Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Group Home topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board approves House of Peace group living facility at 2021 Sunrise Boulevard with conditions
Summary
The board approved a conditional use to operate a provider group home for up to five residents at 2021 Sunrise Boulevard in a C-1 zone, subject to a minimum driveway width and a two-vehicle parking limit; board members noted state preemption for group-home licensing in residential zones.
The Fort Pierce Planning Board on Monday approved a conditional use to operate a provider group‑living facility called House of Peace at 2021 Sunrise Boulevard, with two conditions required by staff.
Planning staff member Mr. Gilmore said the application seeks approval to operate a provider group home for up to five residents in a C‑1 (office commercial) zone. Staff summarized the site as an existing one‑story, four‑bedroom, two‑bath single‑family home built in 1954 on about 0.19 acres. The applicant, Lashana Roberts, told the board the facility would provide services for adults aged 21 to 65, with four full‑time employees working rotating shifts; staff described proposed on‑site supports including life‑skills training, medication support and use of a transit van for appointments.
Mr. Gilmore advised that the application must follow the city’s conditional‑use process and recommended approval with two conditions tied to site access and parking. Staff’s conditions are: (1) the residential driveway be at least 12 feet wide (required minimum, with a maximum of 26 feet), and (2) limit the number of vehicles parked at the property to no more than two at any time. The applicant said she would complete the driveway improvements after receiving approval.
Members of the public raised questions about the nature of the facility and proximity to nearby schools. Several speakers asked whether the home would serve people in recovery. The applicant clarified at the hearing that the proposed use is for individuals with mental disabilities and that residents would not be driving or leaving unescorted; she said staff would escort residents when they leave the property.
Mr. Edwards moved to recommend approval with the two staff conditions; Ms. Carter seconded. The motion passed on roll call, with Mr. Collins recorded as voting no and the remaining members voting yes. Planning staff noted that state law preempts local regulation of group homes in residential zones for up to six individuals; this application required planning board review because the property is in a commercial zone.
