If you want to live in Troy, Ala., then you have to follow the rules — the zoning ordinance rules.

Melissa Sanders, Planning and Zoning Administrator, said she is hoping people will become more knowledgeable about the zoning ordinance, particularly as it relates to single-family dwellings in the reserved residential (RR) and low density residential (R1) distric.

“In any city there are going to be complaints about zoning, especially in single-family areas,” Sanders said. “We have had some complaints in the R1 and RR districts. I feel that with any regulation, especially with zoning, education is key. I want to educate the property owners on what is and is not allowed in our zoning districts.”

The issues in these district typically stem from rental properties.

“It is around the time when leases are up and new leases are being signed, and we’ve had a couple questions from Realtors who were wanting to understand the single-family zoning,” Sanders said.

Understanding what is allowed under the law, particularly as it relates to overcrowding in houses and what constitutes a “family” in the RR and R1 zoned districts is critical.

“Occupancy limitations help to preserve neighborhood character and quality of life for Troy citizens,” Sanders said.

Sanders said overcrowding has been another issue the city has had to deal with in the past.

“Overcrowding is a problem in traditional neighborhoods, such as our R1 and RR districts,” Sanders said. “It causes nuisances and safety concerns, as well as health concerns.”

A few scenarios that are allowed and some that are not allowed in RR and R1 zoning districts are listed below, however the list is not all inclusive.

Allowed: a family (of any size) related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship, or other duly-authorized custodial relationship; two unrelated persons and their children; two or more siblings related by blood; two, but not more than two, unrelated individuals; and one individual.

Not allowed: a family (of any size) related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship, or other duly-authorized custodial relationship and a friend; three unrelated persons and their children; two or more siblings related by blood and a friend; three or more unrelated friends; and two couples.

For questions concerning where your particular property lies within the zoning regulations, visit the city’s website at www.troyal.gov under the Planning & Zoning Department’s forms and documents and click on Planning/Zoning Map. Anyone with questions about particular situations can contact the Planning and Zoning Department, (334) 670-6058 or e-mail Planning@troyal.info.