Lake Forest Municipal Code Ch. 5.44 Group Homes

Note: Former Ch. 5.44, Residential Care Facilities, derived from Ord. 364, was amended in its entirety by Ord. 386, 7/21/2026.

This chapter is intended to preserve the residential character of residential neighborhoods, avoid institutionalization of the disabled, and further the purposes of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act,[1] the Federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988,[2] and the California Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act[3] by, among other things: (1) allowing group homes in the City, subject to streamlined administrative approval; (2) limiting the secondary boardinghouse-like like impacts of group homes by reducing noise and traffic, preserving safety and providing adequate on street parking; (3) providing opportunities afforded to non-disabled individuals to use and enjoy a dwelling unit in a residential neighborhood; and (4) providing comfortable residential living environments that will enhance the opportunity for the disabled and for recovering addicts to be successful in their programs.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

[1]

Editor's Note: See Government Code Section 12900 et seq.

[2]

Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. Section 3601 et seq.

[3]

Editor's Note: See Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4500 et seq.

In addition to any other definitions contained in the Municipal Code, the following words and phrases are, for the purpose of this chapter, defined as follows, unless it is clearly apparent from the context that another meaning is intended. Should any of the definitions be in conflict with any current provisions of the Municipal Code, these definitions prevail.

"Applicant"

means a person or entity, as defined in this section, applying for a group home license under this chapter as a group home operator.

"City"

means the City of Lake Forest, California.

"City Manager"

means the City Manager of the City of Lake Forest or his or her designee.

"City staff"

means City staff or those employed or contracted by the City to carry out City business.

"Director"

means the City's Community Development Director or his or her designee.

"Disabled"

is more specifically defined under the fair housing laws, a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, a person who is regarded as having that type of impairment, or a person who has a record of that type of impairment, not including current, illegal use of a controlled substance.

"Fair housing laws"

means the Federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as each statute may be amended from time to time, and each statute's implementing regulations.

"Group home"

means a facility that is being used as a supportive living environment for persons who are considered disabled under state or federal law. A group home operated by a single operator or service provider (whether licensed or unlicensed) constitutes a single facility, whether the facility occupies one or more dwelling units on one lot. Group homes include sober-living homes and residential care facilities, but does not include any dwelling that operates as a single housekeeping unit.

"Group home license"

means a license issued by the City to operate a group home in the City of Lake Forest.

"Hearing officer"

means the person selected by the City Manager or Director to serve as the hearing officer in a hearing.

"Household"

means all the people occupying a dwelling unit, and includes people who live in different units governed by the same operator.

"Integral facilities"

means any combination of two or more group homes, regardless of whether they are located on the same or contiguous parcels of land, the are under the control and management of the same owner, operator, management company or licensee or any affiliate of any of them, and that are integrated components of one operation. Integral facilities are considered one facility for purposes of applying federal, state, and local laws to its use and operation. Examples of such integral facilities include, but are not limited to, the provision of housing in one facility and recovery programming, treatment, meals, or any other service or services to program participants in another facility or facilities or by assigning staff or a consultant or consultants to provide services to the same program participants in more than one licensed or unlicensed facility.

"Integral uses"

means any two or more residential care programs that are administered by the same owner, operator, management company or licensee, or any affiliate of any of them, in a manner in which participants in two different care programs participate simultaneously in any commonly administered care or recovery activity. Any such integral use will be considered one use for purposes of applying federal, state, and local laws to its operation.

"Lot"

means any piece or parcel of land or a portion of a subdivision, the boundaries of which have been established by some legal instrument of record, that is recognized and intended as a unit for the purpose of transfer of ownership.

"Material misstatement"

means any untrue statement of a material fact in any application or report filed with the City Manager, or the omission of any material fact in any application or report.

"Operator"

means a company, business or individual that provides residential services, e.g., the placement of individuals in a residence, setting of house rules, or governing behavior of the residents as residents. Operator does not include a property owner or property manager who exclusively handles real estate contracting or property management and leasing of the property as a whole, and who does not otherwise meet the definition of operator.

"Property owner"

means the owner of record of the property where the subject lodging establishment is located, as shown on the latest equalized tax assessment role of Orange County.

"Residential care facility"

means a residential facility licensed by the state where care, services, or treatment is provided to persons living in a supportive community residential setting. A residential care facility is a type of group home. Residential care facilities include, but are not limited to, the following: an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-habilitative or an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled-nursing, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1250; a congregate living health facility, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1250; a community care facility, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1502; a residential care facility for the elderly, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1569.2; a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1568.01; an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 11834.02; a pediatric day health and respite care facility, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1760.2; or a family care home, foster home, or group home serving persons with mental health disorders or other disabilities or dependent and neglected children under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5116.

"Single housekeeping unit"

means that use of a dwelling unit in a way that satisfies each of the following criteria:

The residents have established ties and familiarity and interact with each other.

Membership in the single housekeeping unit is fairly stable as opposed to transient or temporary.

Residents share meals, household activities, expenses, or responsibilities.

All adult residents have chosen to jointly occupy the entire premises of the dwelling unit and they each have access to all common areas.

If the dwelling unit is rented, each adult resident is named on and is a party to a single written lease that gives each resident joint use and responsibility for the premises.

Membership of the household is determined by the residents not by a landlord, property manager or other third party.

The residential activities of the household are conducted on a nonprofit basis.

Residents generally do not have separate entrances or separate secured food-storage facilities such as cabinets or refrigerators.

The household is strictly resident-run; there is no care or supervision provided by a third-party or a paid resident manager at the dwelling unit or on the property.

"Sober living home"

means a group home for persons who are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction and who are considered disabled under state or federal law, where no service is offered that requires a state license and where the occupants do not use the property as a single-housekeeping unit. The term "sober-living home" therefore does not include residential care facilities or single housekeeping units.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. A group home license is required to establish a group home in a zoning district where residential uses are permitted in the City of Lake Forest.

B. Exemptions.

1. Residential care facilities, licensed by the State of California to serve six or fewer residents ("exempt state-licensed group homes").

2. Homes where individuals are living as a single housekeeping unit.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. Application. The Community Development Director will develop and adopt a standardized group home license application and application process. Each group home license application must be submitted using the City's application and adopted process.

B. An application for a group home license is submitted to the Director by the owner and operator of the group home. The owner and operator, if not the same, must both be applicants. The application must include the following:

1. The name, address, phone number, and driver's license number of the property owner and the operator;

2. Written approval and a statement of responsibility from the property owner of the lot, and a copy of all lease agreements for the property;

3. If the owner or operator is a partnership, corporation, firm, or association, then that entity must provide the additional names and addresses as follows, and each of these identified persons must also sign the application:

a. Every general partner of the partnership,

b. Every person or entity with a controlling interest in the corporation,

c. The person designated by the officers of a corporation as set forth in a resolution of the corporation that is to be designated as the license holder;

4. The license and permit history of each applicant, including whether the applicant, in previously operating a similar use in this or another city, county, or state under a license or permit, has had the license or permit revoked or suspended, and if so, the reason therefor;

5. A map indicating that no current city-licensed or state-licensed group home, whose license information is a public record, is located within 650 feet (straight-line distance) of the lot with the proposed group home;

6. The number of individual beds to be occupied;

7. A site plan showing the configuration of the property, including any accessory structures and on-site parking;

8. A detailed diagram showing the complete interior floor plan, highlighting the location of all beds and living areas;

9. A copy of the group home rules and regulations;

10. A copy of the management plan, which must include, but need not be limited to:

a. A written intake procedure,

b. A good neighbor policy,

c. A relapse policy,

d. An emergency plan,

e. A security plan,

f. A discharge plan;

11. An affirmation by each applicant that only residents (other than the house manager) who are handicapped as defined by state and federal law will be allowed to reside at the group home;

12. Blank copies of all forms that all residents and potential residents are required to complete;

13. Each applicant must declare, under penalty of perjury, that the group home does not operate as an integral use or facility;

14. A or fee to cover the City's actual cost of processing the application;

15. Completed background check; and

16. Any other reasonable information required by the City.

C. Prior to the issuance of a group home license, each applicant and all business owners of an applicant entity must complete a LiveScan background check conducted by the California Department of Justice. The LiveScan procedure will be provided by the City. The cost of the background check must be paid by the applicant.

D. No person may operate a group home until this information has been provided and a license has been issued. Each licensee is responsible for updating information provided for the license to ensure that the City has current and accurate information during the term of the license.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. The Director issues a group home license as an administrative action, provided that:

1. The applicant submits a complete application in accordance with the requirements outlined in Section 5.44.040; and

2. The operator has met all applicable regulations and has agreed to comply with the stipulations set forth in this chapter; and

3. No circumstances listed in Section 5.44.060 exist.

B. Prior to license issuance, an inspection of the property must be conducted by City staff to ensure compliance with the requirements of this code and verification of the property conditions.

C. The Director will provide written approval indicating the date the license will become effective and will issue a license that indicates the group home license number, the date the license is effective, the operator's name, the address of the facility, and the number of occupants to be housed.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. A group home license must be denied upon a determination by the Director that any of the following circumstances exist:

1. The owner or operator has not met all applicable regulations set forth in this chapter.

2. The proposed group home, as measured by the closest property lines, is located within 650 feet (straight-line distance) of a group home that was licensed or otherwise legally established prior to the date that the application and deposit or fee were submitted to the City.

3. If it is found that the facility will be part of an integral facility, which is prohibited.

4. Any owner or operator or staff person has provided materially false or misleading information on the application or omitted any required information.

5. Any owner or operator or staff person was terminated from any employment during the past two years because of physical assault, sexual harassment, embezzlement or theft; falsifying a drug test; and selling or furnishing illegal drugs or alcohol.

6. Any owner or operator or staff person has been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere, within the last seven to 10 years (as indicated below), to any of the following offenses:

a. Any sex offense for which the person is required to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code Section 290 (last 10 years);

b. Arson offenses—Violations of Penal Code Sections 451 through 455 (last seven years);

c. Violent felonies, as defined in Penal Code Section 667.5, which involve doing bodily harm to another person (last 10 years); or

d. The unlawful sale or furnishing of any controlled substances (last seven years).

7. Any owner or operator or staff person is on parole or formal probation supervision on the date of the submittal of the application or at any time thereafter.

8. Any applicant has had a group home or similar license or permit revoked within the past 24 months in the City of Lake Forest or any other jurisdiction.

9. A group home license under this chapter has been revoked at the proposed location within the last 24 months from the date of revocation, or if it has been revoked following an appeal, whichever action occurred most recently.

B. If the application is denied, the City will give written notice to the applicant specifying the basis for such denial. Notice of denial is deemed to have been served if it is personally served to the applicant or when deposited in the United States mail with prepaid postage and addressed to the applicant at their address as set forth in the application.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. If the Director denies a group home license application, that decision is final unless the applicant files a written request for reconsideration with the City Manager within 10 calendar days of the date of the Director's written notice of denial.

B. Upon receipt of the written request, the City Manager will reconsider the application de novo, together with any new record, document, or other information presented by the applicant or discovered by the City, in the manner provided in Section 5.44.040, 5.44.050, and 5.44.060.

C. The City Manager will provide a written decision within 60 days of the request being filed. The City Manager's decision on the request for reconsideration is final.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. On a lot with a single-family dwelling, a group home may only have six or fewer occupants, not counting a house manager, but in no event may the lot have more than seven occupants (including house manager or managers). If the lot has an accessory dwelling unit, occupants of both units are counted together to determine whether or not the limit of six occupants has been exceeded.

B. Regardless of state licensing, occupancy of a group home in a property with multifamily dwelling units is limited to two occupants per bedroom and a maximum of one house manager per unit at any time.

C. Distance Requirement.

1. The proposed group home, as measured by the closest property lines, must not be located within 650 feet (straight-line distance) of any other lot with a group home.

2. Exemption. If an exempt state-licensed group home locates within 650 feet (straight-line distance) of an existing city-licensed group home, the introduction of the exempt state-licensed group home does not constitute grounds for the denial of a transfer or renewal of the group home license for the existing group home.

D. Integral facilities and uses are prohibited.

E. A group home must not provide any service requiring licensing from the State of California without the required approvals from the applicable state agency.

F. Management Plan. Each group home must have a City-approved property management plan for the facility that adequately addresses each of the following: on-site management, maximum occupancy, quiet hours and permitted guest visitation hours and procedures (including a prohibition on guests under the influence of any drug or alcohol), loitering, littering, disturbing the peace, nuisance reduction, trash collection, smoking, resident pick-up and drop-off procedures, discharge, and a good neighbor policy, including protocols that will be followed if a neighbor complaint is received. City approval is required for any modifications to the plan.

G. If the group home serves people who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, each resident, other than the house manager, must be actively participating in a certified or licensed recovery program, which may include, but is not limited to, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and the group home operator must maintain current records of meeting attendance. Under the home's management plan, refusal to actively participate in such a program must be cause for eviction.

H. Emergency and Security Plan. Each group home must have a City-approved emergency and security plan that adequately addresses each of the following: security and management contact information, authority and responsibility of security staff, a map of the property, and overview of the property's security features, security feature testing schedule, overnight parking policies and vehicle violation abatement procedures, emergency medical response protocols, emergency law enforcement response protocols, and daytime and nighttime security monitoring procedures. City approval is required for any modifications to the plan.

I. Each group home facility must have an on-site manager who resides at the property and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the group home.

J. Each group home facility must display, in a prominent area visible upon entering, information about the current house manager. This display should include a photo of the manager, their full name as it appears on their government-issued identification or driver's license, and a contact phone number. This information must be made available to any City staff upon request.

K. Each group home facility must display its group home license in an area that is visible upon entering the facility. The license must be made available for inspection by any City staff upon request.

L. The group home must comply with all applicable codes regarding fire, building construction, and safety, and any other relevant laws, regulations, and ordinances. The City's failure to inspect the home does not constitute a waiver of its right to perform future inspections.

M. For the purpose of inspection or audit to determine the objectives and conditions of this section are being fulfilled, upon request by the Director or their designee, the operator must provide access to the property and or records relating to the occupancy, compliance, and operation of the group home.

N. Parking. Each garage and driveway space associated with a dwelling unit or units on the property must be available for the parking of vehicles. Residents and the house manager may each only store or park a single vehicle on the property or any street within 500 feet of the property. Vehicles must be operable (per the California Vehicle Code) and currently used as a primary form of transportation for a resident or house manager of the group home.

O. All drivers of vehicles picking up or dropping off persons at a group home must comply with all applicable provisions of this Code and of the Vehicle Code, including, but not limited to, those provisions regulating licensure and parking, standing, and stopping.

P. In accordance with Penal Code Section 3003.5(c), the number of group home residents subject to the sex offender registration requirements of Penal Code Section 290 may not exceed one resident in any group home or violate the distance provisions provided in Penal Code Section 3003.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. Each group home license expires after two calendar years from the date of issuance of the license unless renewed in accordance with this chapter.

B. A group home license expires if the use authorized by the license does not commence within six months of the license being approved.

C. A group home license expires if, after establishment of the group home, the use or activity for which the license was approved is discontinued or abandoned for a period of six months.

D. If a license has not been renewed prior to the scheduled expiration of the license, the operator must immediately cease all operations.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. The operator requesting renewal of its group home license must file an application for renewal with the Director at least 90 calendar days before the scheduled expiration of the license. The renewal application must include the information under Section 5.44.040 and any other documentation deemed necessary to consider the license renewal.

B. Any application for renewal of a group home license must be accompanied by a renewal deposit or fee in an amount determined by the City. The renewal deposit or fee is used to pay the City's actual costs of investigation, report, and related application-processing actions.

C. Prior to the issuance of a renewal for a group home license, all applicants and associated business owners must complete a LiveScan background check, conducted by the California Department of Justice. The City will provide the LiveScan procedure. The applicant must pay the costs of the background check.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. The Director issues a renewal of a group home license, provided that:

1. The applicant submits a complete application in accordance with the requirements in Section 5.44.100; and

2. The operator is in compliance with all applicable regulations set forth in this chapter; and

3. No circumstances in Section 5.44.120 exist.

B. Prior to the issuance of a license renewal, the property must be inspected by City staff to determine compliance with the management plan, other municipal codes and safety requirements.

C. The Director will provide written approval of the renewal indicating the date the license will become effective and will issue a license that indicates the group home license number, the date the license is effective, the operator's name, the address of the facility, and the number of occupants to be housed.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. The Director must deny a license renewal to the applicant if any of the following conditions exists:

1. The operator has violated any provisions of this chapter;

2. The group home facility has three or more instances of disturbance of the peace, or other disorderly conducts within any six-month period;

3. The operator has made a material misstatement in the application for a license renewal;

4. The operator has engaged in fraud, made an intentional misrepresentation or false statement to the City or state or federal government or to their employees regarding operation of the group home in order to conceal violations of applicable regulations or other wrong-doing; and

5. The operator has been found to be in violation of local, state, or federal laws or requirements pertaining to the operation of group homes, including, but not limited to, state licensing requirements, the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Lake Forest Municipal Code.

B. If the application for the renewal is denied, the City will give written notice to the applicant specifying the basis for such denial. A notice of denial is deemed to have been served if it is personally served to the applicant or when deposited in the United States mail with prepaid postage and addressed to the applicant at their address as set forth in the application.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. If the Director denies a group home license renewal application as provided in Section 5.44.120, then the decision is final unless the applicant files a written request for reconsideration with the City Manager within 10 calendar days of the date of the Director's written notice of denial.

B. Upon receipt of the written request, the City Manager will the renewal application de novo together with any new records, documents, or other information presented by the applicant or discovered by the City.

C. Within 60 days of the de novo hearing, the City will mail a written notice of the decision of the City Manager via U.S. mail to the applicant at the address indicated on the application. The City Manager's decision on the reconsideration is final.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. A group home license is valid only for the approved location specified on the license and is not transferable to a different location.

B. A sale or transfer of any ownership interest in a group home facility, which interest would be reported as required in this chapter upon application for a group home license, must be reported to the City within 30 calendar days prior to the closing of the sale or transfer. The City may investigate any person receiving any interest in a group home as a result of such sale or transfer, and if such person satisfies the requirements relating to group home license applicants, the existing license will be endorsed to include them. A deposit or fee in an amount determined by the City must be paid to the City for the investigation by the City necessitated by each such sale or transfer.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

If the City has reason to believe that grounds exist to revoke a license issued under this chapter, the City may conduct an investigation of the group home, and the City may initiate revocation proceedings in accordance with the provisions outlined in this section.

A. Any group home license issued under this chapter may be revoked after notice as provided in accordance with Section 5.44.160 and the completion of a hearing as provided in Section 5.44.170, where any of the grounds stated in this section are determined to exist.

B. The occurrence of any of the following are grounds for revocation of a group home license issued under this chapter:

1. The operator has violated any provisions of this chapter.

2. The group home facility has three or more instances of disturbance of the peace, or other disorderly conduct within any six-month period.

3. The operator has made a material misstatement in the application for a license.

4. The operator has engaged in fraud, made an intentional misrepresentation or false statement to the City or state or federal government or to their employees regarding operation of the group home in order to conceal violations of applicable regulation or other wrong-doing.

5. The operator has been found to be in violation of local, state, or federal laws or requirements pertaining to the operation of group homes, including, but not limited to, state licensing requirements, the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Lake Forest Municipal Code.

C. A reasonable accommodation granted under Chapter 1.18 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code does not constitute grounds for revocation.

D. An existing licensed group home is not in violation of this chapter if an exempt state-licensed group home locates within 650 feet (straight-line distance) of the existing licensed group home, nor is the introduction of a exempt state-licensed group home grounds for the revocation of the existing group home's license under this section.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. Notice of the City's intent to revoke a group home license and of the revocation hearing must be provided in accordance with the provisions of this section.

B. A written notice from the Director is delivered to the operator, and other persons designated on the license, at the addresses designated in the license, via U.S. certified mail, or personal service.

C. The notice must be in writing and contain all of the following:

1. That the City intends to revoke the license;

2. The grounds for the revocation;

3. The date, time, and place of the revocation hearing;

4. That the operator may appear, be heard, examine witnesses, and present evidence in the operator's favor; and

5. That the operator's failure to appear, be heard, and present evidence in the operator's favor may result in the revocation of the license.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. Hearing Officer Assignment. The Director will designate a hearing officer to preside over the revocation of the group home license. The hearing officer may not be a City employee, and may be, but need not be, a qualified attorney, qualified city manager, or a hearing officer with the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The hearing officer is subject to disqualification for bias, prejudice, or material financial interest in the outcome, as provided in subsection C.

B. Scheduling of Hearing. The hearing officer will conduct a hearing within 45 calendar days of the City's mailing of the notice required by Section 5.44.160. A hearing may be conducted in person or via video conference at the discretion of the City.

C. Challenge to Hearing Officer. No later than five days after notice of the hearing date is sent to the appellant, the appellant may challenge the hearing officer's impartiality by filing a written statement with the Director objecting to the hearing before the hearing officer and setting forth the specific grounds for disqualification. General and unsupported claims of bias, prejudice, or material financial interest do not form a basis for disqualification. The Director will issue and serve on the appellant a written decision on the question of disqualification prior to the date of the hearing specified in the notice of hearing.

D. Recording of Appeal Hearing. All hearings are recorded by a video or audio device. Any party to the appeal hearing may also, at his, her, or its own expense, use a court reporter to record the proceeding. If a court reporter is not used, the City will make the video or audio tapes of the hearing available to any party. The City may charge a reasonable fee for reproducing recordings. If a court reporter is used, a party to the hearing may obtain a copy of the transcript upon payment of any applicable fees or costs charged by the court reporter. The City may destroy such recordings or transcripts following the time during which any and all appeals of the decision are required to be made under this chapter or following the time during which such recordings or transcripts are required to be retained by the City, whichever is later.

E. Evidentiary Rules. The hearing need not be conducted in accordance with the technical rules of evidence. Each party may call and examine witnesses, to introduce exhibits and to cross-examine opposing witnesses who have testified under direct examination. The hearing officer may call and examine any witness. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining any direct evidence, but is not sufficient by itself to support a finding, unless it would be admissible over objection in a civil action. The rules of privilege are applicable to the extent they are permitted in civil actions. Any relevant evidence may be admitted if it is the type on which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make admission of such evidence improper over objection in civil actions. Oral evidence may be taken on oath or affirmation. Irrelevant, collateral, undue, or repetitious evidence may be excluded.

F. Hearing Officer Decision. After the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer will decide whether grounds for revocation exist. Within 10 calendar days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer will file with the Director a written decision, supported by written findings based on the evidence submitted, and a statement of his or her decision. A copy of such report must be forwarded by mail via U.S. mail to the license holder. The decision of the hearing officer becomes effective five calendar days after its mailing to the license holder. The decision of the hearing officer is final.

G. A group home must cease all operations within 30 days from the effective date of the revocation. The operator and property owner must provide appropriate evidence of the cessation of operations and permit City staff to conduct an inspection of the property to verify that all operations have been discontinued.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)

A. License Required. The operator of an existing non-exempt group home must apply for a group home license within 90 days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

B. Deadline; Grace Period. Any existing group home obligated by a written lease exceeding one year from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or whose activity involves investment of money in leasehold or improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship, is eligible for a reasonable additional extension to achieve full compliance, at the Director's discretion and approval.

(Ord. 386, 7/21/2026)