Board approves Evolution House group home for men at 4622 Rochambeau Drive

The James City County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a special-use permit for Evolution House LLC to operate a residential recovery home for men at 4622 Rochambeau Drive, allowing up to 16 residents subject to certificate-of-occupancy, septic system and state licensing limits and a set of conditions intended to mitigate neighborhood impacts.

Staff described the property as a former doctor’s office located outside the primary service area and in an A-1 (General Agricultural) zone. Terry Costello, planning staff, said the facility would house men recovering from addiction and that the exact occupancy permitted depends on final building and septic approvals and state licensing.

“The proposal includes housing up to 16 residents with on-site staff,” Costello said in her presentation. Staff recommended approval with conditions intended to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood, including licensure, emergency procedures and expiration of use.

Applicant representatives told the board they had held neighborhood outreach before filing the application, adjusted house rules to address neighbors’ concerns, and will provide an on-site, professionally staffed operation with transportation for residents. Attorney Greg Davis, representing Evolution House, said the organization requires random drug testing and enforces a no-tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use.

“There is no drug or alcohol use at any Evolution House,” Davis said during the public hearing, describing the program’s rules and supports.

Neighbors and former residents spoke in support. A former Evolution House resident described the program’s peer-support model as essential to recovery, and a nearby property owner said the applicant had addressed his safety concerns.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval — the planning commission voted 6-0 in favor — and the board voted to approve the SUP with the conditions proposed by staff and the applicant. Conditions include a cap on occupancy tied to state license and building approvals, 24/7 staffed oversight by trained employees, random drug testing, annual reporting to the police chief and zoning administrator, and a designated contact for neighbors.

County staff said the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and that state licensing and building inspections will determine the final allowable occupancy.

The permit passed on a roll call with all supervisors voting in favor. The applicant and staff said they will monitor operations and report to county officials as required by the SUP conditions.