Zoning Provision To Push Assisted Living Build

GARDEN CITY, NY-A new zoning code amendment enacted by the town of Huntington here will facilitate the development of assisted living facilities in the Suffolk County town, a local zoning attorney said. The new zoning category, called R-HS Residential Health Services, will allow operators of assisted living facilities and other senior facilities–except senior housing–to build properties at greater densities than previously permitted and in more areas of the town than formerly allowed.

Previously, assisted living facilities and other senior facilities were included in the same zoning classification as senior housing. Keith Brown, a partner in the Garden City law firm Brown & Altman LLP, tells GlobeSt.com that because they were included in the same zoning classification, the town was only getting senior facilities applications.

“Until now, the zoning code was very restrictive and prevented the development of assisted living facilities in the town of Huntington due to its technical requirements,” says Brown. “Practically speaking, the code did not permit yields that made these projects viable.”