Group Homes for Local Disabled to Be Discussed

Officials were set to decide whether to change zoning rules to accommodate multi-resident care facilities today.

The City Council was scheduled to vote at its meeting at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center on whether to establish a procedure to allow care facilities serving six or fewer persons to run in residential areas.

According to a city staff report, State Legislature declared the lack of housing -- including housing for persons with disabilities -- is a critical issue that threatens economic, environmental and social quality of life in California.

In order to keep in line with federal housing laws, the Temecula Municipal Code needs to be amended. The city council will be ordaining the addition of a new section called "Reasonable Accommodations," according to the report. 

State and federal laws require residential care facilities housing six or fewer people be treated as a "permitted uses" in all residential districts to help disabled persons to have access to housing, the report states.

The re-zoning amendment has been reviewed by all appropriate city departments to make sure it is in conformance with the goals, policies, programs and guidelines of the city’s general plan.

Some feel the changes take a step in the right direction.

"You know, my uncle who lives locally would definitely benefit from this. He can get around on his own, but sometimes, he needs help," said Temecula resident Sally Jensen.

Other residents were nervous about the prospect of a small care facility being in their neighborhood.

"I certainly don't want to see any kind of halfway house or packed house on my street," Temecula resident Tom Henson said. "I am not too sure this is a good idea."

At a public hearing on June 1, the planning commission heard arguments both for and against the proposed change and approved it, moving it on to the City Council for a final vote.