Code Violation Reporting in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
2 verified code violation reporting rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
How to Report
Costa Mesa establishes a reported nuisance under Section 20-11(b): a condition must be visible without entry, confirmed with the owner's consent, or confirmed under a judicial warrant. Section 20-14 lets the Development Services Director enter a property to inspect, applying for a warrant if the owner refuses.
Costa Mesa Code Nuisance Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code §§ 20-11(b), 20-14
(b) A condition shall not be declared a nuisance unless: (1) the nuisance can be readily identified, observed or heard without entry onto the property; (2) it can be observed and established pursuant to a consent physical entry upon the property involved; or (3) it can be observed and established during an entry onto the property under the authority of a judicial warrant issued by a court of co...
Common Violations
Costa Mesa's Section 20-12 lists dozens of conditions the city treats as a public nuisance, from litter and weeds visible from the street to inoperative vehicles, RVs used as housing, unpermitted canopies, rooftop storage and bed bug or rodent infestations. Any one finding can trigger a notice to abate and civil fines.
Costa Mesa Common Property Nuisance Violations
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 20-12(e), (k), (m), (r)(1)
Conditions which qualify as a public nuisance, include, but are not limited to, the following: ... (e) Keeping, storing, or maintaining on or in front of any real property... any litter, rubbish or weeds, when such material is open to view at street level from a parkway, street, or adjoining property... (k) Keep, store, or maintain upon any premises any vehicle or recreational vehicle, except a...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
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