Costa Mesa · Zoning · I&R-MLT
Costa Mesa I&R-MLT zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (Costa Mesa code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses.)
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (Interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses.)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum density: 6 units per acre (single family residential)
I&R-MLT is a zoning district in Costa Mesa. Every value below was read from the Costa Mesa Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in I&R-MLT
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 13-66 · code textTable row “Front”, column “I&R-MLT”: Twenty feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses. § 13-66 · code textTable row “Interior lot line”, column “I&R-MLT”: Five feet. Additional setback may be required by the planning commission if deemed necessary to protect adjacent land uses. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses. § 13-66 · code textTable row “Interior lot line”, column “I&R-MLT”: Five feet. Additional setback may be required by the planning commission if deemed necessary to protect adjacent land uses. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 13-66 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area”, column “I&R-MLT”: Six thousand square feet |
| Maximum density | 6 units per acre Applies: single family residential § 13-66 · code textTable row “Single family residential—Maximum density”, column “I&R-MLT”: Six dwelling units per acre |
Uses in I&R-MLT
Uses the code's use tables allow in I&R-MLT, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in I&R-MLT:
- Maximum density: 40 units per acre — multi-family residential § 13-66
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for I&R-MLT in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Costa Mesa Municipal Code.
Other Costa Mesa zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone?
20 ft — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-66.
What is the minimum side setback in Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone?
5 ft (interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses) — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-66.
What is the minimum rear setback in Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone?
5 ft (interior lot line; the planning commission may require more to protect adjacent land uses) — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-66.
What is the minimum lot size in Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone?
6,000 sq ft — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-66.
What is the maximum density in Costa Mesa's I&R-MLT zone?
6 units per acre (single family residential) — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-66.
General information, not legal advice.
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