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Board backs text amendment to define recovery residences, citing certification standards
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Summary
Planning staff and an applicant asked the board to add a zoning definition for recovery residences, including four levels and supplemental standards (1,000-foot separation, no external signage, fenced outdoor recreation); board recommended approval and forwarded the amendment to the county commissioners for Feb. 3.
The Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of a text amendment to Appendix C of the Bulloch County Code of Ordinances to add a definition and supplemental standards for "recovery residences."
Mary, the planning presenter, said the draft defines four levels of recovery residence, from small, non-institutional homes for 3–5 residents to larger residences with on-site supervision and integrated licensed clinical services. The draft lists supplemental standards including a 1,000-foot separation between similar establishments, a prohibition on external signage, and enclosed outdoor recreation sized at 50 square feet per person.
Patty Collins, who introduced herself as owner/operator of recovery residences and the agent for Damascus Rehabilitation, told the board the definitions are needed to prevent uncertified homes from "popping up everywhere." Collins said her programs carry state certifications and work with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. "Everybody deserves recovery...I am truly the evidence that recovery is real," Collins said.
Planning staff and the drafter (mister Loach) told the board the text pulls model language from GAR (state-level) and NAR (national) guidance and from other Georgia municipalities. The board discussed applicability and the differences between recovery residences and personal care homes; staff noted that department of community health rules informed personal care-home definitions and that recovery residences followed certification standards.
A motion to recommend approval was made, seconded and approved; the amendment will be heard by the Bulloch County commissioners at their Feb. 3 meeting at 5:30 p.m.
The board did not adopt final ordinance language; the item will return to the commissioners for final action.
