ARLINGTON, Va. -- Arlington County leaders will soon take up a proposal that would allow rentable apartments in houses.

Supporters said the goal is to bring more affordable housing to Arlington and help people pay their mortgages, but some residents said there needs to be tough restrictions, News4's Michael Flynn reported.

The proposal would create more legal places to live by allowing rentable apartments in single-family homes. Units -- with a separate kitchen and bath -- could also be in detached buildings on homeowners' lots, like garages.

"We have a crisis on affordable housing," said Walter Tejada, chairman of the Arlington County Board.

Tejada supports the recommendation, which would allow what the county calls "accessory dwellings."

Tejada said it would not be just low-income laborers who would become renters under the proposal.

"Other groups that could be are firefighters, are police officers, are teachers, to provide a range of options so maybe they don't have to drive out so far to live," Tejada said.

The proposal recommendations include mandating that the property owner live in the home, that there is enough parking, and that the homeowner obtains a permit.

It also suggests the county board come up with a cap on the number of people living there.

Some Arlington residents said it's a good idea if the county keeps close tabs on residents.

"What we don't want is like six cars parked in the front yard and 15 carpenters all living in the same house. Frankly, that's what bothers people. But a nice little mother-in-law suite in the basement, you know, with a small kitchen and a bathroom, why not?" said Arlington resident Bill Millan.

"I kind of like that idea. It establishes more community, more people, it's more eco-friendly" said resident Spring Silverman.

"They're very difficult to enforce," said Larry Mayer, head of the Arlington County Civic Federation.

There could be more than 1,000 illegal apartments at single family homes across the county.

Mayer said he likes the idea of accessory dwellings if enforcement improves and tough restrictions are in place.

"At the same time, we don't think that the ability to be able to do them should be so onerous that the only way you as homeowner would do it is illegally," Mayer said.

Currently in Arlington, it's legal to have what is called a family suite, where up to two family members can live.

The county's board chairman expects the board will vote on the proposal this year after they hold public hearings.