Property Maintenance in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
2 verified property maintenance rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Costa Mesa declares a broad list of property conditions a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 20-12, from unsafe or fire-hazard structures and structural defects to abandoned, boarded-up, or partially built structures. The director can order abatement, and Section 20-13 authorizes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 imposed daily after the notice-to-abate deadline passes until the violation is corrected.
Costa Mesa Public Nuisance Property Abatement
Significant RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code Secs. 20-12, 20-13
Any structure or property, or a portion thereof, that is determined to be unsafe pursuant to the California Building Code and other applicable technical codes, constitutes a fire hazard, is in violation of any of the provisions of section 20-7, is determined to be unsafe or that is otherwise dangerous to the public safety, health and welfare. … Structures that are abandoned, boarded up, partial...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Costa Mesa requires every vacant parcel to be secured and kept clear of litter, rubbish and weeds for as long as it sits empty. Section 20-7 sets mandatory upkeep standards, and the fire chief or Development Services Director can add fencing, boarding and security-lighting requirements when a vacant structure poses a safety risk.
Costa Mesa Vacant Lot Maintenance Standards
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 20-7(a)
(a) Mandatory standards. All vacant real property in the city shall be secured and maintained at a level not less than the following standards during the time period that such property remains vacant: (1) Graffiti... (2) Rubbish, litter and weeds. All landscaped, concrete, dirt, or paved open areas on the real property and adjoining public parkway shall be kept clear of rubbish, litter, and wee...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
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