Skip to content

Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter X — NONCONFORMING USES, DEVELOPMENTS AND LOTS

§ 13-202. Definitions.

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

The following terms and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Conforming use. An existing and legally established use which is permitted in a particular zone by this Zoning Code.

Conforming development. An existing and legally established development which conforms to the development standards required by this Zoning Code.

Nonconforming development. An existing and legally established development which no longer conforms to the development standards required by this Zoning Code.

Nonconforming dwelling unit. An existing and legally established dwelling unit which no longer conforms to the development standards required by this Zoning Code or which is located in a district where it is no longer permitted.

Nonconforming lot. An existing and legally established lot not complying with the minimum area and dimension standards required by this Zoning Code.

Nonconforming mobile home park. An existing and legally established mobile home park which no longer conforms to the development standards or location provisions required by this Zoning Code.

Nonconforming use. An existing and legally established use which is located in a district where it is no longer permitted by this Zoning Code.

Nonconforming use of land or of land with minor structures only. An existing and legally established use which is located in a district where it is no longer permitted by this Zoning Code and where such use involves no individual structure with a replacement cost exceeding $5,000.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸ 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
      Overview
      1. § 13-201. Purpose.
      2. § 13-202. Definitions.
      3. § 13-203. Maintenance and repair.
      4. § 13-204. Nonconforming provisions.
      5. § 13-205. Provisions for multi-family zones for rebuilding aft…
      6. § 13-206. Nonconforming fences and walls.
      7. § 13-207. Nonconforming 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

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.