Costa Mesa limits residential building height to 35 feet in the R1 single-family zone and most residential districts. Two-story construction is the practical maximum in single-family zones. Accessory dwelling units may not exceed 16 feet for detached one-story units or 27 feet and two stories for attached or multi-story units. Height is measured from the finished grade to the highest point of the roof.
Costa Mesa's Zoning Code (Title 13) establishes maximum building heights for residential structures based on the zoning district. In the R1 Single-Family Residential district, the maximum building height is 35 feet, which accommodates two-story homes with standard roof pitches. Height is measured from the average finished grade at the building perimeter to the highest point of the roof, including parapets but excluding chimneys, antenna masts, and similar appurtenances. The R2-HD Medium Density Residential district also maintains a 35-foot height limit. The R3 High Density Residential district may allow greater heights depending on the specific development standards. Accessory structures in R1 zones that are not used for living space are limited to 15 feet in height. Detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are limited to 16 feet for single-story units. Attached ADUs or ADUs above garages may reach up to 27 feet and two stories under California ADU law, though local standards may impose additional design requirements. Properties in the Mesa del Mar and Mesa Verde neighborhoods or near the bluffs may be subject to additional height review to protect views and neighborhood character. The Planning Division reviews building height as part of the plan check process for all building permits. Properties on sloped lots use the average of the highest and lowest grade elevations along the building perimeter for height calculations.
Exceeding the maximum building height without an approved variance is a code violation subject to stop-work orders. The property owner must either obtain a variance from the Planning Commission or modify plans to comply. Structures built above the height limit may be required to be reduced in height at the owner's expense. Building permits will not be issued for projects that exceed height limits without an approved variance or exception.
Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle structure height limits.
See how Costa Mesa's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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