Even during a nationwide housing crisis, code enforcers northwest of Atlanta continue to enforce a narrow vision of suburbia. One rule limits overnight parking based on property size. Families can have one car for every 390 square feet of living space, which effectively prevents more than two vehicle owners from living together in a 1,000-square-foot unit.
Teen drivers are out of luck. So are adult children, college students, mothers-in-law, and any guest who stays longer than one week. The city does not concern itself with individual circumstances, nor does it care if vehicles remain in good condition with current tags. It counts newer models and clunkers the same.
Cobb County resident Austin Childs calls the policy discriminatory in a change.org petition. “This code disproportionately affects lower income families,” he writes. “Many young people are living at home longer than ever before due to the insane cost of living. Help me get this law changed.”
While he waits for signatures, the zoning police in other jurisdictions are moving forward with rigid rules of their own that also punish lower-income families disproportionately.
[I grew up in a “planned community” in Los Angeles County, and they imposed significant burdens on car ownership. You couldn’t park on the street even in front of your own house between 3-5 am without a city permit, which they wouldn’t issue unless at least four cars were registered to the address. Why? The clutter offended their tastes. Had nothing to do with public safety. — Ed]
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