2nd blow for rehab center in Bluffdale

BLUFFDALE — Mayor Claudia Anderson's decision to deny a business license for a residential drug- and alcohol-treatment center in Bluffdale was upheld Thursday by the city's Board of Adjustments, setting the stage for a legal battle.

The five-resident board unanimously denied an appeal from Renaissance Ranch owner H.R. Brown, who wants to relocate the treatment facility from Park City to Bluffdale.

Brown contends the facility qualifies as a "disability group home," making it a permitted use. The board disagreed, supporting the mayor's ruling that the type of facility Brown wants to open requires a conditional-use permit.

That leaves Brown to pursue the matter in the courts, which he said he intends to do.

"We know this is a permitted use," he said.

Ryan Nord, attorney for Renaissance Ranch, cited state law saying that a residential facility for persons with a disability shall be a permitted use in any zone where a dwelling is allowed. Both state and federal law defines people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction as disabled, Nord said.

Brown already has filed a lawsuit against the city over being denied a business license. In the lawsuit, Brown contends Bluffdale denied him due process because the city didn't have a Board of Adjustments in place until July 3 to hear the appeal.

Brown applied for a business license Feb. 6 and began renovating a large home on a three-acre lot at 2829 W. 13800 South in preparation for a May 15 opening. The application didn't make it to Bluffdale's planning department until March 2, and most city officials weren't aware of the facility's plans until April 23 when concerned residents brought it to their attention.

Mayor Anderson issued the letter of denial on May 8, one day after a sometimes-hostile town meeting about the proposed treatment center.

Renaissance Ranch, which caters to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides treatment to adult men who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The treatment center is not affiliated with the LDS Church but employs church teachings in its recovery process.

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com

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