Group homes may need to get permits from city

A proposed ordinance aimed at curbing the spread of drug and alcohol rehabilitation homes in Newport Beach would clamp down on where new homes could open and require existing facilities to get permits from the city.

The proposed new rules would wipe out changes the City Council made to rehab homes rules in 2004 that rehab home activists say caused a proliferation of homes in the city. The 2004 rules made it possible for some rehabilitation homes to open in Newport Beach without a use permit, because the city categorized recovering addicts as disabled.

City officials unveiled the ordinance Friday. Newport Beach City Council will discuss the proposed ordinance at a study session 4 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd.

— Brianna Bailey