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Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter VIII — SIGNS›Article 5 — Nonconforming Signs

§ 13-121. Determination of legal nonconformity.

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

An existing sign which does not conform to the specific provisions of this chapter may be eligible for the designation "legal nonconforming" and may continue to be used and maintained, including change of copy, provided that:

  • (a) The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit and complied with all applicable laws and ordinances on the date it was installed.

(b) The sign is properly maintained and does not in any way endanger the public. (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)

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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
      Overview
      1. Article 1 — Purpose and Scope
      2. Article 2 — General Provisions
      3. Article 3 — Sign Regulations
      4. Article 4 — Special Procedures
      5. ▸ Article 5 — Nonconforming Signs
        Overview
        1. § 13-121. Determination of legal nonconformity.
        2. § 13-122. Loss of legal nonconforming status.
      6. Article 6 — Portable Signs Within the Public Right-of-Way
      7. Article 7 — Administration and Enforcement
    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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