Clermont panel adopts ordinance to align zoning with state rules on certified recovery residences

The Clermont Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved an ordinance (Ordinance 2026‑013) amending the zoning code to implement state requirements for certified recovery residences.

Staff and counsel framed the amendment as required by state law and intended to clarify administrative review, certification proof and minimum standards. During discussion, commissioners asked whether the ordinance should add parking requirements, whether Level 4 (the most intensive category) should be limited in single‑family neighborhoods because of potential clinical services, and which city designee would handle approvals. The commission and staff agreed the city manager or the manager’s designee will be the administrative contact and that the city will refine application content to include certification proof and other supporting materials.

Commissioner May asked whether the ordinance should specify parking or allow staff to require additional spaces based on a residence’s size; counsel and staff said the ordinance does not itself add parking, but the city can address parking through application review or other local regulations. Commissioners discussed tradeoffs between compliance with state law and protecting residential neighborhoods; staff and counsel said the statute constrains some local restrictions but that the city can set application standards and consider limits on clinical services in residential areas.

Commissioner Ansua moved to adopt the ordinance and a second was recorded. The motion passed 6–0. Commissioners said city staff would return to the council with suggested application content and procedures to ensure certification is documented and compliance can be enforced. The ordinance takes effect following standard processing and makes the city’s zoning code consistent with the statute.