Planning Commission revokes Alpha Epsilon Pi conditional use permit amid repeated citations; chapter cites progress and anti‑Semitic incident

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission voted Jan. 29 to revoke the conditional use permit for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s house at 280 California Boulevard after staff documented multiple police citations, code‑enforcement notices and unpaid fees tied to the property.

Assistant Planner Mallory Patino told the commission the chapter had received three police citations since the use permit was modified in November 2024 — each incident had an officer estimate of roughly 100 people on site — and code enforcement later issued notices related to gathering capacity and failure to secure special‑event permits and transportation plans. Staff also reported unpaid modification fees of about $2,800. Because the permit’s rereview trigger requires three citations within a 12‑month period, staff recommended revocation.

Josh Rupinski, who identified himself as president of the Sigma Omega chapter at 280 California, acknowledged the chapter’s violations and said the group has reduced citations from 13 in an earlier year to three in the most recent year, noting an 85% reduction year‑over‑year. Rupinski described steps taken to improve compliance — internal monitoring, neighbor outreach, training — and asked the commission to weigh the chapter’s cultural and religious role for Jewish students. He also reported an anti‑Semitic incident on Feb. 28 in which protesters allegedly shouted slurs and one student was struck; Rupinski said the incident is under police investigation.

Several community leaders and institutions — including Rabbi Micah Hyman, Nachshon Margalit of the JCC and the Hillel director — spoke in support of the fraternity’s community role and urged the commission to consider cultural and safety implications.

Commissioners debated options (modification with strict terms versus revocation) and discussed practical limits: revocation does not evict residents and gatherings can still occur and be addressed through citations and code enforcement. After deliberation, the commission voted to revoke the conditional use permit by roll call.

What happens next: The CUP revocation takes effect immediately; the chapter may seek to reapply for a permit, but staff noted reapplication fees and that unpaid fees remain outstanding. Commissioners indicated the city will continue to work on broader strategies with Cal Poly and stakeholders to address recurring enforcement issues.