HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-25 Public Comment - P. McGown - Define Fraternities and SororitiesFrom:Patty McGown
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Define Fraternities and Sororities
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 4:39:38 AM
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Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioners, and Community Development Department,
Please be certain to adopt the definition for Fraternities and Sororities put forth by members of the University
Neighborhood Association who have worked tirelessly over the years to address the conflicts experienced from
deregulating this use.
Please remember that the recommendation to disallow Greek Houses in the new R-A and R-B zoning districts would
apply only to NEW and RELOCATING Greek Houses. Existing houses will be grandfathered in as legally
compliant.
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Definition:
Fraternity and/or Sorority chapter house: a dwelling for group living occupied by and maintained exclusively for
members of the chapter, their guests or visitors, and affiliated with and acknowledged as a fraternity or sorority
chapter house by any recognized institution of higher learning or national fraternal or sorority authority.
1. A chapter house regularly hosts on-site activities including chapter meetings; events and parties which include
Amusement & Recreation and Arts & Entertainment; and may allow consumption of alcohol on premises (for which
members and guests may have to pay).
2. The chapter house must have a meeting hall with the capacity to safely (per Bozeman City Code Chapter 18 and
subsections) accommodate 90% or more of their active members. Because members are typically required to attend
chapter meetings, and parties or events typically include members plus multiple guests, this Meeting hall capacity
will frequently be needed and may at times be exceeded.
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Thank you,
Patty McGown