The Jan. 22 Free Press story about occupancy violations by residents of Wings Over White Oak townhomes highlights an oft-overlooked but important step for anyone in the process of buying or renting property: Carefully check the applicable zoning ordinances.
This becomes especially relevant for people buying or renting in established neighborhoods or developments such as Wings, where an ordinance limits occupancy of three-bedroom homes to two people, when those people are unrelated. At Minnesota State University, we are trying to help by regularly informing students and parents of their responsibilities and rights. In our December 2006 electronic Parent Newsletter, “Navigating the Realities of the Rental World,” we explained that “before renting or buying a house in Mankato for your student, it is imperative to educate yourself about City of Mankato zoning laws and nuisance ordinances.”
In collaboration with the city, we recently mailed 2,500 letters to parents of residence hall students, explaining that students who are considering moving off-campus should thoroughly read and understand leases before signing, and should investigate zoning ordinances for the home or apartment they’re considering.
Among our initiatives to support neighborhood preservation and livability, we’re producing an educational DVD to explain safeguards and responsibilities to student lessees and homeowners. This approach has proven effective in other university communities.
Zoning ordinances are not ordinarily the first issues that come to mind when a student looks for an off-campus living space, and they’re frequently overlooked by property managers when they advertise for renters. But we’re trying to help by educating students to be aware of ordinance requirements.
Patricia Swatfager-Haney
Vice President for Student Affairs
Minnesota State University, Mankato
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