At the upcoming July 1 Council meeting, the College Park City Council will hold a worksession to explore the development of a formal policy to address overcrowding in residential properties. This discussion stems from growing concerns raised by residents and staff about the impact of excessive occupancy on neighborhood quality, public safety, and property maintenance.

What Is “Overcrowding”?

Overcrowding generally refers to a situation in which more people are living in a dwelling than is considered safe or reasonable under local codes or housing standards. In practical terms, it may involve too many unrelated adults living in a single-family home, an excessive number of vehicles parked on and around a property, or improper conversions of basements, attics, or common areas into makeshift sleeping quarters.

While College Park has existing occupancy limits—particularly a maximum of five unrelated individuals living together in a single rental unit—the City has received increasing reports of overcrowding in both rental and owner-occupied properties. The issue is especially concerning when it leads to unsafe living conditions, increased wear on infrastructure, trash buildup, noise complaints, and disruptions to neighborhood character.

Purpose of the Worksession

The purpose of the July 1 worksession is to provide the Mayor and Council with background on the issue and discuss options for strengthening enforcement and updating local ordinances to address overcrowding more effectively. City staff, including the Director of Public Services and the City Attorney, will present preliminary findings and policy considerations.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • Review of current City code provisions that limit occupancy and regulate property maintenance.

  • Challenges in enforcement, including the difficulty of inspecting private living spaces and verifying the number of residents.

  • Legal considerations, including fair housing protections and constitutional limitations on entry and privacy.

  • Best practices from other jurisdictions that have adopted ordinances targeting overcrowding.

  • Options for policy tools, such as defining overcrowding by square footage per occupant, establishing a complaint-driven inspection process, or requiring property owners to certify compliance with occupancy standards.

Why It Matters

Unchecked overcrowding can strain local resources, degrade living conditions, and erode trust in the City’s code enforcement system. Neighbors often express frustration when they see houses with six or more cars regularly parked outside, signs of multiple households sharing space, or excessive trash that seems inconsistent with normal residential use.

In some cases, overcrowding is tied to the unaffordability of housing or limited availability of legal rental units—meaning that policy responses must also be sensitive to underlying housing challenges. The Council’s goal is to balance community safety and quality of life with fairness and equity in enforcement.

What Comes Next

Tuesday’s worksession is only the beginning of what will likely be a months-long process. No action will be taken at this meeting, but the Council will provide direction to staff on whether to develop a formal ordinance or pursue additional research and outreach.

If the Council proceeds with a new policy, the City will likely engage the public through future hearings, written comment periods, and outreach to affected property owners and renters.

🗣️ Residents who have concerns or suggestions about overcrowding are encouraged to share their thoughts by contacting the Mayor and Council or emailing cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov.

The City is committed to maintaining healthy, livable neighborhoods for everyone—and your input will help shape the path forward.