Reynoldsburg board approves conditional use for 2213 Belcher Drive with licensing, staffing and exclusion conditions

The Reynoldsburg Planning and Zoning Board on Thursday approved a conditional-use permit for a proposed dwelling group at 2213 Belcher Drive, allowing Dantney Residence Care to operate a Class 2 residential adult-care home for up to five unrelated residents, provided the operator secures state licensure and complies with city conditions.

The board’s decision follows a lengthy public-comment period in which neighbors raised safety, proximity to schools and property-value concerns. After debate and two failed attempts to pass alternative motions, the board voted 4-1 to approve staff’s recommendations amended to state that no more than five unrelated persons may reside at the home (not including staff), that a licensed provider obtain and present the required state license before operation, that at least one staff member be on-site 24 hours a day per the city’s condition, and that potential residents with histories of violent criminal conduct, sexual predation, violent behavior, drug trafficking or robbery be excluded from residency.

Staff presented the application, noting the parcel is 0.19 acres in the SR Suburban Residential zoning district and that a “dwelling group” is a conditional use under city code if the facility meets requirements in the Ohio Revised Code. Planning staff said the applicant stated the facility would provide supervision, meals, laundry and medication management for one to five unrelated adults and that staff would be available 24 hours a day. Staff recommended approval with conditions including proof of state licensure prior to operation and a limit of one to five unrelated residents.

Neighbors said the house sits within walking distance of a junior high school and several bus stops and expressed worry about the mix of children and residents, staffing patterns and the property’s current fence. “Safety is my top concern. This house is too close to junior high school where students walk daily,” said Devin Brothers, a nearby resident. Several other speakers with social-work or mental-health backgrounds said they understand the need for group homes but opposed this specific location.

Applicant representatives said they intend to screen residents, will require background checks and training for staff, and that housing stability reduces risks associated with untreated mental illness. Romeo Kamgang, speaking for the applicant and identifying himself as the husband of owner Daniel Kamgang, said the owners will vet residents and follow licensing rules. He said his organization typically staffs the house for daytime activities and would ensure overnight coverage if required; when the city clarified that its recommended condition calls for an on-site staff member 24/7, the applicant agreed to comply.

Planning staff and the assistant city attorney reminded the board that state law broadly permits these facilities in residential districts if they meet licensing and zoning-size standards; the city can, however, add additional local conditions within limits. Assistant City Attorney Chris Shook told the board that state law would allow the use if the state license and residential-code requirements are met, and that overly restrictive local rules could conflict with state law.

After initial motions failed to reach the four affirmative votes required, the board reopened the case and passed the amended staff recommendation 4-1, with Ms. Allaby opposed. The approval requires the applicant to provide the city with proof of required state licensure before beginning operations and to meet the other listed conditions.

The board also noted parking: staff said the city’s parking standard calculates one space per eight beds plus one per employee; the site has four spaces, which staff said would meet the requirement for the proposed five residents given the applicant’s statement about likely staff shifts.

The board’s approval is subject to the applicant obtaining final state licensure and any inspections required by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services prior to occupancy. City staff said they will monitor compliance and may revoke a conditional use if conditions are violated.

The applicant and neighbors were advised the city’s approval does not allow operation before the state license is issued and that the city will require documentation of licensure before occupancy.