Outdoor Lighting in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Costa Mesa regulates outdoor lighting through its zoning and development standards to minimize light pollution, glare, and impacts on neighboring properties. While the city does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance, new development must comply with lighting standards including shielding requirements and California Title 24 energy efficiency standards for outdoor lighting.
Costa Mesa Outdoor Lighting and Light Pollution Standards
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Costa Mesa prohibits outdoor lighting from unreasonably shining onto neighboring properties under its nuisance standards in Title 20 and development standards in Title 13. Exterior lighting must be designed and directed to prevent light trespass, and residents can file complaints about misdirected lighting through Code Enforcement.
Costa Mesa Light Trespass and Nuisance Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Orange County →