But that ordinance is not self-enforcing. In fact, with thousands of UF students each year seeking housing literally all over town, the ordinance can only be enforced, as a practical matter, when a problem is drawn to their attention as a result of complaints. That's why Hanrahan and other commissioners called this week for a moratorium on such new housing in those neighborhoods. Gainesville, like Tallahassee and many other college towns, must confront a tough issue. In Gainesville's case, UF's plans to dramatically expand its graduate school enrollment will only put additional pressure on the nearby single-family neighborhoods.
Graduate students tend to be older then undergrads.
Most won't want to live on campus, but many will want to live close to campus. Gainesville has its prohibition against three unrelated people living in the same house. Another community stipulates that the owner be in residence when a house is rented out in piecemeal fashion. And surely, UF itself has a stake in maintaining the liveability of the neighborhoods around it. Whether he is ultimately allowed to build it or not, the issue won't go away.