Regulations for
Outpatient Drug Addiction
Treatment Clinics
Danny Castro
Planning and Development Director
June 17, 2026
The Ask…
Consider establishing zoning
regulations for outpatient drug
addiction treatment clinics.
What is an Outpatient
Drug Addiction
Treatment Clinic?
Licensed facility that provides
treatment to individuals
undergoing detoxification
from addiction to substance
abuse (drugs and/or alcohol).
Counseling
&
Therapy
Medication
&
Education
Drug Testing
&
Monitoring
Federal and State Regulations
Must be registered with the Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Must be certified by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA).
Must be accredited by a body
approved by the SAMHSA.
Must be licensed by the state where
the facility is located.
Federal Level
Must be licensed by the California
Department of Healthcare Services
(DHCS).
State Level
Existing Local Regulations
Permitted in the City the same
as a medical office or clinic,
which are permitted by right in
commercial, office, and
industrial zones.
Existing Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment Clinics
Existing, licensed clinics have
vested rights to continue to
operate.
City cannot require a CUP for
existing clinics; can require a
CUP only if they expand their
operation.
City cannot revoke existing
operating permits and licenses.
Information according to the California Dept of Health Care Services Narcotic Treatment Program Directory as of 04/01/26.
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a regulatory
mechanism used in land use planning to allow specific land uses in a zoning district, provided they meet certain
conditions to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.
Conditions on the use and operation can be imposed to
minimize or remove any potential impacts to the surrounding area.
Examples of other uses requiring a CUP include: liquor stores, auto dealerships, animal hospitals, car washes, hotels. 01 Require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for new treatment clinics Potential Zoning Regulations
03 Adopt supplemental standards to both existing and to all new treatment clinics
• Operational
• Separation Distance
• Security and Monitoring
• Property Maintenance
• Site Design
02 Limit location to certain commercial and office zones, or restrict or limit in specific areas.
The Ask…
Consider establishing zoning
regulations for outpatient drug
addiction treatment clinics.
Questions?