City Council Approves Amendment to Limit Student Housing in Residential Areas

City Council Approves Amendment to Limit Student Housing in Residential Areas

The Providence City Council voted for the second and final time on September 17th to approve an amendment to the zoning ordinance which would change the rules on the number of college students that may live in a single-family house in R-1 and R-1A zones. 

The new regulation states that in R-1 and R-1A zones, a single- family house may not have more than three college students as tenants. 

The new amendment was introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan who said "The change in intended use of single-family homes is undermining the character of our neighborhoods, diminishing the quality of life, and creating health and public safety concerns.The new zoning ordinance will give the City a critical tool in addressing the negative impacts of student housing in single-family districts.”

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Councilwoman Ryan stressed that proposed amendment is the product of conversations with residents, meetings with stakeholders, and two separate public hearings on the issue. Ryan is also working on legislation the will set guidelines for improved communication and information between the City and the colleges and universities. 

The changes will not impact existing leases of single-family properties.