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Relocating Your AFH: What to Know
As an adult family home provider, relocating your facility involves more than just moving to a new address. According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-76-10110, changing the location of your adult family home requires a new license application and a new license. This means that the process is treated almost as if you are starting a new adult family home.
Key Requirements for Relocation
- New License Application: Any change in the location or address of your adult family home necessitates submitting a new license application and obtaining a new license.
- Operational Restrictions: You cannot begin operations at the new location until the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has granted the license for the new location.
- Resident Notification: You must notify each resident or their representative in writing at least 30 days before the effective date of the change in location or address.
Compliance with Local Codes and Regulations
In addition to the licensing requirements, adult family homes must comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and fire safety regulations as outlined in RCW 70.128.140. This includes:
- Local Licensing and Zoning: Ensuring your new location meets all applicable local licensing, zoning, building, and housing codes.
- Fire Safety Regulations: Adhering to state and local fire safety regulations pertinent to single-family residences.
- Residential Use: Adult family homes are considered a residential use of property for zoning and utility rate purposes and are permitted in all areas zoned for residential or commercial use, including single-family dwelling zones.
Helpful Resources
To assist with the relocation process, here are some useful links and checklists:
Related WACs and RCWs
WAC 388-76-10110
Application—Change of location or address.
(1) A change of the adult family home location or address requires both a new license application and a new license.
(2) The home must not start operations of the home at a new location until the department has granted the license for the new location.
(3) The home must notify each resident or resident representative, in writing at least thirty days before the effective date of the change of the home location or address.
RCW 70.128.140
Compliance with local codes and state and local fire safety regulations.
(1) Each adult family home shall meet applicable local licensing, zoning, building, and housing codes, and state and local fire safety regulations as they pertain to a single-family residence. It is the responsibility of the home to check with local authorities to ensure all local codes are met.
(2) An adult family home must be considered a residential use of property for zoning and public and private utility rate purposes. Adult family homes are a permitted use in all areas zoned for residential or commercial purposes, including areas zoned for single-family dwellings.
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Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.