Zoning Restrictions: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa requires a home occupation permit to operate any business from a residentially zoned area under CMMC Article 6. No business license is issued until a home occupation permit has been approved. Employees must be permanent residents of the premises only.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Section 7-9-104 of the Orange County Comprehensive Zoning Code allows home occupations only as an accessory use to a residence, conducted entirely within the enclosed living area, with no exterior evidence, no signs, no more than one client at a time, and no change to the dwelling's residential character.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — home occupation permit | - |
| Business License | Not issued without permit | - |
| Employees | Residents only | - |
| Exterior Changes | Prohibited | - |
| Code Section | CMMC Article 6 | - |
| Governing section | - | OC Zoning Code Sec. 7-9-104 (Home occupations) |
| Location | - | Within the enclosed living area only; accessory to a residence |
| Clients | - | No more than one (1) client on premises at a time |
| Exterior evidence | - | None permitted; residential character must not change |
| Cannabis | - | Cannabis distribution/cultivation/delivery prohibited as home occupation |
| Parking | - | Required residential off-street parking must be maintained |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need a permit for a home business in Costa Mesa?
Yes. A home occupation permit must be approved before a business license is issued under CMMC Article 6. No business may operate from a residential zone without the permit.
Can I have employees at my home business?
Only permanent residents of the premises may work in the home occupation. Non-resident employees are prohibited.
Can I sell products from home?
No direct sale of products on the premises is permitted. Online businesses that ship from outside the home may be acceptable.
Midway City FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes, but only as a home occupation accessory to your residence in a district that permits it, and within the enclosed living area. Section 7-9-104 prohibits exterior evidence, signs, more than one client at a time, excess traffic, and any change to the residential character of the dwelling.
How many employees or clients can visit my home business?
Section 7-9-104 limits a home occupation to no more than one client on the premises at any given time and requires that traffic stay within what is normal for the district. The home occupation must remain incidental and accessory to the residential use.
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