Legal action may be taken against rehab homes

Newport Beach City Council authorized its independent legal counsel Tuesday to take legal action against any rehab group homes that might be in violation of a moratorium on new homes in the city.

The council went into an unannounced executive session during a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission to authorize the possible legal action after they were advised by their attorneys there may be homes in violation of the moratorium.

City Council members hired the law firm Richards, Watson & Gershon in September to provide more legal advice on rehab homes issue. A moratorium on new group homes in Newport Beach was continued through October 2008 last week. Many residents have complained the homes are a public nuisance, and the council plans to work out tighter regulations.

— Brianna Bailey