The nine residents of a Georgetown home who incorporated as a church to sidestep the District’s zoning laws have lost their battle to a higher power – the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
DCRA announced Tuesday that the student-residents have agreed to pay $6,000 in penalties, move three people out of the house by noon Dec. 22 and allow inspectors into the home through 2008. The so-called Apostles of Peace and Unity Inc., the agency said, was nothing more than a Georgetown fraternity operating out of 1617 35th St. NW.
“DCRA has reached an agreement that successfully addresses the safety of the residents and the concerns of the community,” agency Director Patrick Canavan said in a statement. “While safety is paramount, it is also important to remember that the essence and integrity of neighborhoods – residential and commercial – is maintained through rigorous enforcement of zoning regulations.”
The issue first cropped up Sept. 28 after a DCRA inspector found nine unrelated individuals living at the house. The residents incorporated as The Apostles of O’Neill on Oct. 2, then changed the name to The Apostles of Peace and Unity on Oct. 16. On Nov. 22, DCRA issued cease and desist orders.
