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Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and DevelopmentChapter V — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDSArticle 3 — Commercial Districts

§ 13-45. Additional property development standards for the commercial districts.

Costa Mesa Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Costa Mesa

  • (a) (Reserved)

  • (b) The maximum building area shall not exceed the floor area ratios (FAR) established in the general plan for the applicable general plan land use designation as described further in Article 8, Floor Area Ratios, of this chapter.

  • (c) If a master plan is required for a project, all development must conform to the master plan as approved by the final review authority.

  • (d) Additional conditions or special requirements may be reasonably applied by other city departments to ensure that the proposed development is compatible and harmonious with existing development in the vicinity and to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. If such conditions are applied, the conditions must be fulfilled or a security posted to ensure completion of the conditions to the satisfaction of the appropriate department prior to final occupancy.

  • (e) Service and repair of motor vehicles and boats. The service and repair operations shall be subject to the following:

    • (1) All operations shall be conducted within an enclosed building.

    • (2) All areas or structures in which such operations are conducted shall be so located or treated as to prevent annoyance or a detriment to any other existing on-site uses and surrounding properties.

    • (3) All activities shall be confined to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. when located within 200 feet of residentially zoned property measured from lot line to lot line.

    • (4) No damaged or inoperable boats or vehicles shall be stored for purposes other than repair.

  • (f) In the TC district, the required landscaped side and rear setbacks from public streets may include architectural features (such as arcades, awnings, and canopies), public art, and hardscape features (such as paving, patios, planters, and street furniture) if the city council determines that:

    • (1) These other features provide usable, visually interesting pedestrian amenities and facilitate pedestrian circulation;

    • (2) These additional features enhance the overall urban design concept of the master plan and promote the goals of the general plan and applicable specific plan;

    • (3) Adequate landscaping is retained to shade the outdoor use areas and to complement the architecture and design of buildings and pedestrian areas; and

    • (4) The design of the rear and side setback areas will be compatible with contiguous development.

  • (g) In the TC district, buildings may encroach into the required side and rear setbacks adjacent to public streets if the city council determines that:

    • (1) An adequate, well-defined pedestrian circulation system is provided within the master plan;

    • (2) Pedestrian-oriented landscaped and/or public use areas (plazas, patios, etc.) are provided within the master plan;

    • (3) The reduced open space area will not be detrimental to developments on contiguous properties;

    • (4) The reduced building setback will not deprive the street nor other properties of necessary light and air; and

  • (5) These additional features enhance the overall urban design concept of the master plan and promote the goals of the city's general plan and applicable specific plan.

  • (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 02-4, § 1e, 3-18-02; Ord. No. 02-9, § 1d, 7-1-02; Ord. No. 21-20, § 1, 12-7-21)

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Contents — Costa Mesa Zoning Code
Costa Mesa Zoning Code
  1. Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development
    Overview
    1. Chapter I — IN GENERAL
    2. Chapter II — ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED
    3. Chapter III — PLANNING APPLICATIONS
    4. Chapter IV — CITYWIDE LAND USE MATRIX
    5. Chapter V — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    6. Chapter VII — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
    7. Chapter VIII — SIGNS
    8. Chapter IX — SPECIAL LAND USE REGULATIONS
    9. Chapter X — NONCONFORMING USES, DEVELOPMENTS AND LOTS
    10. Chapter XI — SUBDIVISIONS
    11. Chapter XII — SPECIAL FEE ASSESSMENTS
    12. Chapter XIII — NOISE CONTROL
    13. Chapter XIV — OIL DRILLING
    14. Chapter XV — GROUP HOMES
    15. Chapter XVII — AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE

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