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Residents and CAB question zoning as sober living house prepares to open in Silver City
Summary
Representatives of the M25 Initiative described a new residential sober living house with nine initial tenants and no on-site services; a CAB member raised permitting and zoning questions and the organizer said she had confirmed the property is residentially zoned.
Kerry Lowry, representing the M25 Initiative of Northern Nevada, described plans for a residential sober living house in Silver City that she said would start with nine tenants in July and could house up to 10 people.
Lowry said the house is residential only and does not provide services; residents cook their own meals, pay rent on a sliding scale that covers toiletries, and utilities are supported by sponsors. Lowry said flyers have been posted, AA meetings were approved to take place at the house starting Wednesday, and program organizers plan community involvement such as participating in the community garden and a post-Firemen's Ball picnic for neighbors.
CAB member Erich Obermayr raised permitting and zoning concerns based on the location, noting his understanding that certain group homes are not permitted where the house is located. Lowry said she had contacted zoning at the beginning of the year and insisted the project is residentially zoned, replying "100%" when pressed about compliance.
Board members discussed distinctions between different types of group homes and the regulatory question of whether a facility that provides structure but no services qualifies as residential in the county zoning code. No formal action or permit decision was made at the meeting; CAB members asked that zoning and the property's status be clarified before any enforcement or further action.
