(a) Rooming or boarding houses. The dimensional, parking and other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code for the district in which a rooming or boarding house is located shall not be reduced and further:
(1) The minimum habitable floor area requirements of § 1341.32 shall apply to any rooming or boarding house, regardless of whether the use will be new construction or conversion of an existing building. The lot on which such rooming or boarding house is located shall have a minimum lot area of 1,200 square feet for each roomer or boarder; and
(2) Any approved structural alterations to an existing building proposed for the establishment or enlargement of any rooming or boarding house shall be located on a side of the building not facing a public street.
(b) Group homes. The dimensional, parking and other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code for the district in which a group home is located shall not be reduced and further:
(1) See definition in Art. 1311. A group home shall not include a use meeting the definition of a “Treatment Center”;
(2) A group home shall meet all dimensional and other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code for the type of dwelling unit involved, and the minimum floor area requirements of the City Housing Code, unless a stricter requirement is established by another ordinance provision;
(3) Supervision. There shall be adequate supervision as needed by an adequate number of person(s) trained in the field for which the group home is in tended;
(4) Certification.
(A) A group home housing four or more unrelated persons shall:
1. Be licensed or certified under a state, county or federal human service program, as applicable; and
2. Be directly affiliated with an incorporated organization or corporation.
(B) A copy of the license or certification shall be provided to the Zoning Officer.
(5) Registration. A group home shall register its operator, location, general type of treatment/care, maximum number of residents and any sponsoring agency with the Zoning Officer. Such information shall be available for public review upon request. Notice of any changes in such matters or any suspension, expiration or change in certification or licensing shall be provided in writing to the Zoning Officer within seven days;
(6) Counseling and training. Any medical or counseling services provided on the lot shall be limited to residents and a maximum of three non-residents per day. A maximum of five staff-persons shall be present for training on-site at one time;
(7) Parking. One off-street parking space shall be provided for each resident, with the understanding that these spaces will also be necessary to accommodate visitors, employees and the like;
(8) Appearance. If the group home is within a residential district, the building shall be maintained and/or constructed to ensure that it is closely similar in appearance, condition and character to other residential structures in the area. No exterior signs shall identify the type of use;
(9) See also § 1319.131 concerning variances to accommodate persons with disabilities;
(10) The facility shall not involve the housing or treatment of persons who could reasonably be considered a threat to the physical safety of others; and
(11) An existing dwelling in a residential district shall not be converted into a group home housing five or more unrelated persons, in addition to any bona fide paid staff.
(Ord. 5745, approved 4-16-1998; Ord. 5825, approved 8-3-2000)