Neighborhood Services

 

Issues with occupancy or overcrowding can be reported in one of several ways in our new 311 system!

• The Website
• The Mobile App, PWC 311
• Landline call to 703-792-4311
• Cellular call to 311
• The Chatbot, Will (look in the lower right-hand corner of the page.)
• In person at our office

 

Too many people in a residence creates safety issues and overstresses community infrastructure like schools, roads/traffic and water/sewer systems. State and County Codes have specific criteria for what can be called "over occupancy." Property Code Enforcement in PWC's Neighborhood Services Division is responsible for enforcing occupancy and overcrowding regulations.

Why Overcrowding Matters

Overcrowding of homes can result in serious health problems or injury. For example, if a fire breaks out in an overcrowded home, it is less likely that everyone will be able to exit safely. This creates a serious safety concern for occupants and responders alike.

What is Allowed:

The Virginia Maintenance Code and the Zoning Ordinance of Prince William County govern occupancy issues in residences. The Zoning Ordinance allows for the following:

• One (1) person or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage with any number of offspring, foster children, stepchildren or adopted children subject to the maximum occupancy limitations (see the chart below); or
• Two (2) single parents or guardians with their dependent children including offspring, foster children, stepchildren or adopted children living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit; subject to the maximum occupancy limitations (see chart below); or
• A group of not more than three (3) persons not related by blood or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit; subject to the maximum occupancy limitations (see chart below).

The zoning ordinance also establishes maximum occupancy. The maximum occupancy of a single-family dwelling is calculated from the total finished area of the home (plus finished basement area) as it is listed in the County's residential property records.

For a dwelling with a total finished area	Number of adult occupants
of up to 1000 square feet	3
from 1001 to 1500 square feet	4
from 1501 to 2000 square feet	5
from 2001 to 2500 square feet	6
from 2501 to 3000 square feet	7
from 3001 to 3500 square feet	8
from 3501 to 4000 square feet	9
over 4000 square feet	10

Additionally the Uniform Statewide Building Code requires that sleeping areas designated for one person are at minimum 70 square feet and two or more persons require 50 square feet minimum per person. There are other requirements for living and dining space, location of bathrooms etc.