Supervisors exempt nonprofit-run residential hotels serving survivors of domestic violence from certain visitation rules after contested debate

The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12 amended the Administrative Code to exempt residential hotels operated by nonprofit agencies providing housing and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence from a specified requirement in Chapter 41D.0.1 of the Administrative Code.

Sponsors said the amendment responds to safety concerns at a specific facility — the Mary Elizabeth Inn — and is intended to allow nonprofits that operate residential hotels for domestic‑violence survivors to impose visitor restrictions and additional safety measures that the nonprofits consider necessary to protect residents. The board amended the ordinance language to insert the word “domestic” to clarify the intended population.

Supervisor Daly said he would vote no, arguing that restricting visitation rights could unduly remove a right that most residents enjoy; Daly urged alternative measures such as additional staffing and on‑site security to address safety concerns rather than removing visitor rights. Supporters, including supervisors who handled the item in committee, said the facility at issue provides both housing and services and that the exemption is a narrowly drawn tool to safeguard survivors who come to these facilities specifically for security and supportive services.

Supporters compared the visitation rules to standard visiting policies used by hospitals and other service institutions and said the rule is communicated when clients enter the program. Opponents said the change removes a general resident right and urged finding alternatives that protect both safety and civil liberties.

The board approved the amendment after debate; supervisors recorded differing votes and asked staff to incorporate the clarifying language requested on the floor.