News Summary
Priceless Pets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal adoption, is searching for a larger facility in Costa Mesa following its designation as the city’s official shelter provider. Despite plans for a new site at 126 E. 16th Street, local residents have raised concerns regarding noise, odors, and parking. The organization aims to accommodate up to 50 animals while addressing community feedback and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Costa Mesa – Priceless Pets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the adoption and care of stray animals, is actively seeking a new facility to accommodate its operations. This move comes as the organization was designated as Costa Mesa’s official veterinary and shelter provider last year, and the city has mandated a physical location to comply with the terms of a five-year, $480,000-per-year contract, approved in April 2024.
Recently, planning commissioners granted approval for a 6,480-square-foot facility located at 126 E. 16th Street. However, the new site has faced scrutiny from local residents, including neighbors from a nearby mobile home park and adjacent businesses, who have raised concerns over potential noise from barking dogs, bad odors, and parking challenges associated with the .42-acre lot.
The new facility is expected to accommodate up to 50 impounded animals at any given time and will feature an outdoor area for dog exercise. In addressing the neighbors’ noise concerns, plans include installing soundproofing in the kennel section to minimize barking sounds.
The current operations of Priceless Pets are housed in a 2,000-square-foot building on Newport Boulevard, which is deemed inadequate for their needs. The organization had previously attempted to lease a different property in Mesa Verde but was unable to come to terms, prompting the search for a more suitable site.
The 16th Street location was most recently utilized for auto repair services, which makes it a potentially suitable environment for animal control and veterinary services. The facility design includes features such as a rolling door for animal transport and space designated for dogs to exercise and play during their stay.
Despite the approval from city planners, concerns persist among local residents, particularly from Mathew Carver, who runs a nearby mental health treatment center. Carver has expressed worry that noise disruptions could interfere with meditation services offered at his center. Additionally, residents represented by Steve Schwimer from the Sea Breeze Villa mobile home park argue that the city failed to properly assess noise levels and their impact in accordance with local regulations.
In response to these community concerns, the Executive Director has pledged that efforts will be made to ensure that barking is minimized and that the facility operates within established capacity limits. Planning Commissioners also acknowledged the noise issues but indicated that the specific conditions tied to the permit would help manage the situation effectively.
The ongoing discourse around the new facility highlights the delicate balance between ensuring animal welfare and addressing the concerns of the surrounding community. Priceless Pets aims to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the process, and it will rely on the city’s code enforcement to handle any compliance issues that may arise.
The situation remains fluid, as community feedback is considered crucial in determining how to best address the concerns of residents while advancing the mission to support and care for stray animals. The organization is committed to finding a resolution that accommodates both animal welfare and neighborhood tranquility.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Priceless Pets Secures Permit
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa
- ABC7: Animal Rescue Worker Incident
- Google Search: Animal Rescue California
- Patch: Animal Shelter Employee Incident
- Google Scholar: Animal Care Nonprofit
- OC Register: Costa Mesa Police Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- KTLA: Animal Cruelty Arrest in Orange County
- Google News: Animal Shelter News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
