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Port Richey council advances land‑development update to clarify senior and special‑needs housing definitions
Summary
Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 25‑7‑37 to add contemporary definitions (assisted living, independent senior living, congregate care), revise group home and nursing home language, and reduce off‑street parking ratios for certain senior and residential care uses; second reading set for Dec. 9.
Port Richey — The Port Richey City Council on Nov. 25 approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 25‑7‑37, a land‑development code amendment that adds modern definitions for assisted‑living, congregate care and independent senior living and adjusts off‑street parking ratios for residential care uses.
Tammy Vrana, the on‑call city planner, told the council staff reviewed the code and found outdated terms — for example the code still used a “convalescent home” term no longer used in state law — and that parking requirements for care facilities were onerous compared with industry standards and neighboring jurisdictions. The amendment splits former categories and sets separate ratios: assisted living and memory care standards based on staff spaces and facility vehicles; community residential homes (more than six residents) at one space per four residents plus one per two non‑resident staff; independent senior living at 0.6 parking spaces per unit plus one per staff on the largest shift; and nursing/skilled‑nursing facilities at one space per four beds plus staff and facility vehicle allowances.
Staff told the council the change aligns local definitions with Florida statute, references ITE trip‑generation data and will reduce unnecessary paving, improve stormwater retention and encourage housing diversity for older adults and people with disabilities. Vrana also noted Planning & Zoning reviewed the matter on Nov. 12 and recommended unanimous approval. The ordinance was advanced on a first reading; the second reading has been scheduled for Dec. 9.
Council members asked whether recovery homes were included; planner Tammy Vrana said recovery residences are the subject of a separate ordinance later in the meeting. Council emphasized applicants may still submit parking studies and that the city manager could approve site‑specific adjustments if the study supports a variance.
The amendment is intended to speed clarity in site‑plan review and to reduce administrative delays that can prevent housing providers from opening or expanding.
