Learn how the Fair Housing Act, ADA, and local laws safeguard recovery housing.
Proven strategies for zoning disputes, occupancy limits, and discriminatory enforcement.
Practical steps to meet building codes, safety standards, and industry certifications.
Build, Protect, and Sustain Your Recovery Housing Vision
Recovery Housing Law and Practice empowers operators and developers to navigate the complex legal landscape with clarity and confidence. From zoning and building codes to federal and state fair housing protections, this book translates complex laws into actionable strategies that protect your mission and investments.
Meet Dr. Hunter T. Foote
Dr. Foote is a nationally recognized leader in the recovery housing movement, with over a decade of experience developing and protecting structured sober living communities across the nation. A former Harvard University educator in entrepreneurship, Dr. Foote earned his PhD researching recovery housing and social entrepreneurship. With extensive hands-on legal experience, Dr. Foote has been directly involved in precedent-setting cases in both federal and state courts, defending the rights of recovery residences and shaping the legal landscape for fair housing. His work bridges the gap between real estate development, legal advocacy, and social impact, making this guide an indispensable resource for operators and developers aiming to succeed and protect their mission-driven investments.
Ready to Reinforce Your Recovery Housing?
Get your copy of Recovery Housing Law and Practice and take the first step toward building legally sound, high-impact recovery homes.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents About the Author 6 Why Recovery Housing? 8 Vanderburgh Sober Living 13 Certification & Structure 16 National Alliance for Recovery Residences 16 Levels (Types) of Recovery Housing 17 Residential Conversion v. New Build 19 Chapter 1: Legal Protections for Recovery Housing 20 Introduction & Legal Foundations 21 The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) 24 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 28 The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) 30 Conclusion 32 Chapter 2: Local Zoning & Land Use Laws 34 Introduction to Zoning and Land Use 35 Common Challenges to Recovery Homes 39 Federal Protections Override Local Zoning 43 Strategies for Navigating Zoning Disputes 47 Chapter 3: Maximum Occupancy Limits 52 Introduction to Maximum Occupancy Limits 53 Building Codes vs. Zoning Restrictions 56 Federal Protections on Occupancy Caps 62 Best Practices for Compliance and Advocacy 66 Chapter 4: Permits & License Requirements 71 Introduction to Permitting and Licensing 72 Requirements for Recovery Homes 77 When Enforcement Becomes Discriminatory 83 Best Practices for Operators 90 Chapter 5: Building and Fire Code 94 Introduction to Code Compliance 95 Required Compliance for Recovery Housing 103 When Building and Fire Code Enforcement Becomes Discriminatory 107 Legal Protections and Strategic Responses 112 Chapter 6: State-Level Considerations & Case Studies 117 State Law, Fair Housing, and Sober Living 118 Recovery Housing Legislation Across States 123 Examples of State Implementation 126 Landlord-Tenant Law in Recovery Housing 132 Further Reading 140 Recovery Housing Leadership Academy 140 Developing Sober Living Real Estate 141 Learn About Joining the VSL Community 144 A Word of Encouragement 146 Epilogue 147