Building Setbacks & Zoning in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Costa Mesa's Zoning Code (Title 13) establishes building setback requirements that vary by zoning district. In the R1 single-family district, typical setbacks are 20 feet for the front yard, 3 feet for interior side yards (combined minimum of 25% of lot width), and 10 feet for rear yards. Corner lots require additional street-side setbacks. Setback standards are detailed in Table 13-32 of the Municipal Code.
Costa Mesa Residential Building Setback Requirements
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
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 Residential Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Costa Mesa's Zoning Code limits the total lot coverage of buildings and impervious surfaces in residential zones. In the R1 single-family district, structures may not cover more than approximately 55% of the total lot area. Lot coverage includes the footprint of the main dwelling, garage, accessory structures, and covered patios. Open lattice covers, uncovered decks, and swimming pools are generally excluded from lot coverage calculations.
Costa Mesa Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Orange County →