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Outdoor Lighting in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

1 verified outdoor lighting rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Light Trespass & Shielding

A Costa Mesa restaurant or bar within 200 feet of a residential zone must shield or aim all exterior lighting away from homes under Municipal Code Sec. 13-49(a), one of several buffer standards that also cover noise, trash screening, and seating orientation for that 200-foot band.

Costa Mesa Lighting Rules Near Residential Zones

Some Restrictions

Costa Mesa Municipal Code Sec. 13-49(a)

Establishments where food or beverages are served that are within 200 feet of residentially-zoned property shall comply with the following development standards, unless the standards are modified through the issuance of a minor conditional use permit or conditional use permit. All exterior lighting shall be shielded and/or directed away from residential areas. Outdoor public communication syste...

Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.

Outdoor Lighting in Orange County