Article IV. Supplemental Standards for Special Residential Uses
17.95.375 Supplemental standards for special residential uses.
(1) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to set forth standards for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of both the community at large and the residents of a facility. These standards are supplementary regulations and are in addition to standards set forth elsewhere in this code.
(2) Special Residential Uses. Special residential uses include licensed group homes, licensed enhanced service facilities, temporary emergency shelters, or memory care facilities, except as limited in subsection (5) of this section.
(3) In addition to other applicable standards, no special residential development shall be located closer than 1,200 feet, measured from property lines, from another such facility. For the purpose of this subsection, a development shall be defined as a building or group of buildings on a single parcel of land. This provision is intended to prevent the creation of a de facto social service district.
(4) The following standards shall also apply to special residential uses:
(a) If the facility is located within a residential neighborhood, it shall be maintained to conform to the character of that neighborhood. This applies to design, density, lot size, landscaping, or other factors affecting the neighborhood character. This will prevent disruption of a neighborhood due to the introduction of a dissimilar structure.
(b) Only identification signs not exceeding two square feet in area denoting the name and/or purpose of a special residential use shall be allowed in a residential neighborhood. Such signs must be attached to the structure.
(c) Facilities located in nonresidential areas shall be maintained in the general character of the surrounding area. This applies to design, lot size, and landscaping affecting the character of the area.
(d) The total occupancy of a structure designed for special residential use shall be at least 100 square feet per occupant, or as provided by the city’s adopted building code, as hereafter amended. For homes on a local residential street, occupancy shall not exceed two clients per bedroom.
(5) Family daycare homes and group care facilities for handicapped persons or children that meet the definition of “family” in SMC 17.20.070 are not subject to the regulations in this section. These facilities are subject to SMC 17.95.380 and 17.95.382 and the use regulations of Chapters 17.30 through 17.79 SMC, similar to any single-family home, and without additional regulation beyond applicable state and federal requirements.
(6) In addition to all of the standards listed above, enhanced service facilities shall comply with the following:
(a) Only conversions of currently licensed nursing homes under Chapter 18.51 RCW, assisted living facilities under Chapter 18.20 RCW, or adult family homes under Chapter 70.128 RCW to enhanced service facilities are allowed as provided for in WAC 388-107-0710. No new enhanced service facilities are allowed in the city of Stanwood.
(b) Converted buildings must be brought up to current building, floodplain and fire code standards, including ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and all other applicable state and local rules, regulations, permits, and code requirements.
(c) The enhanced services facility must also meet specific new construction requirements related to the safety of any residents with complex needs that the facility is choosing to serve.
(d) Facilities must provide a current copy of their Washington State business license and Department of Social and Health Services license.
(e) A written management plan shall be provided for the director’s review and approval. At a minimum, a management plan shall address the following components:
(i) Identify potential impacts on nearby residential uses and proposed methods to mitigate those impacts. Impacts could include, but are not limited to noise, access, security, and/or traffic;
(ii) Identify the project management or agency responsible for the support staff and who will be available to resolve concerns pertaining to the facility. The plan shall specify procedures for updating any changes in contact information;
(iii) Identify staffing, supervision and security arrangements for the facility. A 24-hour on-site supervisor is required;
(iv) Identify a communications plan in the event that information to the surrounding neighborhood would be needed throughout the time the ESF is in operation. (Ord. 1499 § 9 (Exh. G), 2021; Ord. 1164 § 4, 2004; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(A)(4), 1995).