Parking Rules in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
7 verified parking rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
RV & Boat Parking
Costa Mesa prohibits large motor vehicles (over 22 feet long or both 84 inches wide and tall) from parking on city streets except for 48-hour loading/unloading periods adjacent to the resident's property under CMMC Section 10-185.
Costa Mesa RV & Boat Parking Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsDriveway Rules
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirements. Parking on front lawns or unpaved areas is prohibited.
Costa Mesa Driveway & Parking Standards
Some RestrictionsCommercial Vehicle Restrictions
Costa Mesa prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW from parking on restricted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM, or for more than 3 hours on any public street under CMMC Section 10-185.
Costa Mesa Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsStreet Parking Limits
Costa Mesa enforces street parking time limits and offers a Residential Permit Parking Program in designated neighborhoods. Oversized vehicles are not eligible for residential permits. Standard time limits and posted restrictions apply citywide.
Costa Mesa Street Parking Regulations
Some RestrictionsCal. Veh. Code § 22651
22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which th...
Overnight Parking
Costa Mesa restricts overnight street parking in many residential areas. Vehicles parked on public streets between 2 AM and 5 AM may be cited or towed unless a permit is obtained. Enforcement is managed by Costa Mesa Police.
Costa Mesa Overnight Parking Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEV Charging
Costa Mesa follows California's streamlined permitting for home EV charger installations under AB 1236. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be installed at residential properties with a standard electrical permit. The city supports EV infrastructure expansion.
Costa Mesa EV Charging & Home Charger Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Gov. Code § 65850.7 (AB 1236, 2015)
Existing law, the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act, prohibits the charging of a subscription fee on persons desiring to use an electric vehicle charging station, as defined, and prohibits a requirement for persons to obtain membership in any club, association, or organization as a condition of using the station, except as specified.
Abandoned Vehicles
Costa Mesa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public streets for more than 72 hours without being moved or those that are inoperable. The city proactively tags and removes abandoned vehicles through Costa Mesa Police and Code Enforcement.
Costa Mesa Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Vehicle Code §22651(j)–(k) — Removal of Parked & Abandoned Vehicles
(j) If a vehicle is found illegally parked and there are no license plates or other evidence of registration displayed, the vehicle may be impounded until the owner or person in control of the vehicle furnishes the impounding law enforcement agency evidence of their identity and an address within this state where they can be located. (k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway fo...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Parking Rules in Orange County →