City helps fix violations with no-interest loans

Some of Costa Mesa’s Westside homeowners may be eligible to receive no-interest loans to bring their property up to health and safety standards, city officials said.

The money, made available through the state’s CalHome Program, provides loans up to $50,000 per homeowner to repair breaking roofs, chipping paint and other hazards, Costa Mesa Home Rehabilitation Coordinator Dan Baker said. The interest rate is subject to change when the home is refinanced or sold.

“We want to cure code violations more than anything, but anything to improve the neighborhood is worth doing,” he said.

There are restrictions however: Families must make a gross income below 80% of the county’s median — about $74,400 a year for a family of four, Baker said — and be situated on a map available at on the city’s website ( www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/UserFiles/ map-1.jpg).

Those interested can call (714) 754-4892.

— Chris Caesar