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Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter XVII — AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE

§ 13-330. Definitions.

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

As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. Terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this Code:

Affordable housing agreement. A legally binding recorded agreement and/or deed restriction in a form satisfactory to the director and the city attorney setting forth those provisions necessary to ensure that the requirements of the chapter are met, including but not limited to those specified in section 13-332 .

Affordable housing plan. A plan containing all of the information specified and submitted in conformance with this chapter specifying the manner in which affordable units will be provided.

Affordable housing trust fund. The fund into which all collected in-lieu fees are deposited for the purposes of furthering affordable housing goals within the city.

Affordable rent. The maximum affordable housing cost minus any housing costs that are imposed on the tenant on a mandatory basis. The affordable housing cost is based on the percentages of AMI identified in the following table, as adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit (as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50052.5 ), times 30%:

Income Category Percentage of AMI
Low Income 80%
Very Low Income 50%

Affordable sales price. The maximum price that can be charged to a moderate income household based on the calculation methodology defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50052.5 .

Affordable unit. A dwelling unit that is required to be rented at the affordable rent or sold at the affordable sales price to very low, lowand moderate-income households.

Applicant. A person or entity that applies for approval or approvals for a residential project and/or owns the property or properties on which a residential project is proposed.

Area median income (AMI). The median household income of households in Orange County, adjusted for household size, as determined by the California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD).

Density bonus. An increase in the number of units permitted in a proposed residential project provided pursuant to California State Density Bonus Law as set forth in Government Code section 65915 , et seq.

Director. The director of economic and development services or his or her designee.

Extremely low-income household. A household with a gross annual household Income that does not exceed 30% of AMI for Orange County as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50106 .

Gross annual household income. As defined in 25 Cal. Code Regs. section 6914 including any successor section thereto.

In-lieu fee. The fee payable as an alternative to the construction of on-site affordable units.

Low-income households. A household with a gross annual household income between 51% and 80% of AMI for Orange County as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50079.5 .

Market-rate unit. A dwelling unit offered on the open market at the prevaling market-rate for purchase or rental.

Moderate-income household. A household with a gross annual household income between 81% and 120% of AMI for Orange County as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50093 .

Ownership project. A residential project that is intended to be sold for homeownership.

Rental project. A residential project that is intended to be rented to tenants.

Residential project. A project undertaken for the purpose of development of land for residential purposes that requires the issuance of a discretionary approval or permit, including a permit for construction, and that will include 50 or more dwelling units.

Very low-income households. A household with a gross annual household income that does not exceed 50% of AMI for Orange County, as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 50105 .

Zone change. Any proposed change to the official zoning map. The terms rezone and zoning amendment shall also have the same meaning.

(Ord. No. 2024-02, 8/6/2024)

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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
      Overview
      1. § 13-326. Purpose.
      2. § 13-327. Applicability.
      3. § 13-328. Exemptions.
      4. § 13-329. Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan.
      5. § 13-330. Definitions.
      6. § 13-331. Affordable housing requirements.
      7. § 13-332. Alternative compliance procedures.
      8. § 13-333. Affordable housing agreement and affordable housing …
      9. § 13-334. Affordable housing trust fund.
      10. § 13-335. Density bonus.
      11. § 13-336. Parking requirements.
      12. § 13-337. Concurrent processing.
      13. § 13-338. Compliance monitoring.
      14. § 13-339. Administrative procedures.
      15. § 13-340. Enforcement.

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