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Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter XIV — OIL DRILLING

§ 13-288. Purpose of chapter.

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

The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the drilling on the surface or subsurface of oil and gas wells, the production of oil and gas, and the storing and transportation thereof in the City of Costa Mesa, except as specifically provided for herein.

The city council hereby declares that it is also the object and purpose of this chapter to establish reasonable and uniform regulations, safeguards and controls for the drilling for and production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances within and under the City of Costa Mesa. Such regulations, safeguards and controls are found to be necessary in order to protect the citizens, their property rights and the general public. Such orderly development is necessary to protect the surface uses and the value and character of residential, commercial and other real property within the city as such uses are set forth in the master plan of the city, and its zoning ordinances and regulations. The city council recognizes that many of its citizens and property owners have made substantial investments in real property and do not own the mineral rights lying in or under such property, and will not profit directly from oil or gas development. Therefore, in order to protect such citizens and their property rights, to protect the owners of mineral rights and to provide said orderly exploration, development and production of oil and gas, it is necessary to regulate the drilling for and as set forth in this chapter.

The city council hereby finds that the uncontrolled drilling on the surface or subsurface for oil and gas, and the production thereof, in the City of Costa Mesa, would be detrimental to the general welfare of its citizens, and detrimental to the general public peace, health, safety, comfort, convenience and prosperity. The city council finds and determines that sub-surface area within the City of Costa Mesa may be explored for oil and gas, and if said substances are found, the same may be produced by directional or slant drilling methods from surface locations outside the City of Costa Mesa. (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
    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
      Overview
      1. § 13-288. Purpose of chapter.
      2. § 13-289. Where permitted.
      3. § 13-290. Drilling from outside city limits.
      4. § 13-291. Permit required for maintenance of existing wells an…
      5. § 13-292. Permit and inspection fees.
      6. § 13-293. Adoption of standard conditions.
      7. § 13-294. Existing wooden derricks.
      8. § 13-295. Use of earthen sumps prohibited.
      9. § 13-296. Abandonment of wells.
      10. § 13-297. Refineries, tank farms and commercial absorption pla…
      11. § 13-298. Enforcement.
      12. § 13-299. Penalties.
      13. § 13-300. Validity.
      14. § 13-301. Repeal of conflicting ordinance.
      15. § 13-302. Core holes and test holes prohibited.
    14. Chapter XV — GROUP HOMES
    15. Chapter XVII — AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE

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