News Summary
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission will reconvene to reassess Ohio House’s request for a waiver from distance buffer regulations affecting sober living homes. Established in 2015, Ohio House has faced ongoing legal challenges and community controversies regarding its zoning status. Recent denials from the city emphasize concerns about over-concentration of such facilities in the area. The upcoming meeting at City Hall aims to address the complex balance between local regulations and the needs of individuals in recovery, potentially setting a precedent for future operations.
Costa Mesa will see the Planning Commission convene on Monday to reconsider Ohio House’s request for a waiver from the city’s distance buffer regulations governing sober living homes. This meeting is pertinent as Ohio House, which has been operational since 2015, has both historical significance and ongoing legal challenges regarding its zoning status.
Ohio House is located at 115 E. Wilson St. and has provided services for seven occupants and two resident managers across its five detached, two-story homes. The facility has been facing issues since the city implemented local laws in 2015 that prohibit the establishment of two sober living homes within 650 feet of each other. This regulation has generated friction, especially after another sober living facility was licensed at 165 E. Wilson Street.
Brandon Stump, who invested $7 million in Ohio House, raised concerns about the impact of the new facility, arguing that it undermines his significant investment into the community prior to the enactment of the new distance regulation. Stump contends that Ohio House has positively contributed to Costa Mesa’s welfare.
In legal proceedings, both the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court have upheld the city’s regulations, confirming that they do not discriminate against individuals classified as disabled due to substance abuse. Despite numerous requests for exceptions from the city regulations in 2017 and 2023, Ohio House has faced administrative denials alongside rejections from both the Planning Commission and City Council.
Recent appeals for reasonable accommodation have also been met with denial. City staff have recommended against Ohio House’s requests, expressing concerns regarding an over-concentration of sober living facilities in the area. These disputes coincide with Ohio House’s claims of discrimination under federal fair housing laws, which federal judges ultimately overturned.
Mayor John Stephens indicated that Costa Mesa has expended nearly $20 million to address legal challenges regarding sober living home regulations. This financial burden underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding sober living facilities in the city.
The upcoming meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Costa Mesa City Hall, and public attendance is encouraged. The staff report highlights that granting the request from Ohio House could fundamentally alter established zoning regulations and might have adverse effects on the existing residential neighborhood.
This ongoing conflict illustrates the delicate balance that Costa Mesa faces in regulating sober living homes while addressing community concerns and supporting individuals in recovery. The outcome of the Planning Commission’s decision may set a significant precedent for future sober living operations in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Ohio House Legal Challenges
- Wikipedia: Sober Living Home
- Orange County Register: Costa Mesa’s Sober Living Rules
- Google Search: Costa Mesa sober living homes
- Daily Journal: Costa Mesa Discrimination Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance Abuse
- Orange County Register: Court Reaffirms Sober Home Rules
- Google News: Sober Living Homes Costa Mesa
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER 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, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
