Unrelated People In Homes? Burr Ridge Ponders Stricter Rule

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge officials are looking at a lower limit for the number of unrelated people who can live in a house.

Now, up to five unrelated people can live in a house, which is higher than in many other towns.

The village's Plan Commission plans to hold a hearing Monday on a proposal to reduce the limit to two unrelated people.

In a memo, the village's community development director, Janine Farrell, said Burr Ridge has seen code enforcement issues in which homeowners rent rooms to unrelated people, operating boarding houses.

"Restricting the number of unrelated individuals residing together in a home is a method to prevent single-family residences from becoming lodging houses," Farrell said.

A village analysis shows that Darien also has a limit of two. Hinsdale, Willowbrook and Oak Brook cap the number at three, while Indian Head Park and Willow Springs are at five.

Over the last couple of years, Hinsdale endured a controversy involving its limit, resulting in a settlement with the federal government.

In an emailed reply to a Patch inquiry, Trustee Guy Franzese, who has long been outspoken on planning and zoning issues, declined to comment.

"I will review the public testimony and the Plan Commission comments from the Public Hearing prior to making my own comments should this topic come before the Village Board," Franzese said.

Mayor Gary Grasso did not return a message for comment Sunday.