Planning Commission is trying to promote healthy homes

Katrina Foley and Bruce Garlich

After reading the story regarding residents’ complaints about

rental housing conditions in Costa Mesa (“Residents explain housing

concerns,” Monday), we were disappointed that no mention was made of

a Rental Housing Improvement Program currently under study by the

Costa Mesa Planning Commission.

Modeled after an effort successfully implemented by the city of

Santa Ana, the program would provide for a systematic inspection of

residential rental properties to promote public health, safety and

welfare by correcting code violations that create a threat to the

occupants’ safety or to the structural integrity of the building or

which have a negative effect on the surrounding neighborhood.

If approved by the commission and City Council, the plan would

provide for dedicated code enforcement officers to inspect, over a

period of years, for compliance with applicable provisions of the

code. It would be funded by modest fees charged to property owners

(the Santa Ana fee is less than $1.50 per unit, per month) and would

make provisions for well-kept properties to earn exemption from the

program.

The program may also make provisions for tenant and property

management education in the interest of improving and maintaining

living conditions. This evolving program was most recently discussed

at the July 22 Planning Commission hearing. At that time, direction

was given to staff to make plans for a special study session at which

residents, property owners and managers and other interested parties

could comment on and make input to the plan.

Any help the Daily Pilot can provide in getting this information

out would be a welcomed public service.

* KATRINA FOLEY AND BRUCE GARLICH are Costa Mesa planning

commissioners. Foley is a Costa Mesa City Council candidate.