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Commissioners adopt county rules, permit and fee schedule for board-and-care homes
Summary
After presentations from the fire marshal and counsel, the court adopted a county regulatory and permitting framework for board-and-care homes (private, non-state-funded residences for three or more unrelated residents), including permit and employee screening requirements, 24/7 on-site staffing for care, an appeal process and associated fees, effective Sept. 1.
Fire Marshall Nathan Green presented proposed county regulations for board-and-care homes in unincorporated Liberty County, noting these residences differ from state-regulated group homes because board-and-care locations generally do not receive government funding. Green described a permitting system that would require operators to apply for site permits, require criminal-background checks for staff, and mandate 24/7 non-resident staff coverage for sites with multiple vulnerable residents.
"State requires the county to have a regulation to be able to deal with these locations that we're finding," Green said, emphasizing the county's responsibility when ambulance crews repeatedly encounter unsafe conditions. Counsel (Matthew) and commissioners discussed procedural elements including an appeals process and appointment of a hearing examiner to review permit denials or revocations.
The court approved the regulations and separately approved a fee schedule that adds permit and per-employee fees to the fire marshal's fee schedule. Commissioners and staff said the rules would take effect Sept. 1 to allow operators time to apply and comply before active enforcement. Staff also agreed to return with the hearing-examiner appointment language and any clarifying cross-checks with guardianship records as requested by a commissioner.
The action followed a motion and voice vote; commissioners characterized the measure as a public-safety step aimed at preventing exploitation and ensuring resident protection in private care residences.
