For 15 years, Ohio House has been a part of the Costa Mesa community, providing structured recovery housing for individuals working to rebuild their lives following substance use and mental health challenges.
The City of Costa Mesa and Ohio House share important common ground. Both believe that Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods should be safe, well-maintained, and respectful of the people who call them home.
Both also recognize the important role that responsible recovery housing can play in supporting individuals with disabilities and those seeking long-term recovery.
The City and Ohio House have come to an agreement in which the City has agreed to certain accommodations to Ohio House and its residents under the City’s reasonable accommodation process to allow Ohio House to qualify for a CUP at its current location on Wilson Street.
Federal courts have upheld the City’s codes against multiple legal challenges. Part of those codes include a reasonable accommodation process required by federal and state law to provide accommodations to the differently abled.
Pursuant to that process, Ohio House made an accommodation request to allow their operations to continue. After an interactive process between the parties designed to address Ohio House’s requests, the City has concluded that there is factual support for accommodating Ohio House’s requests so that it may qualify for a CUP.
“Ohio House recognizes the City’s goals of maintaining the character of its residential neighborhoods and agrees that group homes should operate in such a way as to minimize impacts on surrounding residents and for the protection of the disabled individuals who occupy them. Ohio House has committed to operating its sober living facilities in compliance with state and local laws, and to being a good neighbor, while continuing to provide housing opportunities for the disabled,” stated co-founder Ryan Stump. “We are very appreciative of the steps Costa Mesa has taken to ensure proper treatment of the disabled population that we serve.”
Ohio House believes that providing exceptional recovery housing and being a responsible member of the surrounding community go hand in hand. The City recognizes Ohio House’s longstanding presence in Costa Mesa, its excellent reputation among its clients and their families, and its commitment to serving individuals in recovery.
“Due to the many changes which have occurred since Ohio House first sought permits in 2017, we recognize that this location, which has been operating for years without complaints from neighbors, is in a unique location which allows for an accommodation to be provided from the strict interpretation of the City’s rules. We are pleased that through a collaborative process, the City and Ohio House have been able to reach an agreement to end years of litigation,” said Mayor John Stephens.
As Ohio House enters its next 15 years, its mission remains unchanged: to provide an exceptional aftercare environment where individuals are given the structure, accountability, community, and support necessary to build lasting lives in recovery.
Co-Founder Ryan Stump, said, “Today is a proud day for Ohio House and a proud day to be a Costa Mesa resident, Since making Costa Mesa my home in 2013, I have watched this community provide countless opportunities for families, businesses, and individuals striving to build a better future.
Ohio House has served this community for 15 years, and our mission has never wavered. We have always believed that people in recovery deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, structured and accountable environment—and that we can fulfill that mission while also being good neighbors and responsible members of this community.
I am proud of where we are today and genuinely excited about the relationship we can build with the City of Costa Mesa moving forward. We have much more in common than what has divided us in the past. Together, our best days are ahead of us.”