in which David Kranbuehl, perhaps the originator of the idea, discusses why it is important to the local economy to increase owner-occupancy.

Excerpt from Minutes of the November 6, 2004 Meeting of the Neighborhood Council of Williamsburg

David Kranbuehl and Joe Herzler requested a brief period to make a presentation on the neighborhood/college issue.  Vice Mayor Clyde Haulman and David had met with the College’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Sam Sadler, and had a very good initial meeting regarding student housing issues.

The City goals presented by the Mayor in October have a continuing theme: the character of the City, the economic vitality of the City, and the neighborhoods and housing. 

While tourism is important, David noted that the key to achieving these three goals in the future, particularly growth and economic stability of the City is from the permanent residents living within the City.  He estimated that between $3000 and $5000 in direct tax revenue to the City is generated per home by owners shopping within the City limits.

He commented on recent problems in his own neighborhood with student renters but also said that those problems are reflective of a small percentage of the entire student body. He stated that owner occupancy is the key to stability in the neighborhoods and that it is vital that the City focus on renewal, not just new housing developments.

The idea of Clyde, Joe, David and several of their neighbors is to put in deeds that the home must be owner occupied and/or to give the City the first right of refusal when a property comes on the market if that is not in the deed.  The hope is that the City would work with the neighborhoods and develop plans to increase owner occupancy.  Note this does not in any way restrict an owner living in the home to rent rooms or existing apartments. 

Joe added that it is important to take a multi-faceted approach to reach our neighborhood goals and encouraged citizens and NCW members to give him, Reed Nester and the Mayor suggestions and ideas.

Email this discussion to a friend