The Columbia City Council is considering changing the definition of family in zoning ordinances to include domestic partners. The council will vote on the measure at Monday's meeting.
The current zoning ordinance defines a family as an individual, or a married couple, and their children and no more than two other persons related to the individual. No more than three unrelated people are allowed to live in single-family homes.
Because of that definition, domestic partners were considered unrelated people, which is what a proposed resolution would change.
Real estate agent Doug Wheeler says realtors have had trouble working with domestic partners on housing matters because of the definition of family.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the legislation is on the council's consent agenda. The council approves bills on the consent agenda without hearing comments from council or community members. City leaders said they expect the measure to pass easily.
