NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk family says they’re no longer homeless after buying a school bus.
“I said, ‘Honey, what do you think about us getting a school bus and maybe turning it into our home?’ And he said, ‘That’s an awesome idea,'" Mary Dozier told 13News Now.
The Dozier family is working to convert the bus into a home, but they’re running into roadblocks. A city spokesperson says that where the bus is parked violates city ordinance.
The bus currently sits in a friend’s backyard while the family continues renovating. Dozier said while the project is taking longer than anticipated, Norfolk city inspectors want the bus moved by next week.
According to City of Norfolk Director of Communications Chris Jones, the friend doesn't have the authority to let to Doziers park the bus at the home. A city ordinance forbids parking buses in residential districts.
“There are no bench seats. It cannot pull any students at all," Dozier said. "It’s literally becoming a home.”
Another city ordinance prohibits openly storing inoperable vehicles in residential zones.
Documents through the City of Norfolk show a nuisance complaint was opened this month. Online records show citations for several code violations for the property in 2023.
Dozier admits she’s been cited by the city in the past, but she says her family has nowhere else to go.
“It’s so far behind the house. It’s not visible… It’s taking away our livelihood," Dozier said.
Dozier hopes the city gives them longer than a week to move the bus, so they can finish renovating it.
“Having this bus means we won’t be homeless anymore because we will actually have our home – something we can live, sleep, cook and bath in.”
Dozier says she would like to use the bus not only as a home but also to help other unhoused individuals.