Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter VIII — SIGNS
Article 3 — Sign Regulations
Costa Mesa Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Costa Mesa
§ 13-113. General requirements. ¶
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, erection, relocation or modification of all signs shall be in accordance with the requirements of this article, including the specific regulations listed in Table 13-115. (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)
§ 13-114. Permits required. ¶
Where indicated in Table 13-115 and section 13-118 the erection, relocation, or modification of signs shall require permits and payment of fees as described in Article 7, Administration and Enforcement, of this chapter. No permit shall be required under this chapter for maintenance of a sign or for change of copy on a changeable copy sign. The requirements of this chapter are in addition to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code, National Electrical Code and other applicable codes. (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 99-10, § 3, 7-19-99)
§ 13-115. Signs regulations and design standards. ¶
Table 13-115 indicates the maximum allowed area, height, number, and other design restrictions for both permanent and temporary signs.
(click here to view the full table)
| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| RESIDENTIAL ZONES | COMMERCIAL ZONES | INDUSTRIAL ZONES | INSTITUTIONAL ZONES | |
| TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE |
Residential uses: 1.0 sq. ft per unit, not to exceed 90 sq. ft. (25 sq. ft. minimum for sites with 4 or more units). Permitted non-residential uses: 30 sq. ft. for sites less than 1 acre. 45 sq. ft. for sites of 1 acre or more. Total area of all permanent sigs (freestanding signs and building signs) may not exceed TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE. TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE See section13-116for commercial or industrial signs located within 200 ft. of residentially-zoned property. |
1.0 sq. ft. per ft. of lot width + 0.5 sq. ft. per ft. of lot depth |
30 sq. ft. for sites less than 1 acre. 45 sq. ft. for sites of 1 acre or more. |
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| FREESTANDING SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
1. Must be located in landscaped planter equal to twice the sign area. 2. May not obstruct visibility for motorists or pedestrians at driveways or intersections. 3. May not obstruct visibility of legal signs on adjacent site(s). 4. May not consist of a pole sign with a visible cylindrical pole structure(s). 5. Planning Division may require freestanding signs to incorporate street address if address on building is not visible from public streets: 4 inches high minimum in residential zones; 8 inches high minimum in nonresidential zones. The address area, up to 6 sq. ft., is not counted against allowable sign area. Address must be integrated into the design of the sign and placed at such an elevation so as not to be obstructed by landscaping. 6. See section13-116if located within 200 ft. of residentially-zoned property. |
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| MAXIMUM AREA (not including street address) |
30 sq. ft. (Includes both on-site and neighborhood identifcation signs.) |
Total area of all freestanding 50% of total allowed sign are |
signs may not exceed a per street frontage. |
15 sq. ft. |
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 7 ft. | 12 ft. | 7 ft. | |
| NUMBER & SEPARATION | 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on same site. | |||
| ILLUMINATION | Exterior, or interior with opaque background. No fashing or blinking allowed. |
No fashing or blinking allowed. | Exterior, or interior with opaque background. No fashing or blinking allowed. |
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| VERTICAL CLEARANCE | 8 ft. minimum clearance ov circulation areas. |
er pedestrian circulation areas | . 16 ft. minimum clearance | over parking and vehicular |
| FREEWAY-ORIENTED FREESTANDING SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Prohibited | Yes | Prohibited | |
| MAXIMUM AREA AND HEIGHT |
N/A | For commercial properties of one acre or more, within 300 feet of a freeway exit: One freeway-oriented sign may be allowed, not to |
N/A | |
| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RESIDENTIAL ZONES | COMMERCIAL ZONES | INDUSTRIAL ZONES | INSTITUTIONAL ZONES | |
| exceed 230 sq. ft. and 32 ft. high. |
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| ILLUMINATION | N/A | No fashing or blinking | N/A | |
| VERTICAL CLEARANCE | N/A | 8 ft. minimum clearance over pedestrian circulation areas. 16 ft. minimum clearance over parking and vehicular circulation areas. |
N/A | |
| BUILDING WALL SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| MAXIMUM AREA | Total area of all permanent building wall signage may not exceed TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE |
Each single tenant may be allowed a maximum of 1.5 sq. ft. of building wall signage per lineal foot of building frontage of the business. If the building frontage of any such use is less than 25 lineal feet, only one sign, having a maximum area of 25 square feet, may be permitted. |
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| ILLUMINATION | Exterior, or interior with opaque background. No fashing or blinking allowed. |
No fashing or blinking allowed. | Exterior, or interior with opaque background. No fashing or blinking allowed. |
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| NUMBER | N/A | Single tenant buildings: A maximum of three wall signs per street frontage. Multi-tenant buildings: One wall sign per business on each street frontage. |
N/A | |
| Exception: A tenant with more than 10,000 square feet of foor area in a multi-tenant building shall be permitted a maximum of three wall signs per business/street frontage. Buildings with more than 2 stories and 30 feet in height: No sign is permitted above the frst foor of any building except for a single sign per street frontage on the uppermost portion of the building fascia identifying either the street address, name of the building, major tenant and/or logo. Street address up to 6 square feet per story shall not be counted toward allowable sign area. |
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| LOCATION | Signs may only be attached to a building wall abutting a public street or on-site parking area serving the subject building, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Division. |
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| VERTICAL CLEARANCE | Awning, canopy and projecting signs: 8 ft. minimum clearance over pedestrian circulation areas. 16 ft. minimum clearance over parking and vehicular circulation areas. |
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| MURALS AND SUPER GRAPHICS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
Subject to approval by the Planning Division. The purpose of the Planning Division approval is to verify that it is not a sign. |
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| PAINTED WALL SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| MAXIMUM AREA | Total area of painted wall signs may not exceed 10% of total allowed sign area per street frontage. | |||
| PERMANENT WINDOW SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes |
| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| MAXIMUM AREA | 1. 20% of contiguous window area maximum. 2. Window sign area in excess of the above maximum may be permitted if it can be shown that the merchandise offered for sale cannot be adequately displayed and, therefore, justifes substitution of additional window signage for merchandise display, subject to written approval by the Planning Division or Zoning Administrator. Total of permanent and temporary window sign area shall not exceed 50% of contiguous window area. |
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| CONVENIENCE SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
1. 9 sq. ft. maximum per sign. 2. Not counted against allowable sign area. 3. Placement and height subject to approval of Planning Division. |
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| CONSTRUCTION SIGNS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Yes | |||
| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| RESIDENTIAL ZONES | COMMERCIAL ZONES | INDUSTRIAL ZONES | INSTITUTIONAL ZONES | |
| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
1. One per street frontage. 2. 64 sq. ft. maximum. 3. 16 ft. high maximum. 4. Must be removed within 1 year after installation, or within 30 days of fnal inspection, whichever occurs frst. Construction signs in R-1 zoning districts shall be consistent with allowable real estate signs (One per street frontage, 5 sq. ft. maximum, and 6 ft. high maximum). |
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| REAL ESTATE SIGNS (No permits are required.) |
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| FOR SALE SIGNS | 1. One per street frontage. 2. 5 sq. ft. maximum. 3. 6 ft. high maximum. |
1. One per street frontage. 2. 32 sq. ft. maximum. 3. 12 ft. high maximum. |
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| OPEN HOUSE SIGNS | 1. One per street frontage. 2. 3 sq. ft. maximum. 3. 5 ft. high maximum. |
Prohibited | ||
| NON-COMMERCIAL PORTABLE SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY |
5 sq. ft. maximum per sign with a maximum 6-ft. height above grade for signs affxed in the ground. |
5 sq. ft. maximum per sign with a maximum 6-ft. height above grade for signs affxed in the ground subject to the time periods set forth in section 13-123(a)(5). |
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| COMMERCIAL PORTABLE SIGNS WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY |
Subject to section13-123.5. | |||
| TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGNS (No permits are required.) |
Prohibited | 1. 20% of window area. 2. Window sign area in excess of the above maximum may be permitted if it can be shown that the merchandise offered for sale cannot be adequately displayed and, therefore, justifes substitution of additional window signage for merchandise display, subject to written approval by the Planning Division or Zoning Administrator. Total of permanent and temporary window sign area shall not exceed 50% of contiguous window area. 3. Time limit shall not exceed 60 days. |
Prohibited | |
| APARTMENT FLAGS (No permits are required.) |
1. 1 per 60 ft. of lot frontage (minimum of 2). 2. 15 sq. ft. maximum. 3. 18 ft. high maximum. 4. Must be maintained in good condition; removed or replaced if torn, faded or dirty. |
Prohibited | ||
| OTHER FLAGS AND PENNANTS |
Flags of a nation or the state shall be displayed in an appropriate manner consistent displaying products, logos and/or business names are prohibited. Pennants are prohibited. |
with state and federal law. Flags | ||
| BALLOON SIGNS (less than 24 inches) (No permits are required) |
Prohibited | Allowed, subject to the following: 1. May not extend beyond any property line or over any public-right-of-way, regardless of wind conditions. 2. Must be securely anchored. 3. May not be released into the air. 4. Metallic balloons are prohibited. |
Prohibited | |
| INFLATABLE SIGNS (over 24 inches) |
Prohibited | |||
| BANNERS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY (Permit required) MAXIMUM AREA |
0.5 ft. per unit. Maximum area: 100 sq. ft. per site. |
0.5 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage facing the street. Minimum entitlement: 25 sq. ft. per tenant. Maximum area: 75 sq. ft. per tenant. |
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| TIME LIMITS | A maximum display time of 60 days per calendar year. Exception: For residential developments of 100 units or more, a maximum display time of 120 days per calendar year. |
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| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
1. The entire surface of the banner must be securely affxed to either a building wall of the business being advertised (the building wall must abut a public street or on-site parking area serving the business being advertised), or to the sign face of a freestanding sign. 2. May not be attached to any staff, pole, line, framing, vehicle, or similar support. 3. May not project above roof. 4. Must be maintained in good condition; removed or replaced if torn, faded, or dirty. |
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| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RESIDENTIAL ZONES | COMMERCIAL ZONES | INDUSTRIAL ZONES | INSTITUTIONAL ZONES | |
| 5. Limit 1 banner per tenant or building occupant on each street frontage maximum. 6. Banners are permitted only as a means of temporary advertisement, such as for new businesses, grand openings, or similar special events, and may not be used as permanent signs. 7. Prior to the installation of a banner, a permit shall be obtained from the Planning Division. A city-issued decal shall be attached to face of the banner in the lower right-hand corner. The banner and any support elements shall be promptly removed at the expiration of the banner permit. |
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| BANNERS WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY |
See section13-118, street banners. | |||
| TEMPORARY SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY PERMIT REQUIRED |
Subject to section13-118.1 |
| TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
TABLE 13-115 SIGN REGULATIONS PERMANENT SIGNS |
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| BANNERS ON PUBLIC BASEBALL AND/OR SOFTBALL FIELDS PERMIT REQUIRED |
Subject to section13-118.2 | |||
| NON-COMMERCIAL BANNERS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY (Permit required) |
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| MAXIMUM AREA | The greater of 0.5 sq. ft. per dwelling unit or 20 sq. ft. Maximum area: 100 sq. ft. per site. |
0.5 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage facing the street. Minimum entitlement: 25 sq. ft. per tenant. Maximum area: 75 sq. ft. per tenant. |
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| TIME LIMITS | A maximum display time of 60 days per calendar year. Exception: For residential developments of 100 units or more, a maximum display time of 120 days per calendar year. |
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| DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
1. The entire surface of the banner must be securely affxed to either a building wall of the residence or business (the building wall must abut a public street or on-site parking area serving the residence or business), or to the sign face of a freestanding sign. 2. May not be attached to any staff, pole, line, framing, vehicle, or similar support. 3. May not project above roof. 4. Must be maintained in good condition; removed or replaced if torn, faded, or dirty. 5. Limit 1 banner per tenant or building occupant on each street frontage maximum. 6. A permit is required. |
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| SIGNAGE IN MIXED-USE OVERLAY DISTRICT |
Refer to the appropriate urban plan for signage regulations in the mixed-use overlay district. |
(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 98-5, §§ 20—22, 3-2-98; Ord. No. 99-10, § 4, 7-19-99; Ord. No. 02-8, § 1c, 4-15-02; Ord. No. 0411, § 3, 10-18-04; Ord. No. 06-9, § 1i., 4-18-06; Ord. No. 10-20, § 1(Exh. A), 1-4-11; Ord. No. 11-11, § 1, 9-20-11; Ord. No. 16-04, § 3, 8-2-16; Ord. No. 18-02, § 3, 1-16-18; Ord. No. 19-08, § 2, 4-2-19; Ord. No. 21-20, § 1, 12-7-21)
§ 13-116. Signs adjacent to residential zones. ¶
In commercial and industrial zones, all signs located within 200 feet of residentially-zoned property shall conform to the following restrictions:
(a) Freestanding signs shall be limited to seven feet in height unless non-illuminated or placed in such a location that visibility from residentially-zoned property within 200 feet is completely obscured by permanent structures on the commercially- or industriallyzoned property.
(b) Building signs shall be placed no higher than the first story level unless non-illuminated or located so as not to be visible from residentially-zoned property within 200 feet.
(c) Signs that do not comply with the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be authorized as part of a planned signing program, if the zoning administrator finds that the proposed sign(s) will not have adverse visual impacts on residentiallyzoned property within 200 feet.
(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)
§ 13-117. Maintenance of permanent signs. ¶
All signs shall be maintained in a safe, structurally sound condition and in good repair at all times. Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted if paint is required. Defective parts shall be replaced. Defective, damaged or substantially deteriorated signs may be ordered to be repaired or abated as provided for in applicable codes and ordinances. (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)
§ 13-118. Street banners. ¶
Special event banners and holiday banners may be placed in the public right-of-way after obtaining the necessary approval as required by the applicable city council policy.
(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)
§ 13-118.1. Temporary signs on public property. ¶
(a) Applicability. The placement of temporary signs on public property shall be limited to only those signs that advertise city-sponsored or city-permitted events or activities. As used in this section, these include, but are not limited to, events or activities of Youth Program User Groups 1 and 3, as defined in the athletic field/facility use and allocation policy.
(b) Permit required. Temporary signs for city-sponsored events may be placed on public property after obtaining the necessary permit from the recreation manager.
(c) Standards.
(1) Acceptable temporary sign location: Signs may be placed only on a building wall or perimeter wall or fence of the public property. The sign shall not project above the building parapet or the highest point of the roof or above the perimeter wall and/or fence. The sign shall not be attached to any staff, pole, line, framing, vehicle or similar support.
(2) Illumination: The sign shall not be illuminated.
(3) Maximum size: The total signage shall not exceed 80 square feet and individual signs shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(4) Number of signs: Limit one temporary sign per user group per street frontage at any given time.
(5) Installation: The entire surface of the sign must be securely fastened to the building or perimeter wall and/or fence.
(6) Maintenance required: The applicant shall maintain all signs in good condition, and the applicant shall remove or replace any sign that is torn, faded, dirty, or defaced, including by graffiti.
(7) Installation period: Temporary signs may be displayed a maximum of 30 days. Specific dates and time for the signs' installation and removal may be subject to change by the city in order to minimize impacts to the public.
(8) Sign removal: All signs that are not removed by the applicant by the approved removal date shall constitute a public nuisance subject to summary removal by the city.
(Ord. No. 04-11, § 4, 10-18-04; Ord. No. 09-14, § 1, 12-1-09)
§ 13-118.2. Banners on public baseball and softball fields. ¶
(a) Applicability. Only a youth program user groups 1 and 3 shall be able to request approval to install banners on a public baseball or softball field that has been permitted for their use by the city. Youth program user groups 1 and 3 are defined in the City of Costa Mesa Athletic Field/Facility Use and Allocation Policy.
(b) Permit required. Banners may be placed on public baseball and/or softball fields after obtaining the necessary permit from the recreation manager.
(c) Standards.
(1) Acceptable banner location: Banners shall only be displayed on the field's outfield fence and shall only face the field's interior.
(2) Banner composition: Banner copy and/or logos shall be limited to one side of the banner, and the banner shall be made of durable cloth, bunting, plastic, or similar material.
(3) Maximum size: Individual banners shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(4) Installation: The banner's surface must be tautly and securely fastened to the outfield fence of the field by a minimum of four contact points.
(5) Maintenance required: The applicant shall maintain all banners in good condition, and the applicant shall remove or replace any banner that is torn, faded, dirty, or defaced, including by graffiti.
(6) Installation period: Banners shall be installed no sooner than seven days prior to the baseball and/or softball season's commencement and shall be removed within seven days of the season's close. Specific dates and time for the banners' installation and removal may be subject to change by the city in order to minimize impacts to the public.
(7) Banner removal: All banners that are not removed by the applicant by the approved removal date shall constitute a public nuisance subject to summary removal by the city.
(Ord. No. 04-11, § 5, 10-18-04; Ord. No. 09-14, § 1, 12-1-09)
§ 13-119. Billboards. ¶
The area of any billboard that was legally erected before October 6, 1984, shall not be included in the calculation of sign area for the site on which it is located until any new building is placed or constructed on that site, after which the calculation of sign area shall include the area of all billboards on the site, regardless of time of construction. (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)