Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-00-05-016 — The Center for Drug-Free Living, Inc.

Request: Special Exception in R-3 zone for double wide modular building to be used for office/counseling purposes.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The Center for Drug-Free Living is a residential care facility licensed by the State of Florida. It is a half-way house that was approved by Orange County more than a decade ago. It is "grandfathered-in" under existing zoning regulations. The facility consists of five (5) residential units housing 38 residents in drug rehabilitation. It also contains an office buidling and a kitchen/dining facility. The facility buildings are mostly located along the property perimeters with a court yard in the middle. The proposed modular building would be located in the courtyard area for office and counseling purposes. The applicant's letter explaining this request is located on page ---. A letter was received from an abutting resident to the west fronting Michigan Avenue. She expressed concern that a modular building would not be in keeping with the revitalization efforts taking place in the area. The BZA also discussed the proposed Comprehensive Planning changes in the area. The BZA felt the proposed building addition was appropriate given the social service need of the existing facility, and the fact that the building would be located interior to the site, away from adjacent properties and roadways. However, given the proposed planning changes, the BZA imposed a five-year limitation on the modular unit. The applicant agreed to this condition. The applicant stated they understood the importance of the proposed changes being made in the area, and are willing to cooperate. One commentary was received in favor of the request. There was no opposition present at the public hearing.