In this bonus episode of One Room at a Time, hosted by Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, the discussion focuses on the past, present, and future constitutional battles surrounding shared housing. Atticus is joined by David Deerson, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, who provides a comprehensive history of zoning laws, significant court cases such as Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., Belle Terre v. Boraas, and more recent developments in states like Pennsylvania. They delve into the evolving legal interpretations of family definitions and intimate association, and the impact of these precedents on affordable housing. David also discusses the implications of the proposed Golden Girls Bill and shares his prognosis on the future of coliving legislation and legal challenges in the U.S.

00:00 Introduction to One Room at a Time

00:25 The Legality of Coliving and Shared Housing

01:10 Guest Introduction: David Deerson from Pacific Legal Foundation

01:39 History and Mission of Pacific Legal Foundation

03:51 Zoning Policy and the Definition of Family

05:16 Supreme Court Cases on Zoning and Family Definitions

12:38 Thurgood Marshall's Dissent and Its Relevance Today

21:33 Recent Developments and Legal Challenges

30:52 The Golden Girls Bill and Model Policy

33:34 Future of Shared Housing Policy

39:53 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast

Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/

Connect with David Deerson via email: DDeerson@pacificlegal.org

References:

1. Pacific Legal Foundation: https://pacificlegal.org/
2. Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/272/365/
3. Village of Belle Terre v. Boraas (1974): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/416/1/
4. Moore v. City of East Cleveland (1977): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/431/494/
5. City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center (1985): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/473/432/
6. U.S. Department of Agriculture v. Moreno (1973): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/413/528/
7. Doctrine of Intimate Association (via Roberts v. United States Jaycees, 1984): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/468/609/
8. Homeroom v. City of Shawnee (10th Circuit): https://pacificlegal.org/case/shawnee-co-living-ban-housing/
9. PLF Amicus Brief for Havel v. City of Kent (Ohio): https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/pdf_viewer/pdf_viewer.aspx?pdf=989595.pdf&subdirectory=2025-0495\DocketItems&source=DL_Clerk
10. Golden Girls Bill (Pennsylvania): https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2109
11. Golden Girls Model Policy (Pacific Legal Foundation): https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Legislative-Docs-Golden-Girls-Act.pdf
12. Colorado “Bedrooms Are for People” Campaign: https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/27/bedrooms-are-for-people-housing-occupancy-limits/