Licensing
Facility Licensing
Residential facilities that provide non-medical alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) recovery, treatment, or detoxification services to adults must be licensed by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP). Health and safety concerns are the primary focus of the licensing process (e.g., fire clearance, food service, personnel requirements, physical environment, and personal rights).
Nonresidential programs are not required to be licensed but may require local use permits, depending on the type of residential facility involved. Licensed residential facilities serving six or fewer residents are exempt from local government regulations.
There are some residential facilities that don’t require licensure by ADP, including:
- Cooperative living arrangements (sometimes referred to as a sober living environment, transitional housing, or alcohol and drug free housing) for persons recovering from alcohol and/or other drug problems. It is important to note that while sober living environments or alcohol and drug free housing are not required to be licensed by ADP, business permits or clearances may be required by the local cities or counties in which the houses are located.
- Facilities with licenses from other departments (e.g., group homes licensed by the Department of Social Services; Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals licensed by the Department of Health Services).