Title
Hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 125 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City entitled “Zoning” by amending Section 125-90.J. entitled “Group Residential Facilities” and Section 125-260.C. entitled “Residential Use Facilities” to clarify requirements for group homes (Director of Planning and Development)
Background:
Timeline
· March 24, 2015 - City Council approves 2nd reading of Ordinance 2015-08 amending the City’s zoning ordinance related to housing for persons with disabilities in residential districts, including “disabled group dwellings” (generally 6 or fewer persons) and assisted living facilities (generally 7 more persons).
· Fall 2015 - Updated rules promulgated by the DOJ related to housing and certain protected classes of citizens.
· November 7, 2016 - The City received notice from the U.S. Department of Justice (the "DOJ") that the DOJ had initiated an investigation of the City’s zoning and land use practices, pursuant to the Fair Housing Act (the “Act”). The Act authorizes DOJ to commence a civil action whenever it has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaging in a pattern of practices of housing discrimination, or that a group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by the Act and such denial raises an issue of general public importance. The purpose of the DOJ investigation was to determine whether the City, through its adoption and/or enforcement of Ordinance 2015-08, has denied, made available, or otherwise discriminated in housing on the basis of disability in violation of the Act.
· February 10, 2017 - city staff met with DOJ attorney Max Lapertosa to discuss the DOJ’s specific concerns with Ordinance 2015-08. The DOJ is requesting the City amend its regulations to be consistent with Federal/State laws.
· February 27, 2017 - Workshop conducted by City Council to discuss issue. City attorney and st...
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