For the third time, members of the Provo City Planning Commission heard public comment from residents about the proposed ordinance change for singles in new houses in Residential Conservation zones.

After a brief history of the issue, both sides were given 30 minutes to show their support or opposition to the proposal, which would limit the number of single occupants from three to two.

Jan Yeckes, assistant director of the Provo City Community Development Department, said the issue has become more complex with time.

"As we've worked through it, we've realized that it's not that clear cut," Yeckes said.

Provo resident Susan Ream is opposed to the ordinance. Ream, a retired single person, said she depends on the extra money she receives from renters.

"I feel this is an unwarranted restriction of my property," she said.

Ream said this ordinance would interfere with her planning and future investing.

Patricia Chiu also relies on the money she gets from renters and is opposed to the proposed number change.

"I am 60-years-old and I gave birth to 10 children," she said. "I am not eligible for social security. Therefore, I have to rely on other means to support myself."

Chiu said the city is trying to blame too many problems on single renters. She said she believes that issues like noise and parking must be addressed by separate ordinances.

"The issue of parking must be addressed by a parking ordinance," she said. "By making it harder and harder for people to live closer to the school, you aren't going to solve the parking problem."

Chiu said she decided to retire in Provo because it was a nice community and a charming town. She said she and her children have enjoyed living close to BYU.

Chiu said the planning commission is concerned about the decline of young families in her neighborhood, and hopes to resolve that problem by limiting the number of single occupants; however, Chiu said there is no guarantee that a young family will buy her house, as many are choosing to retire in Provo. Chiu said many young families are choosing to live in other areas in Utah County where they can have bigger homes and yards.

Not all those in attendance opposed the change.

Lisa Lambert said she was offended when she received a flyer, paid for by Provo Citizens for Zoning Restraint, that asked, 'Will Provo Choose The Right?'

"When I saw this (the flyer), I wanted to reject it out of hand with the title," she said.

Lambert said it was in poor taste to bring a religious phrase into the issue. She said it was not about only one right solution and urged citizens on all sides to force themselves to think critically about the issue.

Provo resident Matthew Jones is in favor of the ordinance. Jones, a father of young children, is concerned that his children won't have friends when they get older because his neighborhood is constantly changing due to single renters.

"There are no potential playmates for my children at this time," he said.

Jones said the ordinance is not necessarily about the number of occupants, but is a matter of enforcement.