Zoning Exemption For Religious Groups Converts 'Apostles' of Animal House

In Georgetown, a student party house seeks recognition as a religious organization to get around zoning restrictions.

1 minute read

November 13, 2006, 8:00 AM PST

When your dad can shell out $2.4 million for your student housing, and you've been admitted to a selective university, you're not going to let a zoning regulation cramp your style. In a leafy residental area of Georgetown, where no more than six unrelated people are allowed to share a home, neighbors vow a legal challenge if nine college students are granted religious status as the "Apostles of Peace and Unity."

Recognition as a religious group would allow the students to house as many as 15 people. "William Skelsey, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Georgetown who says he has 1,000 students in his district, said [the owner's son] told him explicitly that the Apostles were formed to deal with the zoning restrictions and keep together a group of friends who have lived together since freshman year."

Thanks to CollegeTownLife

FULL STORY: For Georgetown 'Apostles,' A Rowhouse Rebellion

Saturday, November 11, 2006 in The Washington Post

Government / Politics Housing District of Columbia

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.