Sober-living homes application process begins in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa City Hall began its new sober-living permitting system Thursday that requires operators to complete applications within 90 days or face closure proceedings.

The permits, issued on a first-come, first-served basis, are mandated under a City Council ordinance approved in October. They require operators to provide detailed information to City Hall. Operators have up to two years to comply with a host of new regulations, among them having “good neighbor” policies and a live-in manager.

Homes in single-family neighborhoods must apply for permits. Homes that don’t apply but continue to house sober-living clients could face citations, fines and prosecution.

The ordinance also stipulates that sober-living facilities, many currently clustered on the same or nearby streets, maintain a new 650-foot minimum distance from one another. City officials say the requirement will help prevent their proliferation but could lead to many homes ceasing operations.

The permitting system and 90-day timeline was to begin Nov. 20, though city officials experienced delays getting the project started as it got vetted through various departments.

The permits are available on the city’s website, https://www.costamesaca.gov/grouphomes, at City Hall and via email requests to mike.tucker@costamesaca.gov.

The ordinance is being challenged by a pair of federal lawsuits filed in November, which contend that the law is discriminatory toward recovering drug and alcohol addicts, who are considered a protected class under state and federal law.

City staff estimates that Costa Mesa has about 170 sober-living homes containing some 1,200 beds. About 60 of the homes are in single-family neighborhoods and must apply for the permits.

City attorneys are working on a second ordinance that will require similar regulations for homes in multifamily zoned neighborhoods.