Blaine, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. V § 18-326
Sober living home—Licensing and standards
Operative Text
(a) Purpose and intent. (1) The purpose of this section is to establish process and standards to ensure that sober living housing is habitable, safe and is operated and maintained as to not detract from the neighborhood or to become an influence that fosters blight, deterioration or disincentive to reinvestment in the community. It is the intent to establish standards that are applicable to all sober living dwellings in the city. Any inconsistencies between various sections contained elsewhere in article IV of this chapter and this section shall be resolved in favor of this section. (2) The provisions of this section are in addition to those requirements set forth in article IV of this chapter and this article. (b) Defined. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Sober living home means a dwelling unit occupied by more than four unrelated individuals with all individuals residing in recovery from chemical dependency and considered disabled under the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988. The term "sober living home" does not include group facilities that are licensed by other governmental agencies or otherwise considered permitted uses as defined by state statute. (c) License required. (1) No person or entity shall operate a sober living home until a sober living home license has been applied for and issued by the city. (2) The city may issue a license in its discretion if the building and the application are found to be in compliance with the provisions of this article and with article IV of this chapter, provided that all real estate taxes and municipal utility bills for the premises have been paid. Real estate taxes will not be considered to be unpaid for purposes of this section while a proper and timely appeal of such taxes is pending. (d) Application for license. The application process shall follow the requirements of section 18-317 with the following additional requirements: (1) Description, number and size of available bedrooms. (2) Basic floor plan of dwelling (including all living levels). (3) Scaled site plan of property showing house, driveways and garage. (4) A description and the number of off-street parking stalls available. (5) A property management plan, including tenant selection process as well as maintenance of the facility. (6) A crime free/drug free lease addendum signed by and applicable to all occupants of the sober living home. (7) Proof of membership with the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes, Inc. (MASH) that outline additional living standards and criteria related to safety, health, and house management. (e) Public hearing. Applications for a sober living home license require a public hearing before the city council. The city will provide written notice to all property owners within 350 feet of the applicant's property not less than ten days before any scheduled public hearing.
Blaine Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. V § 18-326 establishes a licensing framework specifically for sober living homes in the city of Blaine, defined as dwelling units housing more than four unrelated individuals who are all in recovery from chemical dependency and qualify as disabled under the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988. No such home may operate without first obtaining a city-issued license, which requires a detailed application, demonstrated compliance with applicable housing standards, and payment of all outstanding real estate taxes and municipal utility bills. The process also mandates a public hearing before the city council, with written notice sent to neighboring property owners within 350 feet at least ten days in advance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of sober living homes in Blaine must secure a license under § 18-326 before opening or continuing operations, and a compliant operator submits a thorough application that includes floor plans, a scaled site plan, parking information, a property management plan, a crime free/drug free lease addendum signed by all occupants, and proof of current membership with the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes, Inc. (MASH). Compliant operators also ensure that all real estate taxes and municipal utility bills for the property are current at the time of application. Because § 18-326 requires a city council public hearing with advance notice to neighbors, operators generally account for that timeline when planning to open or renew a sober living home.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of sober living homes in Blaine benefit from the habitability and safety standards that § 18-326 requires operators to meet as a condition of licensure, including a property management plan and adherence to MASH living standards. If a sober living home appears to be operating without a valid city license or in violation of the conditions under which a license was issued, tenants may contact the city of Blaine to inquire about the home's licensing status or file a concern with the appropriate municipal department. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with housing law in Minnesota can help residents understand how § 18-326 interacts with their broader rights, including protections under the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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