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1. Are Community Residences allowed in County Jurisdiction?

Yes. Community Residences fall into 2 categories in the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance:
 1. Community Residences providing care for no more than 10 non-adjudicated patient residents (including live-in staff) are allowed in all zoning districts except for the C-O & C-S zoning districts. Community Residences are subject to conditions including a minimum a separation of 1200 feet and licensure or other certification requirements.
 
 2. Homes providing care for more than 10 residents require a Special Use Permit or a Reasonable Accommodation.
 

The County will not reserve future properties for Community Residences, all applications are based upon a first come, first serve basis. Previous approvals may be revoked if the use is discontinued.  New ownership or a new type of Community Residence requires a new Community Residence Application.

2. The Arizona State Health Department requires that forms be signed by the zoning and building officials in order to get my license. How do I get them signed?

The applicant of a Community Residence is responsible for submitting a Community Residence Application that meets zoning ordinance and Staff application requirements. If approved, Staff will produce a Staff Report which will document approval of the land use.  The Staff Report is the only documentation that you will receive for land use approval.  After the applicant has received an approved staff report, the applicant is then responsible for applying for either a compliance inspection or residential alteration permit. Both permits require additional documentation separate from the Community Residence Application.  Following an inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy may be obtained. You may then submit both the Staff Report and Certificate of Occupancy to the State.  County Staff will not produce any other documentation such as letters or e-mails so that licensure may be obtained.

3. What if I want to provide care for individuals who are adjudicated (sentenced to reside in a certain location) and/or are actively abusing illegal substances and need detoxification?

These facilities are not a category of Community Residences. They may be permitted via a Special Use Permit.

4. Is an inspection required for Community Residences?

Yes, a compliance inspection is part of the process. For existing single family homes, residential building codes apply. If the home plans to have more than five residents, a fire sprinkler system is required. In the case of a new build community residence, the building code definition of a community residence applies. This requires the home to meet commercial group home building safety codes. Community Residences for more than 10 persons are subject to an Institutional Occupancy classification.