Breaking the code

Lolita Harper

As Costa Mesa’s first sweep of code enforcement comes to a halt, the

self-proclaimed victims of the city’s attack on nonconformity are

starting to lick their wounds.

Dave Morley, who lives in the 2000 block of Maple Avenue on the

Westside, was cited for a violation of the city’s code that prohibits

living in a garage. He must conform to the regulation by turning what is

now his bedroom back into a garage or apply for the proper permit to turn

the garage into a living space and then build a garage somewhere else on

his property.

“I would love to have a garage,” Morley said. “I would give my heart

and soul for a two-car garage, but it’s just not possible here.”

The handyman said the garage has been a bedroom for the last 50 years.

His parents bought the house that way 38 years ago, and it was never a

problem, he said.

In March, however, it turned into a problem when Morley received a

letter from the city notifying him of the new “proactive citywide code

enforcement program addressing municipal code violations,” the letter

stated.

After a 30-day period to conform expired, Morley was issued a citation

for $75. He has until Sept. 6 to comply or face another fine of $200 or

$500, a city violation notice shows

New property maintenance codes went into effect in August 2000. Costa

Mesa code enforcement officers have been walking the streets and

targeting the worst offenders since December.

The property codes prohibit peeling paint, dry rot, broken windows,

torn screens or deteriorating walls. They also require that sidewalks or

parkways must be free of deteriorating fences or signs, dead or dying

plants, and litter or weeds.

In addition, residents cannot live in a recreational vehicle or

garage.

Seven officers were assigned to residential code violations with three

handling businesses, city officials said in June. The first round of

enforcement ended last month.

“We’re just getting the worst cases, the most obvious ones this first

time out,” Code Enforcement Chief Sandi Benson said in June. “Then, we

will go back and do the rest.”

City officials could not be reached for comment about Morley’s

property.

Morley said he understands the city has rules, but that he was looking

for some compassion from city officials.

“It’s fairly obvious that I’m up against a brick wall,” Morley said.

“Most of them [staff] are nice and friendly, but they’re just sticklers

for the rules. I want them to see that there are actual people who will

be affected here, not just some rule book.”

To conform, Morley said he must tear out most of his backyard, which

includes a variety of landscaping, a hammock, Jacuzzi and storage space.

The only other space on the property to place the garage would require

him to demolish his workshop on the opposite side of the property.

“This space is the only thing that’s worth a lot to me on this

property. It’s my space,” Morley said. “It’s where I can sit in the sun

and not have the people in the apartments looking down at me.”

If he does replace his workshop with a garage, he must move gas and

water lines. The placement of the garage would also create another entry

way to the property, which in itself is another violation of city codes,

he said.

“Everywhere I want to put the garage creates more problems than

solutions,” Morley said. “They are asking for such a sacrifice just to

put a car in a box. I can’t relate to it.”

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .