The City of Morehead has taken a significant step to ensure the safety and effectiveness of local recovery residences. On May 11, 2026, the city gave second reading to Ordinance 08:2026, establishing a new Chapter 121 under the City’s business regulations specifically focused on housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
This ordinance formalizes the city’s commitment to comprehensive addiction recovery services, aligning with nationally recognized standards such as those from Oxford House and the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. It also references Kentucky state law (KRS 222.500–222.510) to create a certification program and grant the city authority to regulate recovery residences.
Key points of the ordinance include:
Certification Requirement: Starting June 30, 2024, any person or organization wishing to operate a recovery residence must be certified by a recognized certifying organization and provide proof of that certification to the city. Transitional provisions allow existing residences to continue operating through the end of 2026 if certification was already initiated.
City Oversight: The ordinance establishes annual certification checks, mandates notice of changes in certification status, and requires each certified residence to obtain a city business license. The City Attorney may issue executive orders to implement the ordinance.
Enforcement: The Morehead Code Enforcement Board can take legal action to stop recovery residences operating without certification. The ordinance includes detailed provisions for notices, enforcement, abatement, and an appeals process.
Operational Compliance: Recovery residences must follow state laws regarding medical and clinical services, transportation, and the posting of certification documentation. Residents are entitled to receive complete copies of all relevant certification materials.
Penalties: Operators who knowingly run a recovery residence without valid certification face fines of up to $100 per day per residence. Additionally, licensed health and behavioral health providers found in violation may face fines up to $5,000 per occurrence.
Citizens interested in reviewing the full text of the ordinance may do so at the Administrative Offices Building, 314 Bridge Street, Morehead, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Megan Hughes Richmond, the City Attorney, certified the summary of this ordinance in accordance with Kentucky law.