@Thomas,
) I find that hard to believe. Please show me!
2) Have these zoning laws ever been challenged in court? Did the courts uphold them? I find that even harder to believe, but I'm willing to be persuaded by evidence.
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Thomas here is the results of a fast google search of fairfax county zoning as an example just because it was the first to come up.
They do not limit the number of cats as my local zoning does to 4 however they do limit the number of dogs by lot size.
And of course they limit the relationship and the number of people living in a single family home see below.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/faqs/zoning.htm
The number of dogs permitted as an accessory use must be in accordance with the following:
Number of Dogs Minimum Lot Size
1 to 2 No requirement
3 to 4 12,500 square feet
5 to 6 20,000 square feet
7 or more 25,000 square feet plus 5,000 square feet for each additional dog above 7
The Zoning Ordinance also contains limitations on the occupancy of a dwelling unit. As a matter of right, a dwelling unit may be occupied by not more than one (1) of the following:
One (1) family, which may consist of one (1) person or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage with any number of natural children, foster children, step children or adopted children and with not to exceed two (2) roomers or boarders with a Home Occupation Permit.
Two (2) single parents or guardians with not more than a total of six (6) of their dependent children, including natural children, foster children, step children or adopted children, functioning as a single housekeeping unit.
A group of not more than four (4) unrelated persons functioning as a single housekeeping unit.