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Port Orange adopts land‑use text amendment to implement state rules for certified recovery residences
Summary
The commission unanimously approved DCAM‑25‑0006, a City code text amendment aligning local rules with Senate Bill 954 by adding definitions, separation requirements, review timelines and identifying allowable multifamily zones for certified recovery residences; a public commenter sought clearer definition of 'reasonable accommodations.'
The Port Orange commission unanimously adopted a text amendment to the city’s land development code (DCAM‑25‑0006) to comply with state law enacted earlier this year (Senate Bill 954) that requires local regulations for certified recovery residences.
Staff said the ordinance incorporates the definitions and review timelines mandated by the state bill, specifies separation requirements, and identifies the multifamily zoning districts (R3L, R3M and R3H) where certified recovery residences may be located, while noting reasonable‑accommodation requests may be considered. "Earlier this year, legislation passed with Senate Bill 954, which basically mandated all local governments to adopt regulations regarding the certified recovery residences ... So the ordinance before you complies with the requirements of Senate Bill 954," a staff presenter told the commission.
A commissioner criticized the state changes as an erosion of local control; staff replied that the city had followed the statute and drafted the ordinance accordingly. During public comment, Robert Reinhagen of Port Orange said he could not find a precise definition of "reasonable accommodations" in the draft and asked whether that language could allow certified recovery residences in other zoning districts via exceptions. Reinhagen said the draft’s accommodation language appears unclear and might be ineffective without a stated definition.
Staff recommended approval based on statutory compliance and the commission adopted DCAM‑25‑0006 by roll‑call vote, with all members voting yes as recorded.
The ordinance adds local code language to align Port Orange’s development rules with the state statute; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the vote.
