[R.O. 2009 § 457.010; Ord. No. 3549 § 4, 10-22-2015]
A. Purpose. It is necessary and desirable
to ensure suitable sites for Group Homes and Foster Homes in Residential
Districts, provided that, in furtherance of the goal of deinstitutionalization,
Group Homes and Foster Homes are integrated fully into the community
in which they seek to locate, seamlessly adhering to the character
and aesthetics of the neighborhood. Additionally, Group Homes should
not be unduly concentrated in neighborhoods so as to ensure that mentally
or physically disabled persons are afforded the opportunity to be
fully assimilated into the community.
B. Regulations.
1.
Group Homes. In order to promote
deinstitutionalization and dispersal of Group Homes, no Group Home
may be located:
a. Within five hundred (500) feet of another Group Home, measured by
the straight-line distance between the nearest points of the exterior
walls (exclusive of overhangs) of the Buildings within which the relevant
facilities or uses are located; or
b.
Adjoining any Lot upon which another
Group Home already exists.
To achieve the deinstitutionalization
and dispersal goals referenced herein, owners and operators of Group
Homes must register the facility with the Community Development Department
on forms prescribed for this purpose by the Director. Owners and operators
of Group Homes must also notify the Community Development Department
of any change of use, transfer, or termination of a Group Home use
and revise the facility registration as appropriate. No fees will
be associated with the registration.
2.
Foster Homes and Group Homes. For any Single-Family Dwelling used as a Foster Home or Group Home, the exterior appearance of the home and real property shall be in keeping with the character of the other Single-Family Dwellings in the immediate neighborhood and shall comply with applicable Building Code occupancy limits, Sign regulations under Chapter
430, Article
IV, and other standards applicable to Single-Family Dwellings shall apply.
3.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section to the contrary, any individual, group, or entity may make a request for reasonable accommodation from the provisions of this Section pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section
245.070 of the Municipal Code.