City Council to pick up permit discussion

A new Costa Mesa ordinance up for a City Council vote today would make it easier for homeowners trying to install wheelchair ramps and other additions to accommodate people with disabilities.

Under the present regulations, those wishing to put in wheelchair ramps that violate city zoning codes have to apply for a conditional-use permit, which requires they pay a $1,550 fee, give public notice and go through a public hearing in front of the city’s Planning Commission.

The process isn’t unique to those trying to provide access to disabled people — it’s the same process anyone seeking an exemption from city zoning laws has to go through so the city can make sure its proposed additions don’t adversely affect neighbors.

Streamlining the process for homeowners trying to make their houses more accessible to the disabled helps the city comply with state and federal fair housing laws that ask local governments to make “reasonable accommodations” for the disabled, according to Senior Planner Minoo Ashabi.

The proposed modification to the law would allow the city’s Planning Department to review the applications directly, cutting out the expensive and time-consuming public hearing process. The Planning Commission approved the change 4 to 1 at a recent meeting, with Commissioner Sam Clark voting no because of concerns that the ordinance may also benefit group-home operators.

“If somebody needs a handicap route for an elderly or disabled person in their home, we shouldn’t have government get in the way of that,” Commissioner Jim Righeimer said.

The amendment was brought up for consideration by the city’s planning staff.

Following fair housing guidelines, it would be impossible for the city to deny permits for structures that would help disabled people get access to buildings, according to Ashabi, but if the ordinance were to pass, staff would still investigate each application as it comes in.

“We would pretty much apply the same standards as we always have,” Ashabi said.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.