Irvine city officials are considering new enforcement measures for sober living homes, as more cities in Orange County look to regulate these facilities. Councilmember Melinda Liu has proposed drafting an ordinance to give the city more control over the application, requirements, and permitting for group and sober living homes. This proposal is on the agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting.
Sober living homes provide residential spaces for individuals recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction. However, some of these homes have drawn complaints from residents about noise, drug use, and other disturbances. According to Voice of OC, a memo from Liu highlighted the need for increased regulation following incidents, including a violent event in July 2024 that resulted in a death.
Other cities in Orange County, such as Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo, have already implemented regulations. Costa Mesa’s ordinance, enacted in 2014, requires a minimum buffer of 650 feet between group homes and mandates special permits for homes serving seven or more occupants. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld these regulations in December 2024, setting a precedent for other cities.
Liu’s memo emphasizes the importance of expanding local government authority to protect residents. She suggests that enhancing partnerships with state and federal agencies could improve safety and security. The move comes as state legislators are also working on bills to boost local oversight of sober living homes.
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