Occupancy Standards

Whether you live in an apartment, condominium, duplex or single-unit house, your home is probably the most important place in the world to you. It is where you raise your family and keep your belongings. In many cases, it represents one of the greatest investments you will ever make. One way you can protect the value of your home and enhance the quality of life for the people who live there is to follow the City’s occupancy standards.

What Are Aurora’s Occupancy Standards?

The city of Aurora has adopted nationally accepted minimum standards as a guide to determine proper occupancy limits. In addition, nearly all of the City’s established neighborhoods have been down zoned, meaning that no new dwelling units are permitted. In particular, new dwelling units in basements and attics are prohibited as living in these areas can cause significant safety violations.

Importance of Observing Occupancy Limits

By following the occupancy limits, you will rid your home of conditions that may compromise your family's well being. Overcrowded housing presents safety problems and causes undue stress and inconvenience to family members.

Overcrowded housing hurts the neighborhood and community, too. A neighborhood that has overcrowded housing experiences parking problems increased noise pollution and strained community services. Property values may decrease and the quality of life for everyone is lowered.

Occupancy Requirement Charts

Minimum Area Requirements, Minimum Area in Square Feet
Space 1-2 Occupants
3-5 Occupants
6 or More Occupants
Living Room
120 square feet
120 square feet
150 square feet
Dining Room
No Requirements
80 square feet
100 square feet
Bedrooms shall comply with the sleeping space chart and Section 404 of the City’s Property Maintenance Code.

Square footage based on all rooms individually which are lawfully used for sleeping. 

Sleeping Space Chart

Number of Occupants
Square Feet Required
1 70
2 100
3 150
4 200
5 250
6 300
7 350
8 400
9
450
10 500
11 550
12 600
 

Questions

If you have questions or need more information, contact the Property Standards Division at 630-256-3770.