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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTalking Points CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Town-Gown Relations Key Message The City of San Luis Obispo is dedicated to addressing town-gown issues to preserve peaceful neighborhoods by effectively managing noise disturbances and enforcing regulations related to unpermitted fraternity and sorority houses. These complex issues require collaboration, education, and enforcement to address effectively. They also require the City government, the university administration, long-term residents, landlords, and Cal Poly students to do their part to preserve the high quality of life in San Luis Obispo. Talking Points  The City is focused on a balanced approach that includes education, collaboration, and enforcement to ensure neighborhoods remain livable for all residents.  Cal Poly plays a key role in addressing student conduct issues that impact neighborhoods, and the university should educate students about applicable regulations, and leverage its available tools to manage student behavior. Collaboration with the City is essential for proactively resolving town-gown issues.  Long-term residents are encouraged to get to know their neighbors and resolve conflict in healthy, respectful ways.  Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that rental properties are in compliance with local regulations and to address tenant-related issues that may disrupt the neighborhood.  Students are encouraged to be respectful and responsible members of the community by practicing good communication, being considerate of neighbors and respecting San Luis Obispo.  Fraternity and Sorority members should ensure that they are following City regulations regarding Greek houses and parties.  San Luis Obispo prides itself on a high quality of life and the City invests significant resources to ensure it remains a wonderful place to live, work and study.  As is common in many cities that are home to major universities, there can often be friction between college students and full-time residents.  It is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders – the City government, the university administration, long-term residents, landlords, and students – to do their part in establishing and maintaining healthy neighborly relationships so we can all continue to enjoy a high quality of life in San Luis Obispo. What is the City doing to address town-gown issues? The City is focused on a balanced approach of education and enforcement to maintain peaceful neighborhoods and ensure a positive living environment for all residents  Education and Outreach: The San Luis Obispo Police Department, Community Development Department, and City Administration take quality of life violations very seriously and have dedicated significant resources to educating Cal Poly students about the City’s ordinances. Information and resources can be found on RespectSLO.com. o City staff proactively engage both the student population as well as Cal Poly staff regarding the requirements of operating a Greek house. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Town-Gown Relations  In 2024, staff met regularly with Fraternity and Sorority life representatives and Cal Poly administration to discuss and resolve concerns raised by residents and regularly attended on-campus events, such as Week of Welcome, SLO Days, Greek Institute, and Open House, to raise awareness of the City’s ordinances and promote good neighborly practices. The City will continue to attend meetings and events to provide ongoing education regarding City regulations.  The City also collaborates with Cal Poly staff through regular meetings to discuss town-gown issues and enforcement of unpermitted Greek houses.  The City proactively provides Cal Poly with information about fraternities and sororities that have received zoning code violations.  City Staff attend Cal Poly’s monthly Student Community Liaison Committee meetings to proactively discuss ways to promote positive relations, ensure mutual respect, and improve quality of life for all residents.  Enforcement: The City is addressing town-gown and neighborhood wellness issues through the enforcement of regulations designed to preserve neighborhood peace. o Noise:  The City has many ordinances in place to deal with noise complaints. Key rules include:  From 7am to 10pm, if a disturbance can be heard 50 feet from the source of the noise, a warning or citation can be issued.  From 10pm to 7am, if a disturbance can be heard from the property line, a warning or citation can be issued based on observed behavior with fines ranging from $350 to $1,000 (for repeat offenders). Property owners may also be fined for repeat offenses.  If a noise citation is issued during a safety enhancement zone, the fine is doubled but not to exceed $1000. Safety enhancement zones include the start of the fall academic quarter for Cal Poly, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day.  In 2023, the total number of noise complaints received by the San Luis Obispo Police Department was the second lowest year since 2013. There was only a 1% increase in noisy party calls in 2024. o Partying: The City’s 'party registration program' allows residents to register a party and provide a point of contact who can be contacted if a noise complaint is received. They then have 20 minutes to end the noise without receiving a citation. o Unpermitted Greek houses and code violations:  The City municipal code regulates where Greek houses can be located. Fraternities and Sororities must obtain a Conditional Use Permit and may only operate in R-3 and R-4 zones. Greek houses located in R-1 zones cannot be permitted and are not allowed.  When the City receives a complaint about a house that appears to be a fraternity or sorority house that has not been permitted to operate as a operate, it is investigated as a code enforcement complaint. Complaints can be filed via AskSLO, email, phone, or through field observation. Verified violations result in fines and the property landlord, tenants, the sorority or fraternity local and CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Town-Gown Relations national chapters, as well as Cal Poly staff are notified when a violation has occurred. Repeat violations will result in escalated fines.  Since January of 2024 SLO Code Enforcement has investigated 36 complaints related to fraternities operating without proper approvals or in violation of issued use permits. As a result, 24 cases were opened and found to be out of compliance with City code.  In March of 2024, Code Enforcement staff concluded a proactive investigation into the fraternity and sorority events reported by CalPoly as required by the Campus-Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act. This investigation identified 21 locations violating zoning regulations. Additionally, 32 locations were identified as have hosted fraternity/sorority sponsored events and were formally advised of the zoning regulations regarding fraternities and sororities.  The Community Development Department and Police Department proactively share information on noise and zoning complaints and violations in order to ensure collaboration and address properties that violate regulations. o Permitted Greek House Enforcement  The City also enforces regulations regarding Conditional Use Permits granted to allow fraternity/sorority houses to establish in approved zones.  Any violation of conditions of approval or city regulations can result in a fraternity or sorority being required to have its Conditional Use Permit re-reviewed by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. The Planning Commission has the authority to change conditions of approval or revoke a Conditional Use Permit.  In 2024, a fraternity’s Conditional Use Permit was re-reviewed by the Planning Commission due to a confirmed violation of a permit, which resulted in changes to the conditions of approval for the fraternity. How can residents contribute to addressing town-gown issues?  Long-term residents can play a key role in fostering neighborhood wellness by: o Building relationships: Take the initiative to introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors, whether they are long-term residents or students. o Resolving conflicts respectfully: When issues arise, approach them in a healthy, respectful manner. Model the behavior you’d like to see in your community. o Understanding rights and responsibilities: Be informed about your rights as a resident, as well as your role in maintaining a harmonious neighborhood. o Holding neighbors accountable: If you witness noise violations or suspect a property is being used as an unpermitted fraternity or sorority house, report it through the AskSLO app so the City can investigate. o Managing expectations: Understand that social gatherings are a part of community life, but expect those hosting to be considerate. o Accessing conflict resolution resources: Free mediation and conflict resolution services are available through SLO Solutions. Contact them at 805-549-0442 or visit www.creativemediation.org/slo-solutions for more information. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Town-Gown Relations  Cal Poly students can focus on respecting SLO, communicating well and often, and being responsible neighbors. o Respect SLO. Be considerate and respectful to those around you. Keep gatherings and activities safe and at an acceptable level of noise. Respect your neighbor’s property. o Communication often. Share your cell phone number with neighbors; share when you plan to host a part; and share your desire for community safety. o Be responsible. Cal Poly students are held to high standards and are expected to understand that student party culture can negatively impact neighbors and creates additional work for police and fire departments, as they respond to neighborhood disputes and/or alcohol related injuries.  Party registration: Planning a party? Let your neighbors know AND register with the City of SLO Police Department at least ONE WEEK in advance. Visit respectslo.com for details.  Receive a warning call 20 minutes before officers arrive if a noise complaint is received during your event.  Register your party for FREE.  Party registration is 100% voluntary and not required. o Be informed.  Understand that the City noise ordinance is a 24/7 regulation and observed violations will result in warnings or citations and fines.  From 7am to 10pm, no noise disturbances should be heard 50 feet from the source of the noise.  From 10pm to 7am, no noise disturbances should be heard at the property line from the source of the noise.  Understand the rules and regulations pertaining to fraternity and sorority houses. If you have questions about where a fraternity or sorority can be located please contact the Planning Department at 805-781-7870 or planning@slocity.org  Landlords should ensure that their rental properties do not negatively impact the neighborhood o Compliance with municipal codes: Ensure rental properties are not being used for unpermitted fraternity or sorority houses, which can lead to zoning violations. o Property maintenance: Keep rental properties well-maintained and ensure they comply with property maintenance standards. o Addressing problematic tenant behavior: Address issues that may lead to repeated noise violations or other nuisances, and hold tenants accountable for their actions to prevent disturbances in the neighborhood.