The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council’s Social Services and Public Safety Committee will take up a proposed ordinance Tuesday that would tighten local oversight of recovery residences, also known as sober living homes.
The ordinance, drafted by the Department of Law, would require operators to obtain a city-issued license, provide proof of state certification, and secure zoning compliance permits. It also establishes civil fines, liens, and an appeals process for violations. A six-month grace period is included to allow operators time to comply.
The issue is expected to draw close scrutiny from both council members and the public. While recent state laws already require certification of recovery residences, the proposed ordinance gives Lexington concurrent enforcement authority. The draft states the lack of minimum standards has created “an environment which is unsafe, hazardous, and detrimental towards persons in need of such recovery services”…