(a) Scope. This section shall apply to Group Homes as defined by this Zoning Code.
(b) Definitions.
(1) For definitions, see Chapter 1123 Definitions of Part Eleven Planning and Zoning Code, Title Five Zoning Administration.
(2) For purposes of this Section, "Applicant" means the person submitting an application for a Group Home.
(3) For purposes of this Section, "Permit Holder" means any person who possesses or is required to possess a permit for a Group Home pursuant to this Section.
(4) For the purposes of this Section, "person" shall refer to any individual, partnership, association, company, firm, trust, corporation, government corporation, non-profit, department, bureau, agency or any other entity recognized by law.
(c) Permit Required.
(1) No person shall operate a Group Home or knowingly permit the operation of a Group Home without first submitting an application for a zoning permit and procuring a zoning permit.
(d) Permit Requirements.
(1) The Applicant for a Group Home shall submit the following to the Zoning Administrator:
A. State or local license, certification or approval or evidence that authorization is forthcoming from the applicable State or local governmental body.
1. If the application is for an Adult Group Home, license or approval from the Department of Mental Health or other applicable agency.
2. If the application is for a Youth Group Home, license or approval from the Department of Job and Family Services or other applicable agency.
B. Written approval from the Fire Chief, issued after inspection for compliance with applicable fire safety standards.
C. Approvals from other applicable zoning departments.
D. If the Applicant is not the owner of the property in which the Group Home is located, then the Applicant shall provide a notarized letter from the property owner approving the property for use as a Group Home.
E. A letter of intent containing the following information:
1. The name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of:
a. The owner(s) of the property on which the Group Home is located.
b. The operator(s) of the Group Home.
2. Proof of business registration or Federal ID number.
3. The maximum number of individuals to reside in the Group Home, the general nature of their needs, and the assistance to be provided.
4. The age range of individuals to reside in the Group Home.
5. The house rules of the Group Home, along with a statement of the level of supervision that is to be provided.
F. A communications plan and emergency plan which includes, but is not limited to:
1. Who to call when a problem arises (i.e., the person in charge of the Group Home) and the phone number for this person;
2. A current list of the residents living in the Group Home, which identifies each resident's name and age; and
3. Where medications, if any, are stored within the Group Home.
G. A statement of admission procedures and policy.
H. Interior layout of the Group Home with dimensions.
I. Plans and drawings which show the location and dimensions of the lot, the location and dimensions of any existing or proposed structures on the lot, floor plans, points of ingress and egress, landscaping and/or screening areas.
(2) The Applicant shall contact neighbors within 300 feet of the proposed Group Home to notify them that a Group Home application will be submitted.
(3) The Zoning Administrator or his or her designee shall issue a permit to those Applicants who satisfy the permit requirements as listed herein.
(4) Once a permit is issued to an Applicant, the permit is non-transferable.
(5) Failure to provide any of the information required in a permit application for the permit renewal, or providing false or misleading information may be grounds for denial.
(e) Permit Renewal.
(1) Every permit issued for the establishment of a Group Home shall annually be renewed by the Permit Holder with the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Upon satisfaction that the Group Home is in compliance with applicable zoning regulations, fire codes, and/or building codes, the Zoning Administrator shall renew the permit for a period of one year.
(3) If a Group Home ceases operation or is vacant for one year or more, the permit cannot be renewed. A new application is required.
(f) Communications Plan and Emergency Plan.
(1) The communications plan and emergency plan shall be conspicuously posted in the Group Home such that emergency responders may easily access it in an emergency.
(2) The communications plan and emergency plan shall contain a current list of residents, including their names and ages. This list should be updated periodically to ensure accuracy of information.
(g) Concentration.
Cross Reference Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.341.
(1) No permit shall be issued for a new Group Home that will be located within a 500-foot radius of another Group Home already in lawful operation except as provided in subsection (g)(2). Those Group Homes that are in lawful operation on the effective date of this section may be issued a permit notwithstanding the 500 foot limit, provided they are in compliance with all the other sections of this Section.
(2) An applicant for a Group Home may request a variance of the 500 foot requirement by completing a variance application with the Board of Zoning Appeals as provided in Chapter 1129 of the Zoning Code.
(Ord. 20-23. Passed 6-5-23.)