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Planning board recommends ordinance to create certified recovery residences process
Summary
The board recommended Ordinance Case 25-08 to the City Commission, adding a definition, application process and review standard for certified recovery residences to comply with state law and Fair Housing/ADA obligations.
The Lighthouse Point Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend Ordinance Case 25-08, a zoning amendment to create a process for "certified recovery residences," after staff said the change is required by state law.
Planning staff explained the ordinance responds to recent state legislation and mirrors the county model by defining recovery residences, listing application requirements and establishing a review timeline. As the board heard, "a certified recovery residence is a traditional home... for people recovering from addiction," and applications "have to be approved, approved with conditions, or denied within 60 days of the receipt of a complete application," according to staff (Clerk). The draft places recovery residences under the group‑home section and names the development review official as the approval authority.
Board members asked whether the city could impose spacing or additional application criteria. Staff said local spacing rules can be proposed but that applicants may still request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing requirements; staff cautioned that denials must be evidence‑based. The board closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke and, by recorded assent, voted to recommend the ordinance to the City Commission.
