Going Public –
June 3, 2018 – The proliferation of addiction recovery centers in Southern California coastal communities has given rise to the catchy nickname “Rehab Riviera.” Largely unregulated and often incredibly expensive, these sober-living homes and rehab facilities for drug and alcohol addiction have led to numerous homeowner complaints in cities like Costa Mesa. Leucadia residents at the City Council meeting on May 23 voiced their concerns that Encinitas could be the next stop on the Rehab Riviera if the city does not do something to regulate sober-living homes. Chris Rogers shared with the council that shortly after finishing a renovation project on his home, he received a text from a neighbor alerting him that a sober-living home would be operating next door. Rogers, who lives with his wife and their two young children under age 6, is concerned that the now-open facility called Ohana House will negatively impact his family. The home’s balcony is only 20 feet away, with the potential for cigarette smoke to waft their way, he said. In addition to concerns about his children, Rogers stated, “According to the National Association of Realtors, my housing value lost 8 to 17 percent overnight because I now have a sober house next to me.” Alcoholics and addicts are considered disabled under federal and state law and, therefore, cannot be discriminated against. That protection extends to their housing rights, including sober-living homes, where they can recover from substance abuse and attempt to stay sober in the presence of others who are doing the same. Sober homes fall within single-family zoning requirements if they have no more than six residents.
