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ZOA No. 2025-01: Group Home Ordinance (Citywide) <br />June 23, 2025 <br />Page 3 <br />5 <br />1 <br />0 <br />8 <br />Item Existing Zoning Code <br />Regulations <br />Proposed Zoning Code Amendment <br />Sober-living Home Standards No applicable standards.Sec. 41-2402(b)(15) includes standards for <br />sober-living facilities, in addition to <br />applicable group home standards, related <br />to active participation in treatment, rules <br />and regulations to prohibit use of alcohol <br />or non-prescription drugs, limits on <br />occupants subject to the sex offender <br />registration, visitation policy, good <br />neighbor policy, and limits on services <br />provided. <br />Occupancy Limits No limits on occupancy.Sec. 41-2401 distinguishes between small <br />(6 or less occupants) and large (7 or more <br />occupants) and zoning districts where <br />permitted and types of permits required. <br />Operator Qualifications Not addressed.1. Sec. 41-2402(f) places clear <br />regulations and qualifications for <br />operators of small group homes. <br />2. Sec. 8-3600 et seq. places clear <br />regulations and qualification for <br />operations of large group homes. <br />Existing Homes Not addressed.1. Sec. 41-2407 requires existing homes <br />with 6 or less occupants to apply for a <br />Group Home Special Use Permit <br />within 90 days of effective date. <br />2. Sec. 41-2408 requires existing home <br />with 7 or more occupants to obtain an <br />Operator's Permit within 120 days of <br />effective date. <br />Reasonable Accommodation Not explicitly addressed.Sec. 41-2402(b)(16) expressly states that a <br />reasonable accommodation seeking relief <br />from applicable standards may be applied <br />for (Sec. 41-652 through 41-655). <br />Background <br />Like many other cities in California, Santa Ana has experienced a rise in the number of <br />group homes within single-family residential neighborhoods. The proliferation of group <br />homes has led to an increase in code enforcement complaints and calls for service from <br />residents relating to impacts associated with such uses. <br />The FFHA and FEHA, prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, <br />religion, sex, national origin, family status and disability through zoning or other land use <br />practices. Because of these laws, cities cannot develop zoning or land use regulations that <br />would discriminate against individuals with disabilities. As defined by the FFHA and FEHA, <br />persons with disabilities are individuals with mental or physical impairments that <br />substantially limit one or more major life activities. Such disabilities include but are not limited <br />