11-17-11 Planning and Zoning - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Staff Report GROUP CARE FACILITIES Zoning Ordinance Amendments November 17, 2011 Background Group care facilities (aka group homes, community homes, residential personal care homes, living centers and assisted living centers) are a vital part of today's society and the industry is growing rapidly. As discussed at the October 20 P &Z workshop, current zoning Sect. 106 -331, Table A identifies group care facilities [SIC Code 48361 — Residential Care] as "conditional" in a high - density residential (R -3) zone and prohibits the facilities in both low- density (R -1) and mid - density (R -2) zones. However, this prohibition can conflict with Federal Fair Housing laws if otherwise legally permissible facilities are operated in residential areas, in many situations. Staff reviewed the listed establishments under SIC Code 48361 and have identified them as "protected ", "excepted" or "typical for residential use ". The SIC listing has been amended for the Commission's review and language to "except" specific uses is now incorporated into the proposed S. 106 -331, Table A, residential uses. Existing Requirements Sect. 106 -1. Definitions. Group care facilities means residential facilities designed to provide a transition from traditional treatment facilities to normal daily living for special populations such as the mentally retarded, physically handicapped, or substance users. These facilities include but are not limited to half- way houses and group homes.