WORKSHOP ITEM - Bryan Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE (SOBER HOUSE)
Background
A private group (One Love Housing) has come forward to request that the City consider setting up a process that would allow a private provider to operate a single family home as a multi-person sober house. This has been occurring in other communities and each City has been asked to address this in a similar manner, consistent with the language found in the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, through the adoption of a Reasonable Accommodation License. The Fair Housing Act directs that individuals recovering from addiction are federally protected as a disability group and therefore should receive reasonable accommodations from cities for their lodging and addiction support.
An issue in most cities is the definition of family. Blaine, as is the case in several other cities, defines family, when not related, as not more than four (4) unrelated individuals. Currently in the City of Anoka this same group is seeking a license for up to 7 unrelated individuals. Their City staff is recommending not more than four (4) per their definition of family.
What is clear is that the Fair Housing Act does compel the City to provide a process for this type of request. It is envisioned that this would require the processing of a code amendment to the Rental Licensing program. It would establish an application process with neighborhood notice and subsequent action required by the City Council on each Sober House license. The City Council should expect this to be brought forward fairly soon.
Representatives of the property/program will be present to answer questions.
Recommendation
No action is required at this time as the presentation and discussion is largely for information purposes and to provide background for when this item comes forward.