Commission preview: ordinance updates to allow certified recovery residences under state law

Chair introduced a first‑reading ordinance to update the city code on certified recovery residences and asked Kent Valia, the Community Development Director, to summarize the changes.

Valia said the ordinance is required in light of state law and cited Florida statute 397.48715(a), explaining municipalities must adopt an ordinance allowing certified recovery residences. He said the draft ordinance adds application criteria, permits such residences in residential zoning subject to housing requirements, and establishes a planning‑and‑zoning application fee and a business tax receipt fee consistent with existing treatment of certified recovery homes.

Valia explained that inspections are conducted by the licensing entity rather than the city and that facilities must recertify annually; city staff will receive updated certification information from the licensing entity to confirm compliance.

The ordinance was presented as a first reading; the commission will consider it formally during its upcoming public meeting.