Housing facilities for special needs populations are protected under provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. The location of such facilities is critical to the well-being of special members of the community, and fulfills a needed community service. It is the purpose of this chapter to facilitate the siting of residential care facilities and adult family homes.
(Ord. 2005-02 (part))
§ 21.85.020 Housing for people with functional disabilities.
A.
Housing for people with functional disabilities, as defined herein, shall be considered a residential use of property for zoning purposes. They shall be an allowable use in all areas zoned for residential or commercial purposes and shall be subject to the following requirements:
1.
Meet Washington State licensing requirements;
2.
Comply with all building, fire safety, and health code requirements;
3.
Lot size, building size, setbacks, and lot coverage conform to the standards of the zoning district, except if the structure is a legal nonconforming structure;
4.
A safe passenger loading area must be provided;
5.
Signage, if any, will conform to Section 21.70.110 of this title.
B.
The conversion of an existing residential structure to housing for people with functional disabilities shall not be deemed a change of use or an abandonment or discontinuity of the prior use of the structure, if such structure constituted a prior nonconforming use.