Some Altoona residents might think that the city is being harsh in ordering that two recovery homes be closed because the operator opened the facilities prior to them having passed life-safety inspections that are the responsibility of the Fire and Codes departments.

The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission here does not override the necessity that the homes be in full compliance with city regulations aimed at protecting the lives and well-being of those whom the homes serve.

The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission must not ignore the safety and conveniences with which residents residing near the homes have traditionally enjoyed.

A problem structure can pose safety and legal risks for others nearby, as well as those not in compliance with city rules and regulations.

The city merits praise for the enforcement actions begun to deal with the violations, even though that action is troubling because of the people who are in genuine need of the services that the homes provide.

Still, there is a right way and a wrong way for the start-up of such services, and in the case of the two homes in question, the wrong way was selected.

It can be hoped that the issue is resolved quickly and expeditiously, but question marks exist and all issues must be addressed properly to avoid problems later.

As explained in a Feb. 6 Mirror front-page article, Altoona’s Zoning Hearing Board denied 18th Street Community Church Pastor Nate Germany’s requests to continue operating the homes in question because there is no off-street parking at the homes on the 1700 block of 14th Street and on the 100 block of Ninth Street.

However, even more serious than the zoning rules with which the homes are in violation, the homes haven’t passed required life-safety inspections by the city’s Fire and Codes departments, and problems within those two perspectives could be a prescription for tragic consequences and a legal morass that could doom the two operations.

Meanwhile, there is a third Germany-operated recovery house that wasn’t a subject of the Zoning Hearing Board’s decision regarding the other two facilities, and what’s to come regarding the third operation has yet to be determined.

The fact that the homes are licensed by the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and are under contract with the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Partnership does not negate the power of ordinances governing their city operations.

Common sense dictates that that be the case.

A memo written by Germany to the Zoning Hearing Board requesting that the homes be allowed to continue operating said the homes provide support and encouragement, helping the residents stave off isolation and loneliness that can be a challenge for people who are disabled due to what he referred to as substance use disorder.

“They’re looking to get on their feet and change their life around, and we believe we provide that opportunity,” Germany told the board.

That is an excellent attitude.

But City Manager Christopher McGuire was right in observing that “ignorance of the law is no defense.”

“You can’t cut corners when you’re talking about people’s safety,” McGuire added.

If the homes have no serious problems — beyond not having sprinkler systems — about which Germany is unaware, the current situation regarding the facilities hopefully can be resolved quickly. If other serious problems exist, though, having them corrected first, also, is in everyone’s best interests.

The city is correct in being serious about rules enforcement.