EDITORIAL

David Morley fought the law and he won. It sure appears so, anyway.

Back in August, Costa Mesa code enforcement officers told Morley that

he was breaking the law for living in his garage and issued him a notice

telling him to fix the problem within 30 days.

You see, a previous homeowner converted the garage into a bedroom

about 50 years ago. When the Westside resident’s parents bought the place

38 years ago, they inherited the extra bedroom. And, until last summer,

city officials never questioned its legality nor asked that it be

changed.

Well, Morley looked around his home and came up with various options

to abide by the city’s codes, but found out the price and effort would be

too great. “They are asking for such a sacrifice just to put a car in a

box,” the handyman said in August.

We couldn’t agree more. So we supported Morley in his efforts to fight

the code enforcement battle against the city. Last week, a judge agreed

with him, ruling that he will not be forced to build another garage on

his property.

However, the judge’s ruling did appear a bit confusing in that he

ruled that Morley must apply for a permit to enclose his garage or return

it to its original use. In fact, the decision was so confusing that both

the city and Morley’s lawyer claimed victory.

Now’s the tricky part. Morley does not have to build a separate

garage, though he must apply for the permit, which the city would not

approve in the first place.

So, it comes down to the city, really. Morley must apply for the

permit, but the city will have to make a decision, knowing it can’t force

him to build a new garage.

We simply say, have a heart.

The home’s has lacked a garage and has had the extra bedroom for about

50 years. Changing it now, isn’t going to make much difference or alter

the facts.

He didn’t convert his garage into a bedroom. He shouldn’t suffer the

monetary losses associated with fixing the perceived code violation.

Both parties had their day in court. Let Morley win.