News Summary
The Ohio House, a sober living facility in Costa Mesa, has been denied legal operation by planning commissioners due to violations of local zoning regulations. Established in 2012, the home has struggled to obtain necessary approvals due to existing neighboring facilities. Legal challenges against Costa Mesa’s regulations have thus far proved unsuccessful. With only 16 licensed sober living homes remaining in the area, the decision raises concerns about community support for recovery options. Ohio House has seven days to appeal the ruling, highlighting ongoing tensions between legal frameworks and the needs of individuals in recovery.
Costa Mesa — The Ohio House, a sober living home, faced another setback in its quest for legal operation in Costa Mesa as planning commissioners rejected its proposal to secure necessary easements from local zoning laws. The decision was made on the grounds of adhering to land use regulations and upholding a previous denial from the city’s development director on July 2.
Ohio House has been providing essential support for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction since its establishment in 2012. However, the facility has operated in violation of local laws enacted in 2015, which mandate the acquisition of operator permits and the maintenance of a 650-foot buffer between similar group homes. Ohio House is located at 115 E. Wilson St. and occupies a half-acre lot consisting of five detached two-story homes.
Representatives from Ohio House argued that its inability to acquire city approval is primarily due to the existence of another facility, which was approved in 2016 and is situated just 550 feet away. Legal counsel for the Ohio House, Christopher Brancart, emphasized that while the facility could adapt its operations, it could not alter its geographical location to comply with city regulations.
Efforts to challenge Costa Mesa’s local laws in court have been unsuccessful. Federal courts, including the U.S. District Court in 2020 and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, have upheld the legality of these regulations, viewed as necessary for maintaining community standards. During the recent planning commission meeting, Brancart sought to categorize Ohio House’s residences as single housekeeping units or to request a modification of the mandated buffer from 650 feet to 550 feet.
In support of their request, Brancart referred to Costa Mesa’s housing element adopted in 2022, which aligns with state recommendations aimed at easing restrictions on sober living homes. Furthermore, co-founder Ryan Stump pointed to the city’s recent crackdowns on illicit operators, which have diminished licensed sober living housing options in the area. Currently, only 16 licensed facilities remain, with five non-operational, and the available sober living beds can accommodate just 24 residents. This poses a significant challenge if Ohio House is forced to close, as it serves between 25 and 35 clients at present.
Clients of Ohio House made emotional appeals to the commissioners, advocating for the facility’s role in providing a supportive community that aids their recovery journeys. Despite showing compassion for the residents’ situations, the planning commission voted 5-1 to uphold the rejection of reasonable accommodation based on the legal and zoning code considerations.
The planning commissioners, while expressing sympathy for the residents, noted that their decisions are bound by existing laws and regulations. Ohio House now has seven days to appeal the decision to the Costa Mesa City Council. This ongoing battle highlights the tensions between community standards, legal frameworks, and the need for supportive environments for individuals in recovery.
Ohio House has consistently contributed to the local community since its inception, and with its recent struggles under the regulatory framework, many question the implications for sober living options in Costa Mesa. This latest rejection adds to the ongoing challenges faced by similar facilities amid tightening regulatory scrutiny.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
OC Fair Returns to Costa Mesa with New Attractions
Costa Mesa Planning Commission Reconsiders Ohio House’s Waiver
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Ohio House Loses Another Bid
- Orange County Register: Sober Home Rules Court Ruling
- iHeart: Sober Living Home News
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Win in Sober Living Battle
- Google Search: 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.
