Council briefed on petition to convert Miller Home property into 36‑bed substance‑abuse group home

City planning staff presented a conditional use permit (CUP) petition for 2134 Westerly Drive to allow use of an existing 19,000 square‑foot structure as a large group home serving up to 36 individuals enrolled in a substance‑abuse treatment program. The property, about 5 acres, was previously used as the Miller Home for Girls; staff said the Miller Home currently occupies the building but serves about eight to ten girls and would relocate to a smaller facility if the sale by the contract purchaser is completed.

Staff said the parcel is zoned R‑4 (high‑density residential), where large group homes are permitted with a council‑approved CUP; Planning Commission recommended approval at its Oct. 8 meeting. Several councilmembers pressed staff about the petitioner's past licensing and compliance history, asking that any outstanding licensure issues be resolved before approving an additional facility. City staff said the petitioner plans no major structural changes to the existing building and intends to operate within the current configuration.

City Attorney Matthew Freeman confirmed the council can include licensure and certification verification as conditions of a conditional use permit, saying that the council may require "before they engage in the use, they have all appropriate licensure certifications" and adhere to applicable law. Staff said the item will return to council for a public hearing on Nov. 12 and that staff will follow up on compliance history and provide any recommended conditions.