Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health‑services Treatment Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves Treasure Coast Detox special exception for 6410 Old Dixie Highway
Summary
The Indian River County Commission granted a special-exception use to convert a 29‑bed adult congregate living facility at 6410 Old Dixie Highway into an inpatient residential detox and short residential-treatment center after staff review and a public hearing that drew neighbors and school officials.
The Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 23 granted a special‑exception use to Treasure Coast Detox, allowing the conversion of an existing 29‑bed adult congregate living facility at 6410 Old Dixie Highway to an inpatient medical detox and short residential treatment center.
Planning staff found the site plan met county criteria for residential treatment centers in limited commercial zoning, including interior living space and required parking. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval, 7‑0, earlier. Brandon Cragan, senior planner, told commissioners the only physical changes were four additional parking spaces, modest stormwater modifications and a 20‑foot Type A landscape buffer along Old Dixie Highway.
In the public hearing, the applicant described the operation as a voluntary, medically supervised, 24/7 inpatient detox program with planned 7–14‑day stays and arranged transportation for admissions and discharges. Physician and clinical staff on the record said the facility would provide medical stabilization and not operate as a walk‑in clinic or long‑term sober house. The applicant said background checks would be performed for staff and patients and that they plan coordinated referrals to next‑level care after detox.
Neighbors and North County Charter School representatives urged caution because the property sits about 1,500 feet south of the school. Principal Gregory Potter and multiple parents asked for details on security, egress routes, and direct communication arrangements with the school and sheriff’s deputies. Applicants and staff said the model is for scheduled admissions, supervised care and 24/7 monitoring; discharges would be by private conveyance or emergency transport as clinically required. The applicant offered to share contact information with the school principal and the sheriff’s office.
Commissioners debated operation versus perception, then Vice Chairman Law moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; the motion carried unanimously.
The county’s approval is for the special‑exception use only; operational licensing, permitting and any required state health approvals remain the responsibility of the applicant. The board’s action authorizes staff to finalize the site‑plan conditions listed in the staff report, including the buffer planting and the four additional parking spaces.
