Rockford has moved to condemn a half-dozen sober-living group homes that have sprung up across the city, saying they violate building codes.
The city posted notices of intent to condemn the houses last week saying the locations are considered “community-based housing,” requiring automated fire sprinklers if there are more than four residents living there. They also took issue with areas of the house like basements, hallways and closets being used as bedrooms without proper exits in case of a fire.
“We’re pinned as the bad guy here, but we’re trying to protect the health and safety of the people in those houses,” said city Legal Director Nicholas Meyer. “We don’t want people living in closets. You shouldn’t be living in a basement with no way to escape if there’s a fire, or living above a garage — that’s a safety issue.”
Oxford House representatives have told Rockford officials they intend to appeal the condemnation notices to the Rockford Building Board of Appeals. No hearing date has been set.