Rehab zoning bill goes to Assembly

A state bill that would make drug and rehab homes comply with local zoning codes before they could get their state licenses renewed passed the Senate on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 268, written by Sen. Tom Harman, will now move to the Assembly.

“Residential treatment centers are an important part of the recovery process. They should be run with the absolute safety of their residents in mind. I am pleased my colleagues saw the benefit of balancing the needs of those in treatment with the safety of our neighborhoods,” Harman said in a written statement.

The bill would require any license renewal by a rehab facility to include a fire clearance approved by the state fire marshal or local prevention officer based on the building codes in place when the facility was initially licensed. Rehab centers do not have to communicate with local planning and zoning officials the way current law is written, resulting in situations where state officials can approve an application that is inconsistent or out of compliance with local zoning codes.

— Brianna Bailey