HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/2026 Item 5a, Voss
Darrell Voss <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Concerned R-1 Owners
Attachments:Letter to SLO City 52626.docx
Hello SLO City Mayor and Council,
I am submitting a letter to let you know of my concerns of changing the
enforcement laws for fraternity/sorority activities in R-1 and R-2 zoned neighborhoods.
Respectfully,
Darrell Voss
1
Dear SLO City Mayor and Council Members, 5/25/26
I am a property owner in the Alta Vista neighborhood (R-1), and I have serious concerns
regarding the decisions that may be made during the May 26, 2026 study session.
I respectfully ask that Code Enforcement become more proactive in enforcing zoning laws
against fraternity properties operating unlawfully in residential neighborhoods. The problem has
grown significantly and has affected the peaceful enjoyment of my property and neighborhood.
I love where I live. However, every week brings challenges with loud parties, intoxicated
students, people walking past my home at all hours of the night, and a general feeling of
helplessness when large gatherings occur at unlawful fraternity houses in Alta Vista.
I was shocked to learn how many (60+) unlawfully operating fraternity houses now exist in the
neighborhood. It appears the City lost track of the rapid increase in fraternity membership and
fraternity houses over the past several years. As I understand it, there are approximately 1,500
fraternity members in San Luis Obispo.
Unfortunately, Cal Poly has remained largely silent regarding the concerns of nearby residents
who simply want to live a peaceful and normal residential life in these r-1 & R2 neighborhoods.
As I understand it, noise complaints in San Luis Obispo continue to rise, with more than 1,500
complaints reported in 2025 alone. Those numbers reflect increasing impacts on neighborhood
livability and increased demands on enforcement resources.
I am also deeply concerned by discussions suggesting the City may reduce enforcement of
zoning laws or weaken existing standards in order to accommodate fraternity and sorority
activities in residential neighborhoods. If enforcement is reduced, residents like me will be
directly affected.
I appreciate that SLOPD is generally responsive when problems occur. However, these issues
have become so frequent that proposals to reduce event restrictions or lessen requirements for
fraternity gatherings at satellite houses raise serious concerns about even larger and more
disruptive parties in the future.
Please carefully consider the impacts before moving forward with direction for any “overlay” or
alternative regulatory framework that would weaken the current Conditional Use Permit system.
Such changes would negatively affect working professionals, families, and longtime residents
living in Alta Vista and other residential neighborhoods.
My peace, safety, and quality of life depend on maintaining safe and livable neighborhoods.
Respectfully,
Darrell Voss & Lisa Moreno
Alta Vista Property Owners