WORKSHOP ITEM - Robert Fiske, Community Standards Director
Title
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE (SOBER HOUSE)
Background
At the July 15 workshop Council reviewed a proposed reasonable accommodation ordinance that would create the process for a private provider to operate a single family home as a multi-person sober house. This trend has been occurring in other communities and cities need to address these accommodation requests consistent with the Fair Housing Amendment Act. The 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. Blaine, like several other cities, defines “family” in City Code as not more than four (4) unrelated individuals. Sober house providers are requesting the ability to have more than four unrelated individuals in a home. As the Act requires cities to provide a process for these requests staff has drafted a proposed code amendment to the Rental Licensing program that would establish an application process with neighborhood notice and action by the City Council. Each license request would be evaluated based on a number of criteria and include written notice of a public hearing to all property owners within 350 feet of the property.
Based on Council discussion in July an addition has been made that requires any provider to be a member of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes as this organization promotes successful management of such residences through code of ethics criteria and standards of living verified through independent inspections.
Recommendation
Staff is requesting any further changes to the proposed amendment after which first reading would be scheduled for formal consideration.