County wants more say on group homes

But a new state law is making that difficult.

By BARBARA BEHRENDT, Times Staff Writer
Published August 22, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando County commissioners want to protect the elderly and disabled in residential group homes as well as the people living in the neighborhoods where those homes are located.

But state lawmakers, they say, have made that more difficult.

On Tuesday, the commission tried to take back as much control on the issue as they could, within the bounds of state law.

A recent change in the state law allows people living in single-family homes to care for up to six clients in their homes without any local zoning review.

The commission unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday imploring the Legislature to repeal that change so that local review would be required.

If the law cannot be repealed, the county asks that the owner of the home be required to be a resident, and that zoning hearings be required before any group home is approved in a single-family-zoned district.

In the meantime, the commissioners approved an ordinance that details the proof a group home owner must show the county to prove it meets state rules on setting up shop in a residential neighborhood.

If they don't prove their case to the county, a zoning review would be required.

The county ordinance would require the owner to show that the home is more than 1,000 feet from other licensed homes, that they have the proper license for their operation, that their home meets the criteria for a safe home for residents and that its residents are not a health or safety threat to the neighborhood, said Planning Director Ron Pianta.

Commissioner Diane Rowden questioned how much control the county would really have, adding that the residents of these kinds of homes are "the most vulnerable people out there."

Pianta said the law steers control to the state licensing agencies to be sure the homes are operating properly. But if the county receives a complaint, it can investigate, he added.

Even if a county-based complaint turns up a problem that needs to be reported to the licensing agency, they are not always quick to respond, according to Commissioner Rose Rocco.

The commission did agree to add a provision in the ordinance that would make sure that fire officials were at least aware of these homes to be able to provide safety reviews.

Barbara Behrendt can be reached at behrendt@sptimes.com or 352 848-1434.

[Last modified August 21, 2007, 21:27:15]