The city council has raised Williamsburg's limit on renters to four unrelated people per residence in several zoning districts. But landlords must obtain approval from the city's Planning Department.

The ordinance approved Thursday also restricts the new limit to residences that are least 2,000 square feet.

Planning Department statistics show 31 residences currently used as rentals are eligible for four occupants.

The old ordinance limited rental homes to three unrelated occupants. It was adopted in 1991 to preserve neighborhoods' single-family character. College of William & Mary students had fought for years to get the limit changed.

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