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HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCES-1983-088-O-83AB-0-83 . AN ORDINANCE Amending Title 8 of the City ,Code of the City of Evanston 1979, as Amended, Providing for Residential Care Homes and Group Care Homes WHEREAS, the City of Evanston as a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs; and �i WHEREAS, effective local licensing, regulation and enforcement of ji minimum standards of Group and Residential Care Homes located within Evanston ' is a matter directly relating to the affairs of the City of Evanston; and WHEREAS, a demonstrated need exists in Evanston for such homes to accommodate qualified Evanston residents currently unable to find appropriate !� living arrangements within the City of Evanston; `j WHEREAS, expeditious processing of,applications for such licensing j; is deemed sound and appropriate; WHEREAS, The City of Evanston hereby finds and declares that .there is an urgent need to establish a coordinated and comprehensive service ' 'system of quality community care for mentally ill, developmentally and ' physically disabled, and socially dependent children and adults; �l WHEREAS, The City of Evanston declares it is the intent of the City to develop policies and programs designed to: (1) insure a level of ,I care and services in the community which is better than that provided by I institutions; (2) assure that all people who require them are provided with the appropriate range of social rehabilitative, habilitative and treatment services, including residential and nonresidential programs tailored to their needs; (3) protect the legal and human rights of a s person in or receiving services from a residential care or group care facility; (4) insure continuity of care between the medical -health elements and the supportive care -rehabilitation elements of Evanston's service ( systems; (S) insure that facilities providing community care are adequate, safe and sanitary; j: N014 THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ,:.. 'EVANSTON, COOVCOUNTY, ILLINOI$: 1 SECTION'1: That Title 8 of the City Code of the City of ' Evanston,.1979, as amended, be further amended to add Chapter 19 "Residential Care Homes and Group Care Homes".. )� 8-19-1: DECLARATION OF POLICY: It is the purpose of. this Chapter and the policy of the City to support, foster and establish standards for the creation, licensing and regulation of facilities designed to care for four specific I groups with special housing needs: (A) The elderly who are impaired by chronic illness.and/or mobility limitations associated with the aging process but who do not require long term nursing care; (s . I ' I r1 U A (B) .the chronically, mentally ill; (C) the developmentally disabled; and (D) youths from nine to`.eighteen years'of age who are' unable to live with their parents or guardians. 8-19-2: DEFINITIONS "GROUP CARE'HOME: A residential facility housing from nine (9) to fifteen (15) persons, including any resident,' supervisory personnel, residing together in a family environment, each of whom is capable of independent living with support services; but who need a substitute home and are developmentally disabled, mentally ill, impaired by chronic illness and/or mobility limita- tions associated with the aging process, or are between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age and are unable to live with their parents or guardians. Excluded from this definition are homes, any residents of which are currently addicted to or recovering from addiction to alcohol or narcotic drugs or are criminal offenders serving on work release or probationary programs. All Group Care Homes shall be licensed pursuant to the provisions of. Section 8-19 of the Evanston City Code." RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME: A residential facility housing four (4) to eight (8) persons, including any resident supervisory personnel, residing together in a family environment, each of whom is capable of independent living with support services, but who need a substitute home and are developmentally disabled, mentally ill, impaired by chronic illness and/or mobility limitations associated with the aging process, or are between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age and are unable to live with their parents or guardians. Excluded, from this definition are homes any residents of which are currently addicted to or recovering from addiction to alcohol or narcotic drugs or are criminal offenders serving on work release or probationary programs.. All Residential Care Homes shall be licensed pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-19 of the Evanston City Code. DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED PERSON: is a person who has a disability which is attributable to: (a) mental retardation, cerebral palsy,.epilepsy, or autism; or to (b) any other condition which results in impairments similar to.that caused by mental retardation and which requires services similar to those required by mentally retarded persons. Such disability must originate before the age of 18, be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitute a substantial handicap. Residents of a residential care or group care home must meet the following•.minimum functioning level criteria: Independent functioning: Feeds self adequately with spoon and fork; can butter bread; (needs help with cutting meat); can put oft clothes and can button and zipper clothes; may tie shoes; bathes self with super- vision; is toilet trained; washes face and hands without help. Physical: Can run, skip, hop, dance; uses skates or - sled or jump rope; can go up and down stairs alternating feet; can throw ball to hit target. • C] Physical: Can run, skip, hop, dance; uses skates or sled or jump rope; can go ,,up and down stairs alternating feet; can throw ball to hit target. Communication: May communicate in complex sentences; speech is generally clear and distinct; understands complex verbal communication including words such as "because" and "but". Recognizes signs, words, but does not read with comprehension, prose materials. Social: May participate in group activities spontaneously; may engage -"in simple competitive exercise games (dodge ball, tag, races). May have friendship choices which are maintained over weeks or months. Economic activity: May be sent on simple errands and make simple purchases with A note; realizes money has value but does not know how to use it (except for coin machines). Occupation: May prepare simple foods (sandwiches); can help with simple household tasks (bedmaking, sweeping', vacuuming); can set and clear table. Self direction: May ask if there is "work" for him to do; may pay attention to task for 10 minutes or more; makes efforts to be dependable and carry out responsibility. MENTAL ILLNESS: The term mental illness, for the purposes of a residential care or group care home, means a disability attributable to the residual effects of a mental disorder or emotional disturbance that causes some functional impairment and that alone or in - connection with social, legal or economic constraints, requires the provision of specialized services over an extended period of time directed toward the individual's social, personal, physical and/or economic habilitation or rehabilitation. For purposes of this ordinance, the term mental illness does not include individuals who are currently actively psychotic, individuals with a history -of violent, destructive or criminal behavior, or individuals who are determined at the point of application to be currently at risk of posing a threat to themselves or others.• Residents of a residential care or group care home must meet the following minimum level functioning criteria. :e Assessed capacity for independent functioning, based on the individual's ,wish to live independently and demonstrated capacity to function in a socially appropriate manner and to manage his/her own needs and care (e.g., personal care, health management, household maintenance). Also, a demonstrated willingness and capacity to learn and/or to refine additional independent living skils if needed (e.g., vocational training, development of own social network). The intention and goal of residential programs is the enhancement of the residents' self-sufficiency and self-reliance. A resident of a residential care or group care home should demonstrate mastery of the following skills: In Home Skills - care for personal hygiene - take own medications as prescribed (if any) - ability to perceive common dangers - e.g., lock doors, turn off gas, etc. j- In the Community.Skills basic understanding of community expectations and appropriate neighboring' Social and Emotional Skills - maintain contact with a clinic or other social agency - absence of violent or destructive behavior A resident should demonstrate the potential to master the following functioning skills, which should be developed through support services available to residents of.the•proposed home. In Home.Skills - perform routine household chores laundry - prepare own meals - budget.own money In the Community skills - schedule and keep own therapy and medical appointments - use public transportation - shop on own - attend school, workshop, job - awareness of public welfare and other bureaucratic systems (may need help to negotitate these systems): Social and Emotional Skills - monitor emotional needs, e.g., need for more meds, extra attention,,quiet time, etc. some ability to problem solve, verbalize and negotiate with others in the enviornment. 8-1.9-3: LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: 8-19-3-1: LICENSE REQUIRED: No person, firm, corporation, as- sociation or religious organization may establish; operate, maintain, offer, or advertise a Group Care or Residential • Care Home within the City unless and until that person or entity obtains a valid Municipal License as provided herein, which license remains unsuspended, unrevoked, and unexpired. Where the operator of the facility and the owner of the facility are not the same person, the operator shall be responsible for meeting the licensing requirements and shall be required to have a binding lease or management agreement with the owner, which shall be for a minimum period of two years beyond the date of the application for the license. As part of the licensing applica- tion, the operator/applicant shall submit written evidence of the owner's knowledge of the proposed use of the facility. All facilities existing as of the date of this ordinance which qualify as a group care facility as defined.herein are hereby exempted from the license requirements as set forth in Sections 8-19-3, 8-19-4, 8-19-5 and 8-19-6. 8-19-3-2.: LICENSE PROCEDURES: The procedure for obtaining a valid license shall be as follows: (A) Application to conduct and operate a facility shall be made to the Director of Health and Human Services of the City of Evanston on forms furnished by the Department. The application shall be under oath and shall contain the following information: 1. The name and address of the applicant if an individual; and if a firm, partnership or associa- tion, of every member thereof, and in the case of a corporation, the name and address thereof and of its officers and its registered agent; 2. The name and location of the facility for which a license is sought; 3. Background of applicant organization: a: current types of programming; b. Previous administrative experience with residential programs and/or a specific plan for de- veloping and securing expertise (e.g., consultative services) in the management of a residential care or group care home (consultative services, if utilized, must be -mutually agreed upon between applicant and City); c. A specific plan for educating and being responsive to the community on the nature of the proposed home; 4. Specific plans for proposed residents a. Resident target.groups and screening pro- cedures to be used; b. Entrance criteria shall be based on the .functioning level definition for the target population as defined in 18-19-2; c. Proposed minimum and maximum number, function- ing level, and needs of resident population; d. Proposed support services to be provided, e.g.,.independent living skills training; e. Proposed staffing and supervision to meet treatment needs of clients; f. Administrative procedures for the develop- ment of individual resident care .plans which might include • counseling, education, monitoring and evaluation. g. Conformance to all applicable federal/state standards; and h. Emergency procedures, e.g., fire, physical plant malfunction.. (B) Each initial application shall be accompanied by the following: 1. Specific plans for proposed physical structures providing: a. Details of site location, including zoning district requirements and conformance to "2,500 feet" and "250 feet" prohibitions (See 8-19-4(A)); . b. Details of building design, including bed- room and bathroom square footage, location, and dimension requirements, conformance with overall code and parking requirements; c. Data as to compliance with applicable State and Federal construction standards for the facility; d. Details of fire and life safety equipment • and procedures. 2. An audited financial statement setting forth the financial condition of the applicant, and proposed con- struction, acquisition and operating budget for the first year and a statement of the funds that have been or are projected to be committed to the project and the source(s) of those funds. In the event funds are not committed, the License shall not be approved. 3. A certificate from the Department.of Housing and Property Services stating that the building or structure to be used as a Residential Care Home complies with all applicable provisions of the Evanston Housing, Building and Zoning Codes. 4. In the case of new construction or the conversion of an existing structure, preliminary plans and specifica- -tions for the proposed facility. (C) Inspections Required: After receipt and review of the appropriate application, the Director shall cause an in- spection to be made of the applicant's facility by staff of the Department of Health and Human Services, by the Fire Department and by the Department of Housing and Property Services. No license shall be issued unless: 1. The Director of the Department of Housing •I and Property Services shall determine that the building or structure occupied by the facility complies with the. applicable provisions of the Evanston Housing, Building 'a and Zoning Codes. 1t 2. The Fire Chief shall determine that the building and premises meet the minimum applicable life safety standards established by the State Standards and Evanston City Cod". 3. The Chief of Police shall determine that the applicant or officers and stockholders of the applicant • if a corporation, are of good moral character. The Con- viction of any party of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral' turpitude shall be prima facie evidence of lack of good moral character. 4, The Director of Health and Human Services, following a review of the administrative record of the applicant, shall determine that any other facilities operated by the applicant have consistently been in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. (D) The Director of Health and Human Services in an expeditious manner and in consultation with representatives of the City_Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Property Services, Fire Department, Finance Department, and other City staff as appropriate will review the appli- cation and request additional information where needed. The Director of Health and Human Services will determine whether the specific licensing and other ordinance require- ments have been met, whether the operation and programming proposed is adequate and meets professional standards, and will make a recommendation to the City Manager whether to grant or deny a license. (E) An administrative tool shall be developed by the Depart- ment of Health and Human Services which will summarize and rate how well the applicant agency meets the above requirements. • 8-19-3-3: DENIAL OF APPLICATIONS: REASONS: No license shall be granted unless the City Manager shall deter- mine that the following conditions exist: (A) That the proposed home shall meet all applicable require— ments of the ordinances of the City of Evanston and the statutes of the State of Illinois; (B) That the applicant shall, prior to initial notice being given to the public, demonstrate that the proposed home meets the licensing requirements of this ordinance; (C•) Said home is specifically authorized under the zoning -district regulations applicable to the property in question. (D) That the applicant has demonstrated to the Director of the .Department of Human Services that a need exists within the City of Evanston for the proposed home and program model. 8-19-4: ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL CARE AND GROUP CARE HOME'' REQUIREMENTS:' No residential or group care home, shall be issued a license unless such home demonstrates com- pliance with the following additional regulations governing the physical plan, location, occupancy, program operations and ' financial condition of the home. 8-19-4-1: PHYSICAL PLANS: (A) No Residential Care Home or Group Care Home shall be located within a two thousand five hundred foot (2,500!) { radius, determined by a straight line and not street 'A ,. distances, of another Residential Care Home (or Group Care Home), or within two hundred and fifty feet (250') of a rooming house., sheltered care facility or residential facility occupat16n,of which is limited by income,•.age or` medical status; (B) No bedroom shall be used for more than two (2) residents; (C) Each..bedroom in a Residential Care Home or Group Care Home shall contain at least seventy (70) square feet for one occupant and at least one hundred twenty (120) square feet for two (2) occupants; 8-19-4-2: OCCUPANCY:. Priority shall be given to Evanston residents. 8-19-4-3: PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND FINANCES: (A) Each Residential Care and Group Care Home must comply with applicable standards of appropriate federal, state and local agencies, and must comply with City of Evanston Housing and Building Codes, except that for initial applicants funds adequate to bring the dwelling into code compliance may be deposited in an escrow account, and the Home brought into Code compliance within sixty (60) days of license; (B) Supportive services shall be provided including, but not limited to, education in, guidance with and/or demon- stration of independent living skills such as problem solving, personal goal setting, and money management, and growth services.with the objective of maturation of skills aimed at enhancing intellectual, intrapersonal, inter- personal and instrumental skills; once a client has been accepted, supportive services shall be provided regardless of individual client ability to pay for such services; (C) Professional staff supervision, support and availability shall be provided appropriate to the needs of the resi- dents of the Residential Care Home or Group Care Home, with at least one (1) staff on call 24 hours a day, consistent with all federal and state requirements; on -call staff shall have direct access to all community emergency services; (D) The property must remain on the tax rolls or the facility make equivalent payment in lieu of taxes as determined by the City's Director of Finance; (E).'The owner/operator shall have demonstrated financial re- sponsibility and capacity with reference to the information submitted under 8-19-3-2(B) (4); (F)' The members of a'residential care home shall not keep or store more than -one motor vehicle for each off-street _ parking space lawfully existing in connection with such dwelling unit. 8-19-5: RULES AND REGULATIONS: The City Council will pro- mulgate such standards, rules and regulations regarding the licensing and operations of residential and group care homes as it shall deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this ordinance and provide due process. 8-19-6: LICENSING AND ZONING COMPLIANCE: Those Homes quali- fying for and receiving a license under this Chapter must meet all other applicable zoning requirements of the City. Said license may be issued only in the event the use meets applicable zoning requirements. 8-19-7: LICENSE TERM.: 8-19-7-1: INITIIAL LICENSE: Each initial license granted hereunder to applicants/Homes noL previously li- censed under this Chapter shall be for a period of twelve months. The license shall not be transferable with the sale of the property. 8-19-7-2: RENEWAL LICENSE: Each renewal license granted pur- suant to Section 8-19-7-3 below shall be for an ad- ditional one year period except where revoked or non -renewed pursuant to Section 8-19-7-3. 8-19-7-3: ANNUAL COMPLIANCE: No less than sixty (60) days,prior to expiration of that year's license a review will be conducted by a staff team appointed by the Director to assess continued compliance with all licensing requirements set forth in this Ordinance. The review officer will then make a recom- mendation to the City Manager to renew or revoke the license. Notice of the City's intent to renew or revoke the license of a Home shall be given in the newspaper of general cirulation published within the City at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the date set for renewal or revocation of the license. Interim reviews may be conducted upon receipt of complaints or upon initiation by the Director of Health and Human Services. Any violation of the above conditions shall be corrected within. 60 days and the license of applicant/home shall be considered provisional --.until all corrections are made. 8-19-8: PENALTIES: Where any person or entity is found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction of operating a Home in violation of this Chapter he/they shall • be fined up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500) per day while such violation exists. In addition, the Corporation Counsel may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the operation of said Home and to revoke the license provided for hereunder. 0 6A SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publica- Lion in the manner,provided by law. Introduced: dw1983 v Adopted: L�%/J/ �?r% 7V �Cl�v l , 1983 ATTEST: City Clerk Approved as to form: iJ1J1 `I Corporation C unsel .; Y