Providence councilors back ordinance limiting number of college students in off-campus homes

College students in Providence have fewer housing options following City Council approval of an ordinance limiting how many students may live in an off-campus single-family home.

WPRI-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1OAJD6W ) that the city council backed the local law Thursday night in an 11-3 vote.

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan says she introduced the legislation to curb student partying in the two neighborhoods surrounding Providence College and Rhode Island College.

She says residents also are concerned that single-family homes are being purchased and then rented to college students.

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and several landlords say the ordinance discriminates against students.

The city council approved the ordinance Sept. 3 and it was required to pass a second vote before heading to the mayor's office.