Item 13 - OC Grand Jury's Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Group Homes and the Orange County Animal Care Shelter

Home Browse Search

Receive and File - Orange County Grand Jury's Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Group Homes and the Orange County Animal Care Shelter August 15, 2023 Page 2 The subsequent OCGJ report, published on June 7th and titled "Welcome to the Neighborhood: Evaluating the Management of Group Homes' Integration by Cities," delved into the issue of Group Homes and their effects on cities and their communities. The Grand Jury examined how Orange County cities managed the inflow and placement of group homes, with the aim of identifying effective local governance strategies for this industry. The underlying premise was that individual cities bear the responsibility of integrating group homes, which should ensure the well-being of group home residents while minimizing any negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods. This OCGJ report particularly recognized the State of California's role in challenging and restricting local jurisdictions' authority to effectively address group homes through zoning regulations. The full report is attached as Exhibit 1. In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the OCGJ mandates that the City must respond to the conclusions and recommendations outlined in both reports. An overview of the OCGJ's findings, recommendations, and the City's corresponding responses, are attached as Exhibits 3 and 4. Once authorized by the City Council, the responses documented in Exhibits 3 and 4 will be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBIT(S) 1. County of Orange Grand Jury Investigative Report, Findings and Recommendations Regarding Group Homes ("Welcome to the Neighborhood" Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes?) 2. County of Orange Grand Jury Investigative Report, Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Orange County Animal Care shelter (Gimme Shelter and a Pound of Advice, "The State of Animal Welfare Overseen by the County of Orange) 3. City Response to County of Orange Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations Regarding Group Homes 4. City Response to County of Orange Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Orange County Animal Care shelter Submitted By: Minh Thai, Executive Director of Planning and Building Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager