BUTTE — Butte leaders are drafting a new law concerning the use of homes in residential neighborhoods as sober living centers after many residents on Butte’s Westside raised concerns about one opening in their neighborhood last year.
“Some people felt they were caught off guard, so this is our solution,” said Brendan McDonough, Butte’s District 8 Commissioner.
The resolution being drafted would require anyone wishing to use a residence as addiction recovery home needs to get a special permit through Butte’s zoning board of appeals. The process would be public and people would get a chance to comment about a permit request.
“I think as long as citizens are aware facilities that look to locate within their neighborhood or their area, the more information we can get them the better off we’re all going to be,” said McDonough.
This issued came to a head back in September when residents in this Westside neighborhood learned that one of the homes was going to be used as a recovery house.
Officials say this resolution won’t prevent recovery houses from moving into the area, but it will bring much needed information.
“Butte’s a compassionate place, but people need to be given the correct information so that all of the checks and balances are in place,” said McDonough.
McDonough said the draft is in its early stages and could take months before the resolution gets voted on by the council of commissioners.
