Lake Clarke Shores adopts ordinance implementing state rules for certified recovery residences

Lake Clarke Shores — The Town Council adopted Ordinance 2025-03 on second and final reading to add Division 16 to the town zoning code, creating procedures for review and approval of certified recovery residences and a process for requesting reasonable accommodations under state law.

Staff member Charlie read the ordinance title and explained the state mandate: "creating and adopting a new division 16 certified recovery residences to establish procedures for review and approval of certified recovery residences and a process for requesting reasonable accommodation from local land use regulations as mandated by Florida statute," and recommended adoption so the town is in compliance.

Charlie also explained how the statute treats household occupancy: "If it's 6 or fewer, by definition under this statute the state considers it single family," and said that 7–14 unrelated residents must be licensed under the certified-recovery-residence statute. Staff noted that if a reasonable-accommodation request is not decided within 60 days the applicant is effectively deemed approved under the statute, creating a statutory incentive for timely local review.

The council received no public comments during the hearing on the ordinance. An unidentified council member moved to approve the second/final reading; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The adoption brings the town's code into alignment with the state law enacted earlier this year and directs staff to implement the new local review and reasonable-accommodation procedures. Council and staff said they will monitor future statutory changes and update procedures as needed.