San Luis Obispo Cracks Down on Two Cal Poly Fraternities After Repeated Violations and Unpaid Fees

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission voted unanimously to revoke permits for Cal Poly’s two fraternities after determining they repeatedly violated city regulations and failed to resolve compliance issues.

During its March 11 meeting, the commission revoked the Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for houses operated by Lambda Chi Alpha and Alpha Epsilon Pi. Officials cited repeated noise violations, unpaid city fees, and failure to comply with permit conditions as the primary reasons for the decision.

Lambda Chi Alpha Permit Revoked

Commissioners reviewed the Lambda Chi Alpha permit, which was originally approved in June 2024 with conditions intended to limit disturbances in nearby neighborhoods.

City staff reported that police issued 10 citations at the property since October 2024, including nine for noise violations and one for an unruly gathering. Staff also said the fraternity hosted events that exceeded its permitted gathering limit of 48 people.

Staff also said the fraternity failed to obtain required special event permits and did not submit transportation plans for larger gatherings, both of which were conditions of the permit approval.

Staff also told commissioners the fraternity had accumulated approximately $7,750 in unpaid fees related to the original permit application and the current re-review process.

With no representative present and no corrective plan offered, commissioners said they could not make the required finding that the fraternity’s continued operation would be safe or beneficial for the surrounding neighborhood. The commission then voted unanimously to revoke the permit.

Alpha Epsilon Pi Permit Revoked

The commission then considered a re-review of the permit for Cal Poly’s Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi at 280 California Blvd. The review was triggered after the fraternity received three noise violations within a 12-month period.

City staff said each incident involved gatherings of roughly 100 people at the property, far exceeding the house’s approved limit of 25 people.

Staff also reported that the fraternity’s permit was associated with approximately $2,800 in unpaid modification fees.

Fraternity president Joshua Pinsky told commissioners the organization had worked to improve its conduct, noting citations had dropped by about 85% compared with the previous year.

Several community members spoke in support of the fraternity, describing the house as an important safe space for Jewish students. Speakers also referenced a recent anti-Semitic incident at the property.

One nearby resident opposed the fraternity’s continued operation, citing disruptive gatherings and ongoing disturbances in the neighborhood.

Several commissioners described the current review system as “broken,” noting that revoking a permit does not prevent students from living in the houses or hosting gatherings.

Instead, the action removes the properties’ official status as recognized fraternities under the city’s permit system.

Commission leaders suggested the city, the university, and local fraternities and sororities should hold broader discussions to find a more effective long-term solution.