Three is the magic number

Last year I was one of four tenants in an off-campus house in Bloomington. Had only three of us been living there instead of four, our house would have been quiet and clean. Three is the magic number that turns sloppy college students into Martha Stewarts. When students live in threes, they lose the desire to throw parties and instead choose silent study as a weekend pastime. According to Bloomington's occupancy law, which restricts more than three unrelated adults from living in the same house, neighborhood problems will disappear along with that fourth roommate. This ordinance has been in place since 1985 and is currently under review of the Indiana Supreme Court. \nOn one side of the issue, there are students crying discrimination. Many students affected by this ordinance said their rights are being violated. The Indiana Constitution, in Section 23 of the Bill of Rights states, "The General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen, or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens." Furthermore, the Housing and Urban Development Web site explains that "Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability." In the eyes of some, students are being lumped into one group that stereotypically throws deafening parties and leaves messes scattered from the front lawn to the end of the block. \nBut these zoning laws do not openly target students. While it may be implied that the law is intended for students, nowhere does it state that more than three non-students who are unrelated can live together. Zoning is a fact of life in U.S. communities, determining what types and where housing and businesses are located. \nDo I think community members who feel threatened by large numbers of students should calm down? Yes. Bloomington is a college town and has been for years. If certain residents wish to become neighborless, as three students will never be able to afford the same property five would, then maybe they should have considered settling in a different location.\nStill, the law is the law. But this doesn't mean students can't work to make changes if the Indiana Supreme Court rules in favor of the ordinance. The first step is to not panic. According to Bloomington's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND), the over-occupancy ordinance only applies to certain neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are residential single-family zones, while others are residential multi-dwelling zones that permit more adults to live together. To find out if this ordinance applies to your residence or one you are interested in, you can call HAND at 812-349-3420.\n If this does apply to you, it isn't the end of the line yet. Free Advice, a Web site offering free legal advice, outlines the steps one can take to change zoning laws. A resident can request their zoning board to change current zoning requirements. Following the application, neighboring residents are notified of the request and given the opportunity to share their views in writing or at a public hearing. To find out more about the process, visit Free Advice's zoning information page at real-estate-law.freeadvice.com/zoning/. \nIf students are committed to making change and working with their neighbors, these laws could be modified. Otherwise, simply rent closer to school or move back to campus. In the meantime, enjoy your four-person cluttered festivities while you still can.