Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-03-12-088 — Hogar Crea International, Inc.

Request: Special Exception in P-O (professional office) zone to convert existing single family residence into a substance abuse rehabilitation facility for up to 8 clients and Variance to allow unpaved parking in lieu of paved. (NOTE: The applicant was cited by the Code Enforcement Division for operating without proper zoning approvals).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The Staff Report and Recommendation is located on Pages____ Details of the request are stated in the staff report (attached). The applicant is proposing a drug rehabilitation facility for up to 6 clients. They were cited by the Code Enforcement Division for operating without zoning approval. The applicant explained to the BZA that this operation was not for detoxification or drug abuse treatment but "transitional housing" for the clients after completing such treatments. Medication is not administered to the clients to stop their addition. This facility will operate like the other facility on Tucker Road only with fewer clients. Staff presented its analysis. The subject property is located on McCoy Road (Sand Lake Road). McCoy Road is a major roadway with office and commercial uses located on both sides. The facility does not share any access with residential neighborhoods. In summary, staff recommended approval of the proposed use due to its commercial location. Three (3) persons spoke in opposition. They felt the request did not comply with the variance criteria. They also had concerns about the lack of licensing of this facility and the impacts this would have to the community. There was discussion amongst the BZA and staff regarding the appropriate licensing for operations of such a facility. Staff advised the BZA that licensing would occur subsequent to zoning approval. The BZA concluded this location was even more suitable than the Tucker Road site and the minimal number of clients (6) would not adversely impact anyone.