Applicant seeks specific-use permit for registered group home at 2747 Sedgemoor Drive; staff recommends conditions

Planning staff presented Specific Use Permit SUP25080030 for a registered group home at 2747 Sedgemoor Drive, located in a PD-169 zoning district among single-family homes. Staff said the City Council adopted a 2023 requirement that all group-living residential units register with the city and that an SUP is required if another registered group home is within 2,500 feet; two other registered homes the staff mapped are slightly more than 2,200 feet away.

The applicant proposes a Type B assisted-living facility with a maximum of six residents. Planning staff explained Type B assisted-living facilities serve residents who require staff assistance to leave the facility, may not be capable of following directions in an emergency, and require nighttime attendance; operations and clientele are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (state health and human services). The applicant reported an existing license for another location (the transcript identifies a location in Granbury since 02/2009).

Staff reported 62 notices were mailed to surrounding properties; the city received three letters in opposition from two unique addresses. The Development Review Committee recommended approval with conditions: limit occupants to six; comply with all applicable building codes; install a fire suppression system approved and inspected by the fire marshal; maintain compliance with state regulations and local ordinances; remain an approved registered group home in the City of Grand Prairie; maintain required state licenses; and obtain a certificate of occupancy for more than five residents.

Commissioners raised concerns about code compliance, outdoor storage and whether a house of the proposed size could adequately accommodate six residents with medical equipment. Planning staff said registered facilities receive annual inspections; staff also said the applicant will be required to obtain a certificate of occupancy if approved and maintain state licenses. In response to questions about staffing, staff said the facility would have 24-hour caregivers and that personnel screening would include criminal-background checks, offender-registry checks and credential verification through the state.

No formal action was taken during the briefing; the SUP will proceed to public hearings where council and the public can weigh in.