Proposed ordinance regulating sober living homes to be presented in Committee
This Tuesday, the Social Services and Public Safety (SSPS) Committee will discuss a proposed ordinance regulating sober living homes. Sober living homes are residences, privately owned and operated, reserved specifically for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Sober living homes do not provide any counseling or support services; they are simply housing units rented only to people in recovery.
Sober living homes have become somewhat controversial in Lexington over the last year or so. Many predominantly low-income and Black neighborhoods in Lexington have seen a growth in the number of sober living homes. Longtime residents of these neighborhoods report instances of noise issues and erratic behavior from residents. Linda Blackford of the Lexington Herald-Leader recently wrote an op-ed that shares the experience of Black Lexington residents concerned about the growh of sober living homes.
Mayor Linda Gorton and District 1 Councilmember Tyler Morton are proposing a new ordinance that will regulate sober living homes in Lexington. The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prevent cities and states from passing laws that would make it harder for those in recovery to have equal access to housing, so the City cannot restrict the density or availability of sober living homes.
However, cities and states can require sober living home operators to obtain certifications and licenses to rent their properties out, and can impose fines for noncompliance.
The proposed ordinance outlines the following:
Operators have to obtain a Recovery Residence License from the City. Licenses would need to be renewed annually.
To obtain the license, an operator must be able to prove that they have obtained certification from the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network, the National Alliance of Recovery Residences, or Oxford House. A certification from one of these organizations demonstrates the operator is meeting certain minimum standards for a safe sober living home.
Operators have to obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit from the City.
Operators would have six months to obtain all the necessary licenses and permits.
If operators are found not to be in compliance, they could be subject to an initial fine of up to $1,000, and potentially a lien on the property if they continue to stay out of compliance.
You can view the full presentation slides starting on page 21 of this packet.
The Social Services and Public Safety (SSPS) Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 15th at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.