Boatwrights’ request to allow small assisted‑living homes in residential districts not adopted by Lucas P&Z

Robert and Dana Boatwright presented a request on July 11 asking the Lucas Planning and Zoning Commission to amend the zoning use chart to allow small Type A assisted‑living homes in residential (R‑2) districts. Commissioners declined to change the use chart at this time.

Bob Boatwright, who said his family has lived in Lucas for 40 years, described a house‑like facility limited by state rules to 16 residents (the Boatwrights said their goal is 1–10 residents). He told the commission he consulted with the Lucas fire chief and EMS leadership and said those officials indicated such a home typically generates few calls; he cited a similar house on Forest Grove with around 10 runs per year.

Boatwright said the plan would construct a new, single‑story, roughly 5,000‑square‑foot building with a drive‑through area for EMS access, wheelchair‑accessible features and limited staff. “These homes are just a house with older people living in them — there’s really no activity,” Boatwright said.

Several commissioners and members of the public reiterated concerns that have accompanied past requests to permit assisted‑living uses in residential areas. Deborah Jacobs reminded the panel that the commission and council previously denied a similar proposal (Cornerstone) and warned that permitting assisted‑living uses in residential zoning could later be converted to apartment‑style uses without clear safeguards.

Staff said the city removed assisted‑living uses from the residential use chart around 2012 after receiving multiple requests to locate such facilities in neighborhoods; the change was made to avoid repeated applications that residents opposed. Staff told the commission the recent ask is limited to small Type A homes, but several commissioners said they were not prepared to change the use chart now. One commissioner asked staff not to bring zoning‑chart amendments forward until the commission’s composition changes.

Because this item was presented as a discussion rather than a public hearing, commissioners received the applicant’s proposal and public comments then gave direction to staff rather than taking a formal vote to amend the code.

What’s next: Staff recorded direction that the commission is not seeking to change the zoning use chart at this time; the Boatwrights may pursue an SUP where applicable or return with further materials.

Key details: Applicant described a Type A assisted‑living concept limited to residents who can self‑evacuate; state rules cited by the applicant limit such homes to 16 residents.