A new Arizona law will create statewide regulations for sober-living homes, but the process still has months to go.
Mesa is the latest city to create its own rules for the facilities following in footsteps of Prescott and Phoenix.
“This is a stopgap measure that will put some regulation in place until the state statute,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles at a Monday, July 9 meeting where city council unanimously approved licensing for sober living homes.
READ MORE: Prescott Grappling With Costs Of Becoming National Destination For Addiction Recovery
These facilities are often part of residential neighborhoods and house recovering substance abusers.
Operators in Mesa are now required to have an annual fire inspection, submit house rules for review, have a manager on site at all times and have opioid overdose medication on hand, among other rules.
A “good neighbor policy” mandates that home operators respond to concerns of people that live nearby and minimize smoking, loitering and offensive language around the property.
RELATED: Phoenix Residents: Sober Living Homes Are Hurting Neighborhoods
Mesa’s regulations are based on those adopted in Phoenix and Prescott.
