Ordinance delayed one day; city expects challenge

Newport Beach expects to be hit with a legal challenge to a new ordinance aimed at curbing the spread of drug and alcohol rehabilitation homes within the next two weeks, Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff said Tuesday.

Two other groups have already challenged how the city has handled the drug and alcohol recovery issue.

The rehabilitation center Pacific Shores Recovery filed a federal fair housing complaint against the city earlier this month alleging the city discriminates against recovering addicts and alcoholics who live in rehabilitation homes in Newport.

The resident group Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach filed a $250-million lawsuit against Newport and more than 10 of the city’s largest rehab home operators in January. The group alleges the city has violated residents’ civil rights.

City officials said the ordinance would go into effect today, but the date was miscalculated and the new rules take effect Thursday, Kiff said. The ordinance requires most sober living homes in the city get a use permit to remain open.

— Brianna Bailey