I am posting the following information about residential occupancy in Auburn, Alabama because I feel as though it is very important to know. The information was obtained from the City of Auburn's brochure addressing this issue. Having the knowledge of this information before purchasing property is very important as it could affect the decision of which property to purchase.

What is Unrelated Occupancy?

Why are there occupancy limitations?

Occupancy limitations are not unique to Auburn. In fact, most city zoning ordinances around the country contain similar language. The reasons for such limitations are reallytwofold. The first is a concern for potential overcrowding of particular areas. Excessive occupation can lead to problemsincluding health and public safety concerns. There are also potential nuisances associated with overcrowding

Secondly, as Auburn continues to grow and develop, there is concern for the preservation of existing neighborhoods. Occupancy limitations help to preserve neighborhood character and quality of life for Auburn citizens.

How are suspected unrelated occupancies dealt with?Unrelated Occupancy has been an issue in Auburn for some time and City staff is charged with taking action for those properties that are in violation of this Ordinance. Residential occupancy had been challenging to enforce in the past, but now the City of Auburn has formal proceduresin place, which has resulted in appropriate enforcement of these regulations. The City of Auburn has always pursued occupancy complaints. The current enforcement procedures entail investigationand observation of alleged violators. Information gathered includes, but is not limited to: vehicle tag identification along with the make and model, number of vehicles on site on each day during the weeks of investigation, and any other violations that will help reinforce the case. If after 10 days of investigation and observation, City staff feels comfortable with the probable cause evidence available, an affidavit will be submitted to the Municipal Court in support of a search warrant for the property in question.

If I suspect an occupancy violation in my neighborhood, what can I do?

Still have Questions?

Auburn Planning Department at (334) 501-3040.

For all the parents looking for fun and educational activities their children can participate in please consider the following activities at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. My daughter and I attend as many of these sessions as we can and we have never been disappointed. It is so much doing activities like this with your children and seeing them enjoy and learn while they are there. Don't miss out on these wonderful programs.

"Saturday Art Club and Stories in Art are exciting programs that educate students through art. The hands-on approach to learning in the programs serves to foster students' imagination while studying literature and art. Parents are encouraged to join their children for the programs, which are free and open to the public.

For more information call 334.844.3486 or email jcsmtours@auburn.edu

Saturday Art Club

These hands on projects are designed for elementary school children. In January, students will check out the work of Rafal Olbinski and combine ingredients to make their own poster.
February brings the collection of William Wiese, where students will learn more about how clothing and portraits make for interesting images.

January 10, 10-11 am
February 14, 10-11 am, also available in Spanish

Stories in Art

New books are explored by young readers. Some of the stories include I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry, and Trail by David Pelham.
Activities are planned to help relate the words with art, with personal attention to your students' developmental level.

January 17, 10-11 am
February 21, 10-11 am, also available in Spanish
April 18, 10-11 am

Come see Lewis Nordan and the Hearbreaking Laughter of Transcendence and Hope on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The symposium is free and open to the public. For details concerning this event please visit the following website:

http://media.cla.auburn.edu/cah/documents/PressPacket_000.pdf

Don't miss the fun!!!!

LEE COUNTY HOUSING STATS

DECEMBER 2007 & DECEMBER 2008

RESIDENTIAL - DECEMBER 2007

ALL AREAS: ALL AREAS:

823 Houses on the Market this month 901 Houses on the Market this month

77 Properties sold 56 Properties sold

173 Average days on the market 167 Average days on the market

91 New listings 115 New listings

$187,400 Median Sold Price $204,275 Median Sold Price

$223,565 Average Sold Price $227,821 Average Sold Price

$17,214,539 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $12,757,999 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

AUBURN: AUBURN:

418 Houses on the Market this month 452 Houses on the Market this month

33 Properties sold 31 Properties sold

201 Average days on the market 201Average days on the market

46 New listings 49 New listings

$229,900 Median Sold Price $265,000 Median Sold Price

$284,482 Average Sold Price $279,908 Average Sold Price

$9,387,892 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $8,677,149 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

OPELIKA: OPELIKA:

193 Houses on the Market this month 245 Houses on the Market this month

29 Properties sold 16 Properties sold

162 Average days on the market 123 Average days on the market

20 New listings 43 New listings

$171,900 Median Sold Price $174,050 Median Sold Price

$184,337 Average Sold Price $179,591 Average Sold Price

$5,345,775 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $2,873,450 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

CONDO - DECEMBER 2007 CONDO - DECEMBER 2008

ALL AREAS: ALL AREAS:

349 Condos on the Market this month 253 Condos on the Market this month

16 Properties sold 7 Properties sold

248 Average days on the market 154 Average days on the market

17 New listings 28 New listings

$142,000 Median Sold Price $152,000 Median Sold Price

$142,025 Average Sold Price $176,700 Average Sold Price

$2,272,400 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $1,236,900 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

AUBURN: AUBURN:

323 Condos on the Market this month 241 Condos on the Market this month

14 Properties sold 7 Properties sold

263 Average days on the market 154Average days on the market

17 New listings 25 New listings

$143,475 Median Sold Price $152,000 Median Sold Price

$145,250 Average Sold Price $176,700 Average Sold Price

$2,033,500 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $1,236,900 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

OPELIKA: OPELIKA:

17 Condos on the Market this month 8 Condos on the Market this month

2 Properties sold 0 Properties sold

138 Average days on the market 0 Average days on the market

0 New listings 2 New listings

$119,450 Median Sold Price $0 Median Sold Price

$119,450 Average Sold Price $0 Average Sold Price

$238,900 Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $0 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

LOTS - DECEMBER 2007 ALL AREAS LOTS - DECEMBER 2008 ALL AREAS

Not available 1038 Properties on the Market

7 Properties sold 12 Properties sold

242 Average days on the Market 455Average days on the Market

144 New listings 57 New listings

$ 45,000 Median Sold Price $ 42,500 Median Sold Price

$ 56,919 Average Sold Price $ 50,763 Average Sold Price

$398,500 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume $690,150 Total Property Sales Sold Dollar Volume

You don't want to miss the Christmas Tour of homes in Auburn, Alabama. This year the Auburn University President's home and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts will be on this year's annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by the Auburn Preservation League. The tour is Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, 1-4 p.m. Tickets for the tour are $20 and are available at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Behind the Glass and Auburn Hardware. The cafe at the museum will be open Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are encouraged by calling 844-7016. The museum is closed on Sundays and will be only on the tour Saturday. Visit this link for details of the other homes included in this year's tour or call the Auburn Chamber of Commerce for more information at 887-7011.