Sober-counseling group may need to find new space
Solid Landings Behavioral Health, a sober-living operator in Costa Mesa, can no longer host group counseling sessions at its office building on 19th Street.
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday to overturn the zoning commissions’ prior approval of a minor conditional use permit that reduced the city-mandated parking requirements for the two-story building at 657 W. 19th Street.
Solid Landings representatives could not be reached for comment.
The 6,710-square-foot building was mandated under city rules to have 67 parking spaces. However, Solid Landings argued that because their patients are taken to the site by van, the parking requirements should be lessened.
The city zoning commission decided on April 23 that the 29 parking spaces currently at the site would accommodate the business.
However, nearby residents took issue with the reduction in parking requirements. Ann Parker, a Costa Mesa resident, spent $690 to file an appeal to the commission’s decision.
“I thought it warranted an examination by the Planning Commission,” Parker said. “It was a great night for the residents of Costa Mesa.”
She argued in front of the Planning Commission Monday that the vans were impeding traffic on 19th Street, and Solid Landings employees were parking on nearby streets in violation of the zoning commission’s approval.
Mel Lee, a senior planner, confirmed that parking was not being “conducted on site.”
“I have not seen evidence that they’re complying with the conditions of approval,” said commission Chair Robert Dickson.
Solid Landings can appeal the decision to the City Council.