Planning commission backs zoning definition and rules for inpatient substance abuse treatment centers

The York County Planning Commission voted May 13 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve zoning amendments that would add a definition and special-use permit standards for inpatient substance abuse recovery treatment centers (PC 26-09).

Planning staff presented the proposal to add the new use to the county zoning ordinance, specifying a definition for a "state licensed facility providing 24-hour residential care, medical detoxification, counseling, or clinical treatment for patients recovering from substance abuse or substance use disorders including alcohol and drugs with overnight stays." Staff said the use would be listed in the table of land uses and permitted by special use permit in the limited business, general business and economic opportunity zoning districts. "Staff recommends approval of this application through the adoption of proposed resolution number PC 26-09," staff said.

Staff outlined two facility-specific performance standards: a requirement that facilities be licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and that care be provided on site 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The proposal also relies on existing institutional standards in the ordinance — for example, setbacks and screening for parking, a traffic-impact analysis when warranted, controls on site lighting and limits on HVAC noise — and a parking standard of one space per two patient beds plus one space per 350 square feet of administrative office space.

The chair opened the public hearing and said there were no speakers. Commissioners described the proposal as "straightforward," and Mr. Titus moved that the commission send PC 26-09 to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval. The motion passed on a roll-call vote recorded in the transcript.

If the Board of Supervisors approves the ordinance change, the use would be subject to the county special-use permit process, allowing the Board (and the Planning Commission through its recommendation) to place site-specific conditions on where and how such facilities locate in the listed zoning districts. The transcript indicates staff will require proof of state licensure during annual inspections for special-use permits but not as a prerequisite for issuance of the permit because many state agencies require zoning approval before issuing licenses.

The commission took no additional action on PC 26-09 at the meeting. The matter will next be considered by the Board of Supervisors at the date the board schedules the case.