City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Pat Burns, Mayor and Don Kennedy, Councilman
Date: May 6, 2025
Subject: SOBER LIVING HOME ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
On July 20, 2020, the Huntington Beach City Council adopted the Group Homes Ordinance [Nos. 4214, 4212, 4215, and 4213] amending the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance and Municipal Code. The Group Homes Ordinance established regulations for Group Homes, Sober Living Homes, and Residential Care Facilities (together: Group Homes) striking a balance between the interests of the City, its residents, and residents of Group Homes.
Effective implementation of the City’s Group Homes Ordinance has been hampered due to a number of sober living homeowners/operators who are either operating without the required permits or are in violation of the conditions outlined in their existing permits. Unpermitted or non- compliant facilities create public safety issues, neighborhood quality of life issues, and the level of care being provided to residents of Group Homes is compromised when the law is not followed. I request the City Attorney and City Manager draft an amendment of the current Group Home Ordinance to ensure greater accountability among sober living homeowners/operators.
The intent is to amend the Group Homes Ordinance to prevent owners/operators from applying or re-applying for permit(s) for five years once they have been found to be operating unlawfully.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager and City Attorney to amend the Group Homes Ordinance to prevent owners/operators from applying or re-applying for Group Home permit(s) for five years once they have been found to be operating unlawfully and agendize the Ordinance for Planning Commission review and City Council review and approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Not Applicable - Administrative Item.