Many students in West Chester rely on borough housing permits to live near campus. The limited availability of these permits makes it difficult to secure housing, often forcing students into less safe, more expensive, or impractical living situations. Expanding housing permits would improve access, reduce pressure on the rental market, and support both students and the local community.

West Chester University plays a vital role in the Borough of West Chester, contributing economic activity, cultural diversity, and community engagement. However, the current student housing situation has become increasingly challenging. Each year, students struggle to find suitable accommodations near campus due to the restrictive number of student housing permits available. This shortage increases competition, drives up rental prices, and forces many students into housing farther from campus or in less regulated environments.

According to communication with borough officials, no new student housing permits have been issued since 2019 (West Chester Borough). During that same period, West Chester University has maintained strong enrollment and demand for off-campus housing, further intensifying pressure on the existing housing supply.

Publicly available borough data reinforces these concerns. The Borough of West Chester’s student rental ordinance outlines strict requirements and limitations for student rental permits, restricting where and how student housing can be developed (West Chester Borough Code § 112-150). Additionally, the borough’s rental license map shows that permitted student housing is limited and concentrated in specific areas rather than expanding with demand (West Chester Borough Rental License Map).

Meanwhile, off-campus housing resources provided by both independent platforms and the university show only a portion of available housing, suggesting a fragmented and incomplete system for students seeking accommodations (West Chester Off-Campus Housing; West Chester University Off-Campus Housing).

Expanding student housing permits would help address these issues. Research consistently shows that increasing housing supply helps stabilize rental prices and reduce market pressure. Studies from the Urban Institute and the National Multifamily Housing Council indicate that increasing housing availability improves affordability and reduces competition in constrained rental markets. Additionally, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that expanding regulated housing options improves safety and reduces overcrowding in college-town environments.

Expanding student housing permits would:

• Increase access to safe and regulated housing (National Low Income Housing Coalition)
• Reduce pressure on the local rental market (Urban Institute)
• Help stabilize rising rental prices (National Multifamily Housing Council)
• Support West Chester’s economic growth by accommodating student demand
• Improve community integration between students and residents

By expanding and streamlining the student housing permit process, the West Chester Borough Council can create safer, more affordable, and more accessible housing options. This approach benefits students, local residents, and the broader community while supporting the continued growth of West Chester University and the borough itself.

I urge you to sign this petition to call on the West Chester Borough Council to take immediate action. Together, we can make West Chester a more inclusive, balanced, and supportive community for students and residents alike.

Sign today to help bring meaningful change.

SOURCES:

West Chester Borough. Student Rental Ordinance.
https://ecode360.com/37997693

West Chester Borough. Rental License Map.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a1b54c8f4a60498db71f118199567740

West Chester Off-Campus Housing.
https://westchesteroffcampushousing.com

West Chester University. Off-Campus Housing Resource.
https://offcampushousing.wcupa.edu

Urban Institute. Housing Supply and Affordability Research.

National Multifamily Housing Council. Housing Supply and Rent Stabilization Findings.

National Low Income Housing Coalition. Housing Availability and Safety Reports.