Board of Zoning Appeals finds addiction‑recovery residence allowable in P‑1; applicant to pursue permits

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to find that a residential addiction‑recovery facility at 110 River Road West is a permitted use in the P‑1 Professional and Civic District under the subsection that covers nursing and convalescent homes.

Michael Cartwright, speaking for BC Realty, said BC Realty purchased the property in November and that the buyers on the record are Mark Booker and Tina Cartwright; the property will be transferred into BC Realty and then leased to an operator, Apex Rehab. Cartwright said the building had previously been used as a nursing home, has been largely vacant for several years and will undergo interior renovations.

Cartwright described the planned program: roughly 66 patients housed in about 33 rooms after reconfiguration, a 30‑day residential treatment model, on‑site medical direction and 24/7 nursing and counseling staff, and daytime programming. ‘‘It’s a completely full‑on residential program…they’re fully engaged in the program there 24 hours, 7 days a week,’’ Cartwright said.

Board members asked for operational and safety details, citing neighborhood context including a nearby RV park and a truck stop across the street. Staff and commissioners confirmed that a change‑of‑use review, building‑permit review, code inspections and state regulatory approvals (including the state Department of Mental Health/Substance Abuse and the state fire marshal) will be required before occupancy; the building will need a certificate of occupancy after plan review and inspection.

A motion to determine that the proposed addiction‑recovery use falls within the P‑1 district’s convalescent/nursing classification was made, seconded and approved by roll‑call vote. Recorded ayes were Kevin Bookout, David Mears, Tim Dixon, Scott Wilson and Abigail Allpass; no nays were recorded in the transcript and several members were noted as not present for the vote. Staff said the applicant will submit additional materials and building plans and that the city will process permits and inspections according to standard procedure.

Next steps: applicant will provide building plans and operational documentation; staff will review plans for code compliance and coordinate required state reviews and fire‑marshal inspections prior to issuing any certificate of occupancy.