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Home My WebLink About2/17/2026 Item 6a, RQN of SLO RQN of SLO < To:Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan; Francis, Emily; Shoresman, Michelle; Boswell, Mike Cc:CityClerk Subject:Request for Allocation of Budget Surplus Funds Subject: Request to Direct an Allocation from FY 2024–25 Unassigned Fund Balance to Dedicated Code Enforcement Resources to Address Illegal Fraternity Operations Dear Mayor Stewart and Members of the Council, Residents for Quality Neighborhoods respectfully requests that you allocate a one-time, small portion ($150,000–$200,000) of the City’s FY 2024–25 unassigned General Fund balance to support dedicated code enforcement resources to address fraternities that operate illegally in our R-1 and R-2 residential neighborhoods. As previously stated by Director Tway, current code enforcement capacity remains insufficient to address these ongoing violations. As a result, residential neighborhoods continue to experience weekly large-scale events that violate zoning laws and significantly affect residents’ health, safety, and quality of life. The City’s FY 2025–26 Second Quarter Budget Report confirms the availability of $3,468,954 in surplus funds and states that Council may direct these funds to other community needs. The City’s financial policy also prioritizes use of unassigned funds for emerging health and safety needs of the community. Illegal fraternity operations in residential neighborhoods clearly meet this standard. THE CRISIS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS Many fraternities are operating from rental homes located in R-1 and R-2 residential zones. Fraternity- related activities are fundamentally different from typical student gatherings. They frequently involve large numbers of attendees, amplified music, live bands or DJs, alcohol-related disturbances, and significant neighborhood disruption late into the night. Residents report impacts that substantially diminish neighborhood livability and interfere with residents’ ability to peacefully use their homes, and to sleep. • Multiple fraternity events every weekend with 100–250 attendees • Live bands or DJs creating noise audible for blocks away • Events continuing late into the night on weeknights and weekends • Properties continuing operations despite Notices of Violation • Chronic sleep disruption affecting residents’ health and employment • Safety concerns from large crowds of intoxicated individuals in residential areas ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGES City Code Enforcement staff face significant investigative burdens in documenting illegal fraternity operations, particularly when tenant statements contradict publicly available evidence or prior violation histories. This creates substantial resource demands that current staffing levels appear unable to meet. Recent documented cases illustrate a consistent pattern in which complaints supported by police citations, public advertising, and documented violation history were closed as “unfounded” based solely on tenant statements. Examples include properties on Stafford Street, Albert Drive, and Orange Drive where large events were documented yet enforcement action was not pursued. Additionally, there is a backlog of numerous recent code enforcement complaints that remain unresolved in the City’s AskSLO reporting system, the platform residents are directed to use to report 1 violations. These complaints, which historically have been processed within approximately three days, remain open for weeks without resolution and involve documented fraternity events at multiple locations throughout residential neighborhoods. These situations demonstrate the need for additional investigative capacity to gather evidence, coordinate with law enforcement, and build enforceable cases. Without consistent enforcement, illegal operations may expand and further destabilize our residential housing markets and neighborhood conditions. THE OPPORTUNITY: ONE-TIME FUNDING SOLUTION The City currently has $3,468,954 in unassigned fund balance available for one-time allocation. A targeted investment of approximately $150,000–$200,000 for a temporary contract enforcement investigator represents a small portion of these funds and would provide measurable results within a defined period. A dedicated position could: • Focus on illegal fraternity operations • Conduct proactive investigations and evidence gathering • Coordinate with SLOPD and other agencies • Document repeat violations and support enforcement actions • Track properties and compliance outcomes • Reduce the investigative burden on existing staff This request supports the City’s stated Major City Goal of Neighborhood Livability and represents a practical, limited-duration solution to assess the level of ongoing enforcement resources required. REQUESTED ACTIONS Residents for Quality Neighborhoods respectfully requests that the City Council take the following actions. This request is not solely about noise complaints or isolated disturbances. It concerns public health, neighborhood safety, housing stability, and the consistent enforcement of the City’s zoning laws. A limited one-time investment in dedicated enforcement resources would provide immediate relief to affected neighborhoods, support City staff, and advance the Council’s stated goals for neighborhood livability. 1. Allocate $150,000–$200,000 from FY 2024–25 unassigned fund balance to fund a one-time, temporary contract position dedicated to investigation and enforcement of illegal fraternity operations. 2. Direct staff to provide a comprehensive enforcement report detailing staffing capacity, complaint volume, enforcement outcomes, and investigative procedures. 3. Direct staff to develop enhanced enforcement protocols incorporating multiple sources of evidence, violation history, and interdepartmental coordination. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sandra Rowley Chairperson, RQN 2