Sober Living/Group Homes

What are Sober Living/Group Homes? 

These are homes, often located in residential neighborhoods, used by individuals recovering from alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse, serving as an interim environment between rehabilitation and independent living. Sober Living Homes do not require licensure through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) unless they provide 24-hour non-medical, residential, alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment services. 

Homes are required to be licensed by the DHCS when at least one of the following services is provided: detoxification, group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions, educational sessions, or alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment planning. Homes providing one or more of these services are referred to as Residential Care Facilities.

A list of licensed and/or certified Residential Care Facilities can be found through this DHCS GIS map.

Are there local regulations governing Sober Living Homes? 

The City is limited in its ability to regulate or restrict this type of use due to a complex set of state and federal laws. Nonetheless, the City of Laguna Hills is committed to pursuing research and gathering information to identify options for reasonable regulations and accommodations that the City may be able to apply in order to ensure this type of use remains an available and safe option for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction while preventing or reducing negative secondary effects related to this type of use locating in single-family neighborhoods. 

As described in more detail below, since this type of use is not regulated or licensed by the state, the City is currently focusing its efforts to address concerns with sober living homes through participation with the Sober Living and Recovery Task Force. 

Sober Living and Recovery Task Force 

Originally established in 2022 by the City of Mission Viejo, the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force is a coalition of local and state elected officials, law enforcement, administrative staff, subject matter experts, and residents who are working collaboratively to address issues related to the proliferation of sober living and recovery homes. 

The Sober Living and Recovery Task Force’s mission is to combine expert education and research, public input, and bi-partisan regional ideas and initiatives to determine critical pathways forward for possible short- and long-term policy solutions that help those in recovery, as well as community members and neighborhoods that have been impacted.

Please visit the Sober Living and Recovery Task Force’s website for more information regarding the Task Force’s initiatives, meetings, and ways to get involved.

How to Report Concerns

The City of Laguna Hills is committed to enforcing applicable provisions of the Municipal, Zoning and Building Codes, and State Penal Code statutes regarding disorderly conduct, excessive and late-night noise, littering and other actions that are disruptive and negatively affect a neighborhood. Complaints can be lodged using the following methods:

  • For concerns regarding any alleged criminal activity or emergencies, call 911. 
  • For non-emergency activities and nuisances, such as night-time noise complaints and illegal street parking, please call O.C. Sheriff Dispatch at (949) 770-6011. 
  • General questions or concerns regarding sober living homes and/or concerns regarding alleged property maintenance, zoning or building code violations, may be directed to the Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division, at (949) 707-2663 or via email at bcarrington@lagunahillsca.gov. Upon receiving a complaint, a Code Enforcement officer will investigate to determine any municipal code violations.
  • Complaints regarding licensed Sober Living Homes and Residential Care Facilities may also be directed to the DHCS Licensing and Certification Division. Complaints can be filed with an online form or by calling 877-685-8333.

Other Resources

Community Meetings 

State Legislative Efforts