Tempe Code Compliance Administrator Jeff Tamulevich said there are options for fraternities and sororities seeking somewhere to live communally, but single-family neighborhoods are out of the question. There is no specific law that prevents fraternities or sororities from having chapter houses. However, section of the Tempe Zoning and Development Code shows that fraternities and sororities are not permitted in residential areas.
The Tempe Zoning and Development Code does not place the same restrictions on multi-family residences, such as apartments.
Fraternities and sororities can live in apartment complexes and host events there, provided that they apply for and receive a use permit from the city. Another option for fraternities and sororities is to apply for permission to build or move into a chapter house that is not on campus, but is also not in a single-family neighborhood.
Tamulevich said he has only seen one fraternity present an application to live in a multi-family area during the five years he's worked. The request was granted, he said. City spokeswoman Nikki Ripley said the Tempe is working to close loopholes in the code. Several fraternities used to live on Alpha Drive, but the complex was completely vacated in spring Without on-campus houses, members of fraternities had to search off campus for refuge but ran into trouble with Tempe Zoning laws.
Business management sophomore Marshall Dirksen, a member of Lambda Chi, said he believes too many incidents involving fraternities on Alpha Drive led to administrative efforts to clean the area up. However, Greek life is misunderstood, she said. Price is a member of the Omega Phi Alpha sorority, which focuses on community service.
