Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes?

City of Aliso Viejo

July 27, 2023 • 9 pages View Details ▾

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City of Buena Park

August 08, 2023 • 4 pages • 12 responses • Score: -2 (+0, 10, -2) View Details ▾

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12 responses to findings and recommendations

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

R3 Response: The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. While individual cities have adopted local ordinances to regulate group homes in a way that reflects the unique nature, practices and goals of their community, Buena Park has collaborated with and drew on the experience of other Orange County cities when developing and adopting its ordinance. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. The City ...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. Although the City of Buena Park has not directly experienced this issue, the City has encountered nuisance conditions generated by individual group homes that are poorly managed and operated, with neighbors complaining of noise, loitering, and criminal activity, and residents of group homes complaining of substandard living conditions and unlawful evictions. F3 Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this fi...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. While individual cities have adopted local ordinances to regulate group homes in a way that reflects the unique nature, practices and goals of their community, Buena Park has collaborated with and drew on the experience of other Orange County cities when developing and adopting its ordinance. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. The City of Buena Park ...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. Buena Park has held public neighborhood and community meetings on this issue in efforts to educate members of the public and respond to residents' concerns. While educational efforts have increased understanding of challenges facing local governments, impacted residents remain concerned about the negative secondary impacts 6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622-5009 | [714] 562-3500 | BuenaPark.com Page 2 F4 Response: FS Response: F6 Response: F7 Response: F8 Response: FQ caused by poorly managed group h...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

Response: The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. While individual cities have adopted local ordinances to regulate group homes in a way that reflects the unique nature, practices and goals of their community, Buena Park has collaborated with and drew on the experience of other Orange County cities when developing and adopting its ordinance. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. The City of B...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. Although the City of Buena Park has not directly experienced this issue, there is strong evidence from other Orange County cities that many of the reported negative impacts associated with group homes stem either from poor management and operations, which the City of Buena Park has experienced, or an over-concentration of group homes within a given geographic area; and sometimes both. F2 Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. Response: The City of Bue...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

that has the potential to establish legal precedent relevant to the City or its residents, but Buena Park's financing or active support for a pending case involving another jurisdiction requires a case-specific case analysis of the facts, circumstances, and legal concepts at issue. The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improv...

R5

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. (F5, F7, F11) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Response: that has the potential to establish legal precedent relevant to the City or its residents, but Buena Park's financing or active support for a pending case involving another jurisdiction requires a case-specific case analysis of the facts, circumstances, and legal concepts at issue. The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need ...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

F8 Response: FQ caused by poorly managed group homes in their neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park has also found that misinformation, misunderstanding, and lack of communication between group home operators and _- surrounding properties/neighborhoods can result in even well-managed group homes facing challenges within the community. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. Buena Park has successfully utilized the public meeting process to gat...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

FQ caused by poorly managed group homes in their neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park has also found that misinformation, misunderstanding, and lack of communication between group home operators and _- surrounding properties/neighborhoods can result in even well-managed group homes facing challenges within the community. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. Buena Park has successfully utilized the public meeting process to gather comments a...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Response: FQ caused by poorly managed group homes in their neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park has also found that misinformation, misunderstanding, and lack of communication between group home operators and _- surrounding properties/neighborhoods can result in even well-managed group homes facing challenges within the community. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. Buena Park has successfully utilized the public meeting process to gather ...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

R1 Response: R2 Response: R3 Response: The City of Buena Park partially agrees with this finding. While individual cities have adopted local ordinances to regulate group homes in a way that reflects the unique nature, practices and goals of their community, Buena Park has collaborated with and drew on the experience of other Orange County cities when developing and adopting its ordinance. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unl...

City of Costa Mesa

November 13, 2023 • 6 pages View Details ▾

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City of Dana Point

September 01, 2023 • 4 pages View Details ▾

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City of Fullerton

August 15, 2023 • 6 pages • 11 responses • Score: +2 (+2, 7, 0) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding. Between July 2022 and July 23, there were 157 calls for service, 5 arrests, 7 tickets issued, and 37 general offenses issued that were associated with group homes. F.2. Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. Response: The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding (see above). F.3. Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY F.4. F.5. F.6. Respo...

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding. As noted in the response to

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding (see above). F.3. Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY F.4. F.5. F.6. Response: The City of Fullerton has no information on this to provide a response either way. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Fullerton disagrees with this finding. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a mean...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Fullerton has no information on this to provide a response either way. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Fullerton disagrees with this finding. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City of Fullerton partially agrees with this finding. Since current State law and the City of Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) allows "group homes" with six or fewer residents "by right" (i.e...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Fullerton has no information on this to provide a response either way. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Fullerton disagrees with this finding. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City of Fullerton partially agrees with this finding. Since current State law and the City of Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) allows "group homes" with six or fewer residents "by right" (i.e...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Fullerton has no information on this to provide a response either way. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Fullerton disagrees with this finding. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City of Fullerton partially agrees with this finding. Since current State law and the City of Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) allows "group homes" with six or fewer residents "by right" (i.e...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

, Code Enforcement site inspections have revealed that most group homes no longer have an on-site caretakers. For unlicensed group homes, or even for those that are small group homes (i.e. six or less patients) there appears to be no oversight in regards to who is allowed to live there and what care or activities take place. Once an unlicensed facility is reported to the City of Fullerton, the City can address the zoning, noise, property maintenance, and loitering; however, regulatory oversight on the operations has decreased.

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

F.8. issued by the City so they could continue operating in a compliant manner. These operators were accommodating to staff regarding allowing staff into the small group home facilities. However, over the past five years, City staff has noted that operators of group homes changed to larger for-profit companies or developers, and in many cases, these group homes do not have an on-site caretaker. In recent Code Enforcement cases, the Notices of Violations issued by the City have been met with letters from attorneys either citing requests for reasonable accommodations or blatantly stating that t...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

issued by the City so they could continue operating in a compliant manner. These operators were accommodating to staff regarding allowing staff into the small group home facilities. However, over the past five years, City staff has noted that operators of group homes changed to larger for-profit companies or developers, and in many cases, these group homes do not have an on-site caretaker. In recent Code Enforcement cases, the Notices of Violations issued by the City have been met with letters from attorneys either citing requests for reasonable accommodations or blatantly stating that they wi...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding. City of Fullerton staff in Code Enforcement, Planning Division, and Police are currently not part of any committee or task force county-wide or with another city that addresses group home issues. Likewise, no other city in the county has reached out to the City of Fullerton to join efforts to strategize on this issue. Code Enforcement staff does attend regional and countywide Code Enforcement Roundtable/Taskforce meetings in which enforcement strategies and sharing of ideas take place; however, the subject matter is not limited to Group Homes. At...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding. The City of Fullerton has group homes or assisted living facilities that have been operating in the City successfully without any complaints. Examples include Woman's Sober Living, Sunnycrest Guest Home, and St. Nino Manor. . There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Fullerton agrees with this finding. As noted in the response to

City of Laguna Beach

September 06, 2023 • 4 pages View Details ▾

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City of Laguna Hills

August 22, 2023 • 7 pages View Details ▾

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City of Laguna Niguel

August 23, 2023 • 4 pages View Details ▾

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City of Laguna Woods

August 18, 2023 • 5 pages • 10 responses • Score: +2 (+3, 6, -1) View Details ▾

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10 responses to findings and recommendations

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that an overconcentration of group homes may cause nuisances. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that some cities have successfully addressed and informed communi...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. F4. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or levels of community satisfaction in othe...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or levels of community satisfaction in other cities. F5. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or locating and tracking systems used in other cities. F6. Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The Ci...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or locating and tracking systems used in other cities. F6. Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with Page | of 4 group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that enforcement can be subject to costly litigation. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with Page | of 4 group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that enforcement can be subject to costly litigation. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or enforcement practices in other cities. It is true that...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or enforcement practices in other cities. It is true that some cities have created ordinances that require ministerial permitting or registration to operate a group home. F8. City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or how the California Department of...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

The City disagrees wholly with this finding, but only because the City has no direct experience with group homes or how the California Department of Housing and Community Development's housing element review process relates. F9. Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that cities often strategize and act independently in addressing group home challe...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that cities often strategize and act independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. F10. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, it is likely that well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. F11. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and saf...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, it is likely that well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. F11. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that there is an insufficient level of effective regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group hom...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding. While the City has no direct experience with group homes, our understanding of the subject and experiences in other cities supports that there is an insufficient level of effective regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. RECOMMENDATIONS R1. Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the manage...

City of Lake Forest

August 17, 2023 • 6 pages • 16 responses • Score: -8 (+4, 0, -12) View Details ▾

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16 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration. The respondent agrees with the finding. The answer is inherent in the question. The question assumes that the homes are "too close," which by definition constitutes overconcentration.

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F3, F4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to convene a panel on the challenges that a city faces in regulating group homes because it would imply that the City does s...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The answer may vary depending on the facts of each specific case. How large is each facility? How are they run? What regulations govern them? How close is "concentrated"? How small ...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to require the City to collaborate with other cities to regulate contrary to the City's own policy direction. This is a policy choice left to the City under its police power, and the Grand Jury is not justified in attempting to impose it on th...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City does not know what all other cities do. Nor does the City have in-depth knowledge about what any other city might have done or not done to inform its residents about regulation of gr...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F6, F8, F9) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to require the City to pool its resources with those of other cities to defend lawsuits against other cities challenging those other cities' group-home ordinances based on those other cities' different policies. This is a policy choice left to the City under its police power, and the Grand Jury...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. It is unclear what is meant by community satisfaction or how this is measured. It is also not clear what is meant by the "traditional public comment approach."

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F2, F10, F11) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. The City would support a Task Force that helps ensure the health and safety of grouphome residents. ...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that do use these kinds of complaints to track Group Homes, but the City does not ...

R5

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. (F5, F7, F11) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F5, F7, F11) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation or tracking. If the City receives a request for a waiver of generally applicable regulations based on an owner's or operator's disability-related reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable law, the City makes note of that....

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that chooses to not enact or enforce ordinances due to fears over potential litigation, bu...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that have adopted an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, and, if ...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. What is meant by deterred? Prevented or merely discouraged? Regardless, the City cannot say with certainty what motivates or deters officials in other cities or coun...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

challenges and solutions. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The findings themselves presume a certain view of group homes that the City does not necessarily understand. Regardless, the City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that have "historically strategized and acted independe...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The respondent agrees with the finding. The answer is inherent in the question. The question assumes that the homes are "welloperated," which by definition would result in "smooth" integration into a neighborhood if the home is also appropriately located and sized. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

group homes. The respondent agrees with the finding. The City is aware that there have been over-doses, over-dose-related deaths, and assaults and other abuses at some unlicensed group homes. By definition, these occurrences indicate inadequate on-site supervision and oversight. Appropriate governmental oversight can serve to encourage appropriate on-site supervision and oversight for the benefit of the vulnerable populations who reside in the homes. The City supports efforts to provide appropriate oversight of unlicensed group homes. RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS Orange County cities and the ...

City of Los Alamitos

August 21, 2023 • 5 pages • 15 responses • Score: -1 (+3, 8, -4) View Details ▾

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15 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significant cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. It is unclear whether this is due to there not being an overconcentration of group homes in the City, that the ones that do exist are well operated, or a combination thereof. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this...

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted at this time. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. R2: By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. Page 4 of 5 Response: The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarrant...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. It is unclear whether this is due to there not being an overconcentration of group homes in the City, that the ones that do exist are well operated, or a combination thereof. Page 2 of 5 F3: Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially ag...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. R3: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. Response: The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconce...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. The City is not specifically aware of community outreach efforts and related citizen participation in other cities throughout Orange County. F4: Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, n...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. R4: The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities, as appropriate, and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulati...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. The City is not specifically aware of community outreach efforts and related citizen participation and/or community satisfaction in other cities throughout Orange County. F8: Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. It is di...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. A change in State law could be accomplished through advocacy by the League of California cities. R85: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. To be implemented by J...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. The City is not specifically aware of community outreach efforts and related citizen participation in other cities throughout Orange County. F4: Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. Historically, n...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. The City does not have an adopted ordinance regulating group homes because, historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Los Alamitos residents. F7: Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an ...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an Ordinance requiring a ministerial permit or registration of Page 3 of 5 a group home, the City is aware of neighboring jurisdictions that have adopted an ordinance regulating group homes; however, we are not particularly aware of their enforcement policy decisions. F8: City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. While the Ci...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. It is difficult to track the location of group homes as many are not required to obtain an approval or other form of registration and/or license from the City, County or State, pursuant to State law. F6: Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The City of Los Alamitos partially agrees with this finding. The City does not have an adopted ordinance regulating group homes because, historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group h...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. F10: Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity ...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialogue where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are faci...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Los Alamitos agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialogue where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. Response: The City of Los Alamitos will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted ...

City of Mission Viejo

September 07, 2023 • 5 pages View Details ▾

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City of Orange

August 23, 2023 • 4 pages • 15 responses • Score: +11 (+11, 4, 0) View Details ▾

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15 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. City's Response: Respondent agrees with the finding. The City of Orange agrees with this finding insofar that the City of Orange is relying on the information and examples detailed in the subject grand jury report. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and ...

City of Rancho Santa Margarita

August 09, 2023 • 5 pages View Details ▾

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City of San Clemente

August 16, 2023 • 4 pages View Details ▾

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City of San Juan Capistrano

September 11, 2023 • 6 pages • 15 responses • Score: -9 (+3, 0, -12) View Details ▾

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15 responses to findings and recommendations

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F3, F4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to convene a panel on the challenges that a ci...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The answer may vary depending on the facts of each specific case. How large is each facility? How are they run? What regulations govern them? How close is "concentrated"? How small ...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9) San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Juture Page 5 of 6 The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to require the City to collaborate with other cities to regulate contrary to the City's own ...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future Page 2 of 6 The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City does not know what all other cities do. Nor does the City have in-depth knowledge about what any other cit...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F6, F8, F9) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation. It is not reasonable to require the City to pool its resources with those of other cities to defend lawsuits against other cities challenging those other cities' group-home ordinances based on those other cities' different policies. T...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. What is meant by community satisfaction? How is that measured? What constitutes minimal? What is the "traditional public comment approach"? What kinds of complaints? About the existen...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F2, F10, F11) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. The City woul...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that do use these kinds of complaints to track Group Homes, but the City does not ...

R5

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. (F5, F7, F11) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F5, F7, F11) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. The City does not single out group homes for particular regulation or tracking. If the City receives a request for a waiver of generally applicable regulations based on an owner's or operator's disabilityrelated reason...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Juture Page 3 of 6 The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. The City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might be some city or cities somewhere that chooses t...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. What is meant by several? How many is many? Regardless, the City cannot say with certainty what other cities do or don't do. There might ...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. What is meant by deterred? Prevented or merely discouraged? Regardless, the City cannot say with certainty what motivates or deters officials in other cities or coun...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. The City lacks knowledge and information sufficient to reach this conclusion. What is meant by historically in this context? By strategized, independently, challenges, and solutions? The findings itself presumes a certain view of group homes that the City does not necessarily under...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. The respondent agrees with the finding. The answer is inherent in the question. The question assumes that the homes are "well-operated," which by definition would result in "smooth" integration into a neighborhood if the home is also appropriately located and sized.

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. The respondent agrees with the finding. The City is aware that there have been over-doses, over-dose-related deaths, and assaults and other abuses at some unlicensed group homes. By definition, these occurrences indicate inadequate on-site supervision and oversight. Appropriate governmental oversight can serve to encourage appropriate onsite supervision and oversight for the benefit of the vulnerable populations who reside in the homes. The City supports efforts to provide appropriate over...

City of Seal Beach

July 27, 2023 • 5 pages View Details ▾

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City of Stanton

August 09, 2023 • 6 pages View Details ▾

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City of Tustin

August 15, 2023 • 4 pages • 16 responses • Score: -2 (+3, 8, -5) View Details ▾

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16 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significant cause of concern for Tustin residents. It is unclear whether this is due to there not being an overconcentration of group homes in the City, that the ones that do exist are well operated, or a combination thereof. F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Historic...

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted at this time. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. R2: By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. Response: The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effe...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. It is unclear whether this is due to there not being an overconcentration of group homes in the City, that the ones that do exist are well operated, or a combination thereof. F3: Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Histori...

R2

By December 31, 2024, Orange County cities and the County of Orange should collaborate in their efforts to create ordinances for the regulation of group homes, including the development of model ordinances. (F6, F7, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. R3: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. Response: The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group ...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause Mayor Austin Lumbard • Mayor Pro Tem Letitia Clark • Ryan Gallagher • Rebecca "Beckie" Gomez • Ray Schnell 300 Centennial Way • Tustin, California 92780 • www.tustinca.org Page 2 of concern for Tustin residents. The City is not specifically aware of community outreach efforts and related citizen participation in other cities throughout Orange County. F4: Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took...

R3

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should pool resources for defense of lawsuits challenging group home ordinances. (F6, F8, F9)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. R4: The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities, as appropriate, and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and mana...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. The City is not specifically aware of community outreach efforts and related citizen participation and/or community satisfaction in other cities throughout Orange County. F5: Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. It is difficult to track t...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted. Historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. A change in State law could be accomplished through advocacy by the League of California cities. Page 4 R5: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. To be implemented by July 1...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. It is difficult to track the location of group homes as many are not required to obtain an approval or other form of registration and/or license from the City, County or State, pursuant to State law. F6: Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. The City does not have an adopted ordinance regulating group homes because, historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have no...

R5

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should modify code enforcement report data collection forms to include a searchable field that enables the identification of a residence operating as a group home. (F5, F7, F11) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation; however, the City's code enforcement electronic database logs all code enforcement activity and such records can be searched to identify properties alleged to be operating as a group home, if needed. Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Justina Willkom, Community Development Director, at [email protected] or 714-573-3115. Respectfully, Austin Lumbard Mayor cc: Orange County Grand Jury 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. The City does not have an adopted ordinance regulating group homes because, historically, negative effects caused by the operation or overconcentration of group homes have not been a significantly reported cause of concern for Tustin residents. F7: Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an Ordinance requirin...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an Ordinance requiring a ministerial permit or registration of a group home, the City is aware of neighboring jurisdictions that have adopted an ordinance regulating group homes; however, we are not particularly aware of their enforcement policy decisions. F8: City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an ord...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. While the City has not adopted an ordinance regulating group homes at this time, we acknowledge the severity of having a noncompliant housing element which would deter cities from exploring the same. F9: Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. Page 3 F10: Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. F11: There is a lack of regulatory ov...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. Page 3 F10: Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an ope...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the mana...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Tustin agrees with this finding. Without licensing and/or registration, there is no regulatory oversight of these facilities. Recommendations: R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. Response: The City of Tustin will not implement this recommendation because it is unwarranted at this time. ...

City of Santa Ana

September 14, 2023 • 23 pages View Details ▾

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City of Irvine

September 13, 2023 • 5 pages • 11 responses • Score: +3 (+3, 8, 0) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City agrees with this finding. Finding F2: Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood. Response: The City agrees with this finding. Finding F3: Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City agrees that methods employed by certain cities are more successful in informing community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. The City, however...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City agrees with this finding. Finding F3: Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City agrees that methods employed by certain cities are more successful in informing community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. The City, however, does not have available evidence to support the conclusion that cities have successfully addressed and informed the community. Page 2 Finding F4: Community satisfaction was minimal when cit...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City agrees that methods employed by certain cities are more successful in informing community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. The City, however, does not have available evidence to support the conclusion that cities have successfully addressed and informed the community. Page 2 Finding F4: Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding. The public comment approach is par...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding. The public comment approach is part of a multi-faceted system of addressing community complaints and cannot be taken individually to evaluate community satisfaction for this single component. Finding F5: Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City of Irvine utilizes code enforcement as one of many tools to respond to complaints in the community; some of which may relate to Group Homes. However, the City do...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding. The City of Irvine utilizes code enforcement as one of many tools to respond to complaints in the community; some of which may relate to Group Homes. However, the City does not have in its possession a comprehensive list of Group Homes, nor means to exhaustively track all Group Homes in the City. Further, the City is unable to comment on the procedures of other cities. Finding F6: Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding insofar as its ordinances are generally enforced uniformly for all residential properties, and as such, the City does not fear the potential cost of litigation. However, where ordinances are enforced, or perceived to be enforced discriminately against group homes, the City fears the potential cost of litigation. Finding F7: Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City partially agrees with this fi...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially agrees with this finding insofar it is generally aware that one or more other cities have considered and/or adopted an ordinance related to regulation of group homes (some of which are in litigation); however, the City is not aware of the degree to which these ordinances are enforced. Page 3 Finding F8: City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City disagrees partially with this finding, as it is not aware of other cities' practices in this regard. Find...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City disagrees partially with this finding, as it is not aware of other cities' practices in this regard. Finding F9: Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City agrees with this finding. Finding F10: Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City agrees with this finding and would appreciate input defining a "well-operated" group home. Finding F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: ...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding. Finding F10: Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City agrees with this finding and would appreciate input defining a "well-operated" group home. Finding F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City agrees with this finding insofar as it refers to state regulation. The City attempts to provide regulatory oversight for the health and safety of its residents as applicable to the authority it has to do so. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendat...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding and would appreciate input defining a "well-operated" group home. Finding F11: There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City agrees with this finding insofar as it refers to state regulation. The City attempts to provide regulatory oversight for the health and safety of its residents as applicable to the authority it has to do so. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opp...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with this finding insofar as it refers to state regulation. The City attempts to provide regulatory oversight for the health and safety of its residents as applicable to the authority it has to do so. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation R1: Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F3, F4) Respon...

City of Huntington Beach

September 05, 2023 • 3 pages • 10 responses • Score: +7 (+7, 3, 0) View Details ▾

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10 responses to findings and recommendations

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding F4. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Huntington Beach is not sure what this refers to, e.g., community complaints about the issue generally or specific homes, or the City's historical response to the issue (?). F5. Citie...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding F4. Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Huntington Beach is not sure what this refers to, e.g., community complaints about the issue generally or specific homes, or the City's historical response to the issue (?). F5. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. TELEPHONE (714) 536-5553 Response - Grand Jury Report (Group Homes) 9/5/2023 Page 2...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding F4.

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Huntington Beach may disagree partially with the above finding. Complaints about alleged illegal activity or residential nuisances received through police and code enforcement are used to locate and track alleged illegal activity or residential nuisances until the complaint is resolved. F6. Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: This may be true for other cities, the City of Huntington Beach is not certain. The City of Huntington Beach has enacted and does enforce its ordinances for the benefit of bo...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Agree Score: +1

This may be true for other cities, the City of Huntington Beach is not certain. The City of Huntington Beach has enacted and does enforce its ordinances for the benefit of both the communities in which these homes are located, but also for the safety and protection of those residents in those homes. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: This may be true for other cities, the City of Huntington Beach is not certain. The City of Huntington Bea...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Agree Score: +1

This may be true for other cities, the City of Huntington Beach is not certain. The City of Huntington Beach has enacted and does enforce its ordinances for the benefit of both the communities in which these homes are located, but also for the safety and protection of those residents in those homes. F8. City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding; although, the City's current regulatory scheme was not a barrier to the Ci...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding; although, the City's current regulatory scheme was not a barrier to the City obtaining approval of its proposed Housing Element. F9. Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F10. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F11. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residen...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F10. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F11. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding; which is why the City's current regulatory scheme is meritorious. The City's regulations aim to protect both the communities in which the homes are located and those residents in those homes. RECOMMENDATIONS RI. Ora...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F11. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding; which is why the City's current regulatory scheme is meritorious. The City's regulations aim to protect both the communities in which the homes are located and those residents in those homes. RECOMMENDATIONS RI. Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog ...

F11

There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding; which is why the City's current regulatory scheme is meritorious. The City's regulations aim to protect both the communities in which the homes are located and those residents in those homes. RECOMMENDATIONS RI. Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. To be implemented by July 1, 2...

City of Newport Beach

August 23, 2023 • 7 pages View Details ▾

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County of Orange Executive Office

August 22, 2023 • 9 pages • 12 responses • Score: +2 (+2, 10, 0) View Details ▾

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12 responses to findings and recommendations

F1

Group homes too close to one another contribute to the problems associated with overconcentration.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Agrees with the finding F2.Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood Response: Agrees with the finding F3.Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: Agrees with the finding While the Finding is specific to cities and their outreach to their residents, the County is aware of the level of outreach cities have conducted on the subject matter and the County has conducted its own outreach. F4. Community satisfaction ...

R1

Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts can share with attendees the challenges cities are facing in the management of group homes. (F3, F4)

Response: Implemented

Due: July 1, 2024 Scheduled: FY 2022-23 Score: 0

The recommendation has been implemented The County has hosted multiple community town halls in the county to discuss concerns around group homes. There was a townhall in 2019 in the North Tustin community, as well as an investigative hearing in 2022 focused on the fentanyl epidemic that touched on group homes. Also, a mayor town hall was held in 2022 to discuss a model ordinance. The County also underwent an extensive revision of the Zoning Code during which members of the public were welcome to comment on group homes regulations along with other concerns. R2.By December 31, 2024, Orange Count...

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agrees with the finding F2.

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agrees with the finding F3.

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Agrees with the finding The County does not have an opinion on the community's satisfaction with the cities' approach to addressing community complaints via the traditional public comment approach. It does, however, acknowledge that it was not uncommon for the County to hear concerns from residents throughout the county about group homes in their communities, whether they were cities or unincorporated areas. F5. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes. Response: Disagrees wholly with the finding While this Finding i...

R4

The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. (F2, F10, F11)

Response: Requires Analysis

Due: July 1, 2024 Scheduled: FY 2022-23 Score: 0

.The County of Orange and Orange County cities should create a Task Force that includes representatives from OC cities, unincorporated areas, and other entities as appropriate and charge it with the responsibility of developing a plan to generate awareness among State legislators and regulators of the need for improved regulations and management standards to ensure health and safety for Group Home residents. To be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F2, F10, F11) Response: This recommendation requires further analysis Individual Supervisors are already collaborating with stakeholders in their distri...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagrees wholly with the finding While this Finding is specific to cities, the County does not have any reason to believe that cities are not prioritizing concerns specific to group homes and the County is utilizing all resources to track group homes as well. F6. Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: Disagrees wholly with the finding While this Finding is specific to cities, the County does not have any reason to believe that cities are not prioritizing concerns specific to group homes. The County is aware of ...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagrees wholly with the finding While this Finding is specific to cities, the County does not have any reason to believe that cities are not prioritizing concerns specific to group homes. The County is aware of cities who have taken proactive steps to address group home concerns whether it be through an ordinance or other measure. Furthermore, the County actively follows litigation challenging local ordinances aimed at curtailing unregulated group homes. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of th...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Partially disagrees with the finding Some cities have stalled enforcement, which may be related to HCD's Group Home Technical Advisory and concerns about approval of their housing element. While this Finding is specific to cities, the County does not have any reason to believe that cities are not prioritizing concerns specific to group homes. Furthermore, the County is aware that some local ordinances regarding group homes are currently undergoing challenges in the court system and by HCD, which has delayed full enforcement of their ordinances. F8. City and County officials are deterred from ...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Partially disagrees with the finding The guidance provided by California Housing and Community Development (HCD) prioritizes and encourages regulation of group homes through traditional, complaint-based code enforcement and health/safety means, but discourages regulation of group homes through specific, targeted, local permitting requirements and zoning controls. To the extent the finding conveys that group homes are a factor that is examined in the housing element approval process and that HCDs guidance deters local jurisdictions from using permitting and Zoning controls to specifically regul...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Partially disagrees with the finding Cities have varied approaches to addressing group home challenges and continue to approach the issue and potential solutions differently based on the factors unique to their specific jurisdiction. F10. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: Partially disagrees with the finding While the County believes that group homes with Good Neighbor policies can integrate into neighborhoods like certain licensed drug and alcohol facilities do, the County recognizes that not all neighborhoods may be appropriate for group homes des...

F10

Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Partially disagrees with the finding While the County believes that group homes with Good Neighbor policies can integrate into neighborhoods like certain licensed drug and alcohol facilities do, the County recognizes that not all neighborhoods may be appropriate for group homes despite proper management and strong Good Neighbor Policies. F141. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: Partially disagrees with the finding The County can enforce various provisions of the Codified Ordinances having to do with public health ...

City of Fountain Valley

August 15, 2023 View Details ▾

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City of Garden Grove

August 08, 2023 • 3 pages • 8 responses • Score: +4 (+4, 4, 0) View Details ▾

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8 responses to findings and recommendations

F2

Common nuisances are more likely and disruptive when sober living homes are concentrated in a small geographic area of a neighborhood.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F3. Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F4, Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Garden Grove disagrees partially with the above finding. The City of Garden Grove has been successful in explaining the law to individuals when inquires or complaints are received and has ad...

F3

Some cities have successfully addressed and informed community members about the challenges faced in regulating group homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F4, Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints. Response: The City of Garden Grove disagrees partially with the above finding. The City of Garden Grove has been successful in explaining the law to individuals when inquires or complaints are received and has addressed community complaints in a manner that is satisfactory. 11222 Acacia Parkway e P.O.Box 3070 » Garden Grove, CA 92842 ggcity.org Response to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, ...

F4

Community satisfaction was minimal when cities took the traditional public comment approach towards addressing community complaints.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Garden Grove disagrees partially with the above finding. The City of Garden Grove has been successful in explaining the law to individuals when inquires or complaints are received and has addressed community complaints in a manner that is satisfactory. 11222 Acacia Parkway e P.O.Box 3070 » Garden Grove, CA 92842 ggcity.org Response to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "Welcome to the Neighborhood" Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes? August 8, 2023 Page 2 F5. Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means o...

F5

Cities are not utilizing police, fire, and code enforcement complaints as a means of locating and tracking Group Homes.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Garden Grove disagrees partially with the above finding. The City utilizes complaints received through police and code enforcement to locate and track Group Homes until the complaint is resolved. F6. Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City of Garde...

F6

Cities are inhibited from enacting and enforcing ordinances due to fears over the potential cost of litigation.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F7. Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F8. City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F9, Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addres...

F7

Several cities have created an ordinance that requires a ministerial permit or registration to operate a group home, however many of these cities do not enforce their ordinances.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F8. City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development's housing element approval process. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F9, Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F1i0. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. ...

F8

City and County officials are deterred from regulating group homes by California Housing and Community Development’s housing element approval process.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F9, Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F1i0. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. Fi1. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. RECOMMENDATIONS Ri. Orange County cities and...

F9

Cities have historically strategized and acted independently in addressing group home challenges and solutions.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. F1i0. Well-operated group homes can integrate smoothly into neighborhoods. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. Fi1. There is a lack of regulatory oversight for the health and safety of residents of unlicensed group homes. Response: The City of Garden Grove agrees with the above finding. RECOMMENDATIONS Ri. Orange County cities and the County of Orange should address citizen concerns regarding group homes by providing an opportunity for an open dialog where an interdisciplinary panel of subject matter experts ...

Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes?

Findings and Recommendations 11 findings

Agency Responses 26