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Comprehensive Plan Housing Element <br />• Group Homes <br />Indian River County classifies group homes by categories based on permitted occupancy rates. <br />There are four categories of group homes defined by county code. The categories are: <br />LEVEL I - Occupancy up to (8) residents <br />LEVEL II - Occupancy up to (12) residents <br />LEVEL III - Occupancy up to (20) residents <br />Residential Center - Occupancy up to (21) or more residents <br />Generally, group homes are defined as residential facilities which are designed to provide some form <br />of specialized care such as physical, social, or emotional support. In Indian River County, most of <br />the group homes are for elderly individuals. <br />Table 7.19 identifies the location of group homes in the unincorporated County. <br />In the past, the county has taken steps to permit the development of group homes and foster care <br />facilities in residential districts. According to county regulations, group homes are permitted in <br />single-family and multi -family residential districts when meeting all Environmental Health <br />requirements. Depending on the district and class of group home, a special exception or <br />administrative permit may be required; however, some districts permit certain classes of group <br />homes by right. <br />As to foster care homes, those which meet Environmental Health licensing requirements are <br />permitted within a wide range of single-family and multi -family districts. In the past, the county has <br />made reasonable efforts to accommodate foster care homes. Going forward, the county should <br />continue to ensure that sites for foster care homes will be available in any of several zoning <br />classifications. <br />In the future, congregate living arrangements and small group homes are likely to become more <br />popular and gain even greater acceptance. It can be expected that an aging population faced with <br />increased housing and medical costs will take advantage of the economic and social advantages <br />offered by such living arrangements. Consequently, the county's policy should be to continue to <br />allow group homes within its residential areas. <br />35 <br />Community Development Department Indian River County <br />