Occupancy of a detached dwelling designed for a single family is typically limited to individuals related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, forming a single housekeeping unit. This can also include a small number of unrelated individuals, depending on local ordinances and zoning regulations. For example, a homeowner might rent a room to a non-family member while remaining the primary resident. Regulations often define the maximum number of unrelated occupants allowed.
Restricting occupancy in this way serves several purposes. It preserves the character of residential neighborhoods, maintains property values, and prevents overcrowding. Historically, single-family zoning emerged in the early 20th century, partly as a means of segregating communities and promoting specific socioeconomic structures. Over time, the focus shifted towards managing population density and ensuring the availability of essential services like sanitation and emergency response. These regulations also play a role in allocating resources like school placements and parking.
