ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to a local law limiting the number of rental properties on a city block.

Supporters of the Winona ordinance say it has helped stabilize the neighborhoods near Winona State University where many homeowners rent to college students. Opponents say the city doesn’t have the authority to limit the number of rentals.

A state appeals court earlier upheld the law which allows 30 percent of homes on a block to be rentals.

The League of Minnesota Cities and the cities of St. Paul, Mankato and Rochester have filed briefs in support of Winona. The Minnesota Association of Realtors, the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and other organizations support the homeowners.