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Cocoa adopts first reading of ordinance to process certified recovery residences, complying with state law
Summary
On first reading council approved a zoning-text amendment and reasonable-accommodation procedure to comply with state law (SB 954) establishing rules for certified recovery residences and reasonable accommodations; staff said implementation details including application fees are still being drafted.
The City of Cocoa on Dec. 9 voted to approve on first reading an ordinance to add reasonable‑accommodation procedures and to amend zoning rules for certified recovery residences (CRRs), also known as sober living homes, to comply with state law enacted this year (Senate Bill 954).
City attorney and planning staff explained the ordinance adds a new procedures section for reasonable-accommodation requests under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, and amends the schedule of district regulations so CRRs are principal uses in certain multifamily, commercial and professional districts and uses by special exception in others. Staff emphasized that CRRs remain disallowed in single‑family (RU‑1‑7) districts unless a reasonable accommodation is granted.
Staff said the new application procedure will be administered by the community services director and will include eligibility criteria, review steps, and appeals; staff is drafting the application and a recommended application fee. Council voted unanimously on first reading to adopt the ordinance and bring Cocoa into compliance with the amended Florida statutes (including Fla. Stat. §397.487).
What’s next: Staff will prepare the application form and fee schedule and return with final ordinance language or administrative rules tied to the city code.
