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Board approves special-use permit for sober-living home at 1005 South 8th Street
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Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special-use permit for a sober-living residence at 1005 South 8th Street after staff recommended conditions including parking, building inspection approval and assignment of a separate E‑911 address; neighbors had submitted written complaints about smoking and backyard fires.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special-use permit for a residential facility at 1005 South 8th Street, voting to grant the petitioner permission to operate a sober-living home under the conditions recommended by staff.
Staff told the board the property is in an R-2 two-family residence district and that the petitioner seeks approval under city code section 10-1-81(e)(3) to operate a residential facility for persons requiring special consideration. Staff and the Department of Engineering recommended approval conditioned on building inspection and Department of Engineering sign-off, provision of required off-street parking, and assignment of a second address for E‑911 services.
Lori Sheffield, who identified herself as the petitioner/operator, said the facility has been running at that location for about two years and described on-site management practices including a code of conduct, resident drug screens and an automatic removal policy for anyone caught using substances. Sheffield said many residents do not own vehicles, limiting neighborhood parking impacts, and said the property owner has agreed to repair the building to improve appearance.
Supporters with lived experience described recovery outcomes and urged the board to allow a nine-month program option rather than a shorter four-month program. Staff also read two letters from neighbors; one resident at 1001 South 8th alleged people at the address had smoked marijuana on the premises and started backyard fires, and another letter raised concerns about property values, activity and parking.
Board members asked about how the petitioner would identify and handle rule violations, how E‑911 addressing would be assigned for duplex-style units, and what off-street parking would be provided. Staff explained separate unit addresses are assigned to improve emergency response, and said the Department of Engineering and building inspection would verify parking and life-safety code compliance before final permit issuance.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve VZA 226 with the conditions recommended by staff; the motion was seconded and members voted in favor. The vote was recorded orally as "aye" and the chair announced the motion carried. The petitioner was directed to complete the required engineering and building inspections and to obtain any necessary readdressing for E‑911.
