Lantana to debate language to deter sober houses | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Addiction is included as a disability in the Americans with Disabilities Act and also protected under federal fair housing laws. I have, from time to time, been utilized as an expert in these cases as cities and towns do not allow for "reasonable accommodation" of these sorts of group living situations. The definition of what is a "family" is usually the center of the issue and that is what Lantana is grappling with now.  In Lake Worth, a "family" is defined as no more than three unrelated people living in the same household. Studies show that many addicts undergoing treatment need the social interaction of a larger group that is dedicated to sobriety to keep them on the path to recovery. It is usually there that reasonable accommodation is made to allow occupancy of more than what the definition allows. Mayor David Stewart of Lantana is right, it comes down to a federal and a constitutional issue and one that is difficult to navigate for many communities. Click title for link to article.