Two south county coastal cities are reining in rogue sober homes by strengthening their group homes ordinances.
Boynton Beach will hold a public hearing July 18 on these proposed changes:
• Have at least 300 feet between group homes. In June, city commissioners asked whether the distance could be greater. Planning staff members said they would check on that.
• Require that new group homes, including sober homes where drug users stay while going through rehabilitation, be certified. The Florida Association of Recovery Residences offers the only program recognized by the state, and it is voluntary. Existing sober homes will have until Oct. 1, 2018, to become certified.
• Group homes must obey parking regulations in neighborhoods.
Delray Beach’s community residences ordinance passed through the city’s Planning and Zoning Board in mid-June. Commissioners will vote this month on these changes:
• Have at least 660 feet between the group homes, if they are new.
• New sober homes will have to be certified by FARR. Existing sober homes will have until April 1, 2018, to become certified.
• Group homes must obey parking regulations in neighborhoods.
Addicts who maintain sobriety while living together are a protected class under federal laws.
—Jane Smith
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