Moorpark : Council to Consider Crowding Problem

The Moorpark City Council tonight will consider revising the city’s municipal code in an attempt to alleviate chronic crowding problems, particularly in the city’s downtown area.

In a report to the council, city staffers have suggested toughening parking regulations and bolstering enforcement of both the city’s noise ordinance and building standards as ways to combat the problem.

The report advises the council not to adopt any ordinance that would regulate the number of people allowed in a dwelling or otherwise cap home occupancy by square footage or based on family relationships.

The report noted a Santa Barbara overcrowding ordinance that was overturned in a California Supreme Court case.

But at least one Moorpark councilman and one of the community leaders who have urged action on the crowding problem said the city should still try to set a limit on how many people can live in a single home.

“They definitely have to go after the symptoms, the short-term solutions,” said community activist Ron Golden. “But long-term they do need to look at some kind of limitation on the number of persons. . . . That’s the root of the problem.”

Councilman Scott Montgomery agreed, and said he would push the council Wednesday to work toward setting such a limit.

“I think we’re going to need to get a little more aggressive,” Montgomery said. “I know it’s not a simple task to draft an ordinance, but I think it’s worth it.”

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall, 799 Moorpark Ave.