University and college students who want to share a house in Saanich might find it a little easier if the municipality proceeds as recommended.
On Monday, Saanich councillors agreed to send to public hearing a proposal to amend the bylaw that now forbids more than four unrelated people from living in a single-family dwelling, increasing the number to six.
Saanich staff had recommended the increase. No date has been set for the public hearing.
In September, the University of Victoria Students’ Society asked council to increase the limit on the number of people allowed to share a home, after three of seven women attending UVic were forced to leave their house, even though it had seven bedrooms, when someone complained to Saanich’s bylaw department.
Some Saanich councillors have been sympathetic, saying any resulting problems such as parking, trash or noisy parties can be dealt with under other bylaws or laws governing behavior.
