Seeking Advice: Turning My Unit Into a Group Home/Sober Living Facility

[Najeh Davenport]

Hi everyone,
I own a 7-bedroom, 4-bath home in Montgomery, AL, and I’m exploring the idea of turning it into a group home or sober living facility. I want to provide a safe, structured living environment for individuals transitioning out of recovery or other challenging situations.

I’m new to this process and was hoping for advice on the following:

• How to navigate zoning laws and permits in Montgomery for this type of setup.
• Licensing requirements for sober living or group homes.
• Strategies for finding residents or partnering with local organizations.
• Financial and operational tips for managing this type of property.

I’ve heard zoning can be tricky and want to ensure I comply with all legal and safety requirements. If you’ve done something similar, I’d love to hear your experience or any resources you recommend.

Thank you so much for your time and advice!

[David Krulac]

@Najeh Davenport  Start with the local zoning office.  Some of the areas that we invest in have some clauses in their zoning forbidding more than 3 individuals unrelated by blood or marriage from occupying the same unit.  This one cluase essentially bans all group homes. When going before public meetings with your proposals, drug, alcohol, and half way houses for former incarcerated, receive the most scrutiny. Other group homes for abused, veterans, and mental challenged usually have less opposition. Talk to your neighbors, get them on board for your project as the first step.  You don't want them coming to a public meeting lambasing you and your project.