Smithfield’s Planning Commission is recommending a change to the town’s zoning ordinance that would permit group homes in all residential districts.

State law requires that group homes, defined as facilities in which up to eight people with a mental illness, intellectual disability or developmental disability reside with one or more resident or nonresident staff members, be treated no differently under local zoning ordinances than single-family homes. But verbiage permitting such facilities is missing from the town’s ordinance.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on June 10 to favorably recommend a draft text amendment requested by town staff that would permit group homes as a “by-right use” in the community conservation, neighborhood residential, suburban residential, downtown neighborhood residential, attached residential, residential office, downtown and planned mixed-use development, or PMUD, zoning districts, excluding multifamily dwellings in PMUD developments. By-right means no Planning Commission or Town Council approval would be required.

State law stipulates that “no conditions more restrictive than those imposed on residences occupied by persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption shall be imposed on such facility.” 

No one spoke at the Planning Commission’s public hearing that preceded the vote. The Town Council must hold its own hearing before taking a final vote.

The recommended ordinance change comes amid complaints by Carrsville-area residents regarding what county staff have described as a group home proposed well outside Smithfield’s town limits in the southern end of Isle of Wight County. Isle of Wight’s zoning ordinance already allows group homes as a by-right use.

The Western Tidewater Community Services Board, a regional mental health provider, purchased a house on Colosse Road, just over 20 miles south of Smithfield, for what the WTCSB describes as a “peer-supported wellness home.” It would offer four beds for stays of up to two weeks.

Brandon Rodgers, executive director of the WTCSB, told the Times its occupants “are not individuals in crisis” but in recovery from depression or other mental illnesses, and who are capable of most day-to-day activities such as holding a job and cooking, but need help to sustain their recovery and prevent a future crisis. 

Jennifer Boykin, who serves on the county’s Planning Commission, said she organized a community meeting with Rodgers for July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Walters Ruritan Clubhouse after receiving several calls from neighbors objecting to the lack of advance notice.

Rodgers told the Times that WTCSB closed on the purchase of the house June 3 and anticipates accepting residents in October following renovations. The facility would be managed by a licensed clinical social worker who would screen referrals prior to their admission, Rodgers said.