Zoning and licensing laws associated with student housing - Essay Example

Zoning and Licensing Laws Associated with Housing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in higher learning institutions like the University of Pennsylvania are provided with off campus accommodation. Like all it happens with other residents, there are zoning and licensing laws that govern the housing of students in Philadelphia. One of the zoning laws that impact student housing in Philadelphia is a definition of the term “family”. Although this zoning law affects the disabled persons to a greater extend, it also applies to groups of non-disabled persons who are unrelated.

Under this law, a number of related individuals may live together. However, the number of unrelated individuals living together is limited. Students and nuns are found in this category. The zoning laws of the City of Philadelphia specifically prohibits the renting of houses to a big groups of students if a zoning variance does not exist. In addition, the Legislation of Educational Housing District provides responsibilities and requirements for property owners, universities and colleges that house students within the zone of Educational Housing District.

One of the laws states that no student may reside in a residential property located within the Educational Housing District in which 3 or more persons who are unrelated are living if a valid registration permit, and a zoning variance has not been issued to the property. (Wynnefield Residents Association, 2002). According to the Wynnefield Residents Association (2002), student tenants are issued with a copy of the above-mentioned legislation by property managers or owners. For anybody to offer a rooming or dwelling unit for rent in Philadelphia, the appropriate licenses must be obtained from Department of Licences and inspections.

In regard to licensing laws associated to students, persons operating a dormitory or a rooming house must obtain a Rooming House License from this department before renting rooms to students. ReferencesWynnefield Residents Association (2002). Wynnefield Residents Vigilant Against Illegal Housing. Online: http://www.wynnefield.org/focus/f_09_06_start.htm. Viewed on 5th October, 2011.