Moving to Costa Mesa, CA?

Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 establishes noise standards that vary by zoning district. Industrial and commercial noise crossing into residential zones must meet the residential standard at the property line, enforced by Code Enforcement.

Outdoor music at residences, parks, and events in Costa Mesa must comply with CMMC Title 13 noise standards. Amplified outdoor music requires compliance with decibel limits and permitted hours, with exceptions for city-authorized events at venues like the OC Fair & Event Center.

Costa Mesa is within the Airport Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport (SNA), which operates under departure noise limits and a voluntary nighttime curfew. The city enforces sound insulation requirements for new construction in noise impact zones.

Costa Mesa establishes specific decibel thresholds under CMMC Title 13 that vary by zoning district and time of day. Residential zones allow approximately 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, measured at the property line of the receiving property.

Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at the property line. Events with amplified sound may need special permits.

Costa Mesa limits construction activity to 7 AM to 8 PM under CMMC Section 13-279(b). The development services director may grant temporary waivers for work outside these hours upon considering impacts to nearby communities.

Costa Mesa addresses barking dogs through its noise control ordinance and animal control provisions. Excessive or continuous barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. The Animal Services Unit handles complaints at (714) 754-5311.

Costa Mesa Chapter XIII of the Municipal Code establishes noise control standards. Section 13-280 sets exterior noise standards for residential zones with different limits for daytime and nighttime. Willfully making loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace is unlawful.

Costa Mesa regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise control ordinance in CMMC Chapter XIII. Leaf blowers must comply with exterior noise standards at the property line. California AB 1346 restricts new gas-powered blower sales statewide.

Costa Mesa regulates short-term rental occupancy under its STR ordinance. Maximum occupancy is based on the number of bedrooms with a hard cap to prevent overcrowding, parties, and neighborhood disturbances in residential areas.

Costa Mesa requires short-term rental hosts to maintain liability insurance coverage as a condition of their STR permit. Most platforms like Airbnb provide supplemental coverage, but hosts should verify their own homeowner's policy covers rental activity.

Costa Mesa may impose annual night caps or rental frequency limits on short-term rental properties as conditions of STR permits, particularly in residential neighborhoods where STR activity is closely monitored.

Costa Mesa completely BANS short-term rentals under Ordinance 2021-17 adopted November 2, 2021. Renting any residential property for less than 31 days is prohibited citywide. Home sharing as defined by the city is the only exemption. ADUs cannot be used as STRs.

Costa Mesa prohibits all short-term rentals throughout the city under Ordinance 2021-17 (CMMC Chapter 13). Rentals under 30 days are banned with limited home-sharing exceptions. No STR permits or licenses are issued for residential properties.

Short-term rentals are prohibited citywide in Costa Mesa, so no STR-specific noise rules exist. The general noise control ordinance in CMMC Chapter XIII applies to all residential properties including those where illegal STR activity is suspected.

Costa Mesa does not collect transient occupancy taxes from residential short-term rentals because the activity is prohibited citywide under Ordinance 2021-17. Only legally permitted lodging businesses collect TOT.

Costa Mesa has no STR-specific parking rules because short-term rentals are banned citywide under Ordinance 2021-17. Standard residential parking regulations apply to all properties.

Costa Mesa allows recreational fires in backyards using approved portable fire pits, chimineas, and cooking fires under SCAQMD and local fire code restrictions. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Fires must be attended and extinguished safely.

Costa Mesa enforces California's smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector requirements under CMMC building codes. Detectors are required in all sleeping areas, outside bedrooms, and on every level of the home, with CO detectors mandatory in homes with fuel-burning appliances.

Costa Mesa allows gas-fueled fire pits with Building Department approval. Wood-burning fire pits must maintain 25-foot clearance from combustible structures. Single-family homes (R-3) require 3-foot clearance for portable devices; other residential types require 10 feet.

Costa Mesa requires property owners to remove weeds, grass, and combustible vegetation capable of endangering property. The Costa Mesa Fire Department enforces vegetation management standards as part of the adopted fire code.

Costa Mesa prohibits outdoor burning of trash and refuse. Rubbish may only be burned in approved incinerators. Gas-fueled outdoor fire devices are the primary permitted option. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.

Costa Mesa permits safe and sane fireworks July 2-4 between 4 PM and 10 PM only. Sales run June 30 through July 4 at licensed locations. All illegal fireworks are prohibited year-round with zero-tolerance enforcement. Report violations at (714) 754-5252.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 prohibits certain fence materials in residential zones including barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing. Approved materials include wood, vinyl, wrought iron, block, and stucco-finished masonry, subject to zoning district standards.

Costa Mesa regulates fence placement, setbacks, and maintenance under CMMC zoning provisions. Fences in the front yard setback area are limited to 42 inches in height, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Corner lot visibility triangles must remain clear.

Costa Mesa enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised child access.

Costa Mesa requires building permits for retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Walls over certain heights require engineered plans. Retaining walls near property lines must meet setback requirements.

Costa Mesa defers to California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 for shared boundary fence responsibilities. Adjoining landowners are presumed to share equally the cost of maintaining boundary fences under the Good Neighbor Fence Act.

Costa Mesa limits front setback fences to 3 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet maximum. Corner lots require fences over 36 inches to be set back 5 feet from the street side property line. Fences exceeding maximums require discretionary review.

Costa Mesa requires building permits for all new fences. The Planning Division reviews fence location and materials. Fences exceeding maximum heights require discretionary review. Temporary construction fencing also requires permits.

Costa Mesa restricts or prohibits keeping livestock such as goats, sheep, horses, and pigs on most residential properties. Livestock keeping is generally limited to properties in agricultural or equestrian zoning districts, which are very limited in the city.

Costa Mesa prohibits or discourages feeding wildlife including coyotes, feral cats, and pigeons in public areas. Residents must secure trash to prevent wildlife encounters. The city works with OC Animal Care on coyote management programs.

Costa Mesa follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibiting most exotic animals as pets. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and certain reptiles are restricted or banned under state law. OC Animal Care enforces animal regulations in the city.

Costa Mesa prohibits livestock (including chickens) unless a special animal permit is approved by the chief of police. Keeping more than 5 domesticated animals also requires a permit. The permit fee is $15.49 non-refundable.

Costa Mesa requires dogs off their own property to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash held by a person who can completely control the dog at all times. The only off-leash exception is Costa Mesa Bark Park.

Costa Mesa requires a residential beekeeping permit for all domesticated hives. Hives must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residential buildings. The city has updated its beekeeping regulations to allow managed apiaries with permits.

Costa Mesa does not impose breed-specific legislation. California state law preempts cities from banning or restricting dogs based solely on breed. All breeds are permitted subject to licensing, leash, and behavior requirements.

California law encourages rainwater harvesting, and Costa Mesa permits residents to collect and store rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses without a permit for systems under 5,000 gallons. Rebates may be available through Mesa Water District.

Costa Mesa encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through compliance with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for turf replacement are available through Mesa Water District and Metropolitan Water District programs.

Costa Mesa allows artificial turf installation on residential properties as a water-saving landscaping alternative. Turf removal rebate programs may apply to transitioning from natural grass to synthetic turf. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict artificial turf under California law.

Costa Mesa property maintenance standards require owners to maintain landscaping and prevent overgrown vegetation. Weeds, debris, and unkempt vegetation constituting unsightly conditions or safety hazards must be removed.

Costa Mesa requires property owners to remove weeds, debris, and overgrown vegetation under property maintenance standards. The city may declare severely neglected properties a public nuisance and perform abatement at the owner's expense.

Costa Mesa maintains city-owned street trees through the Public Works Department. Private trees on residential property are the owner's responsibility. Trees must not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or create hazardous conditions for neighbors.

Costa Mesa requires approved irrigation systems for new development under its landscaping standards. Automatically time-controlled sprinklers are required for commercial, industrial, and multi-family sites. Drought restrictions from the Mesa Water District apply.

Costa Mesa prohibits any alteration of the dwelling exterior for home business purposes including signage, lighting changes, or commercial modifications under CMMC Article 6. The business must not be identifiable from outside.

Costa Mesa home occupations that involve customer visits require a minor conditional use permit. Without one, no customers may visit. With approval, up to 1 customer at a time and 8 per day maximum are allowed under CMMC Article 6.

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.

Costa Mesa applies California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) and the 2022 California Residential Code through CMMC Title 5. Any above-ground pool capable of holding more than 18 inches of water requires a building permit, an isolation barrier at least 60 inches tall, and at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.

Costa Mesa requires plan review, permits, and inspections for swimming pool enclosures. In-ground pool permits may be issued at the counter in most cases. Building permits and electrical permits are required. Pools must meet California Building Code setback and safety standards.

Costa Mesa enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act requiring VGB-compliant drain covers, GFCI electrical protection, and multiple safety features. Pool owners must maintain all safety devices in working condition at all times.

Costa Mesa requires a minimum 5-foot pool barrier and at least two additional safety features under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pool barriers must be maintained per California Building Code requirements.

Costa Mesa permits foundation tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units under CMMC Title 13 and California Government Code Section 65852.2, which preempts most local restrictions for ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. California Residential Code Appendix AX (effective 2023) sets construction standards for tiny houses on permanent foundations 400 sq ft or less. Tiny houses on wheels are classified by HCD as recreational vehicles.

Costa Mesa regulates carports through Title 13 (Zoning) of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code and Title 5, which adopts the 2022 California Building and Residential Codes. A carport is a structure that requires a building permit, must meet the setbacks of the underlying zone, and counts toward required covered parking for single-family homes.

Costa Mesa permits ADUs with unique provisions including a 150 sq ft minimum size and optional parking. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft. Setback is 4 feet from rear and side lines for new construction. Garage conversions are exempt from setback and parking replacement requirements.

Costa Mesa requires building permits for storage sheds exceeding 120 square feet in floor area. Sheds 120 square feet or smaller and not exceeding 6.5 feet in height may have a zero rear yard setback in the R1 zone and generally do not require a permit. All sheds must comply with lot coverage limits and may not be used for habitation. Sheds in required side yards must meet minimum setback requirements.

Costa Mesa allows garage conversions to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under California ADU law (Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22). Converting a garage to an ADU does not require replacement parking spaces. The conversion must meet Building Code requirements for habitable space including proper egress windows, insulation, ventilation, and plumbing. A building permit is required for all garage conversions.

Costa Mesa regulates stormwater runoff as a co-permittee under the Orange County NPDES MS4 Permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate best management practices and Low Impact Development strategies to prevent polluted runoff from reaching storm drains and waterways.

Costa Mesa requires erosion and sediment control measures for all construction and grading activities. The city has adopted Article 8 of Title 7 of the Orange County Codified Ordinances (Grading Manual) with local modifications, requiring developers to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation during and after construction.

Portions of Costa Mesa fall within the California Coastal Zone. Because Costa Mesa does not have a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), the California Coastal Commission retains permit authority over development in the coastal zone, requiring Coastal Development Permits for most construction and development activities in those areas.

Costa Mesa requires grading permits for most earth-moving activities and enforces drainage standards to prevent water from flowing onto neighboring properties. The city has adopted the Orange County Grading Manual with local modifications governing excavation, fill, and drainage requirements.

Costa Mesa participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Title 13 (Planning, Zoning and Development), Chapter V, Article 8 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code. Sections 13-81 through 13-83 govern uses permitted in designated floodway fringe and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, development standards for floodway areas, and exceptions. The Santa Ana River forms Costa Mesa's western boundary and Upper Newport Bay borders the city's eastern edge - both are primary regulated drainages. State authority for floodplain regulation derives from California Water Code Sections 9100 et seq. (Flood Control) and Section 8400 (state floodway designation). FEMA's currently effective Orange County FIRM panels apply to all floodplain determinations within city limits.

Costa Mesa restricts home cannabis cultivation to indoor-only growing for personal use by residents aged 21 and older, consistent with state Proposition 64 limits. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited in all zone districts. Commercial cultivation of any kind is banned from residential properties.

Costa Mesa voters approved Measure Q in 2020, allowing the city to adopt rules permitting retail cannabis uses including storefronts (dispensaries) and non-storefront delivery operations. The city has adopted Ordinances No. 2024-03 and 2024-04 establishing zoning and licensing requirements for cannabis businesses.

Costa Mesa offers an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential solar energy systems complying with AB 2188 and the California Solar Rights Act. Systems up to 10 kW AC on single-family or duplex dwellings qualify for simplified plan check through the city's online TESSA portal.

California's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 protect Costa Mesa homeowners from unreasonable HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. HOAs may impose only reasonable restrictions that do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%, and must review applications within 45 days.

Costa Mesa classifies political campaign signs as noncommercial portable signs under Chapter VIII of Title 13 of the Municipal Code. Noncommercial portable signs promoting political viewpoints, commenting on public officials, or addressing matters of public discourse are permitted in residential areas subject to size, placement, and maintenance standards.

Costa Mesa does not impose strict regulations on residential holiday and seasonal decorations. Displays are generally permitted on private property as long as they do not create safety hazards, obstruct visibility, or violate noise ordinances. The city's sign ordinance primarily targets commercial signage rather than seasonal residential decorations.

Costa Mesa regulates garage and yard sale signs as part of its broader sign ordinance under Title 13 of the Municipal Code. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with placement, size, and location restrictions and may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on utility poles.

Costa Mesa requires owners of vacant and undeveloped lots to maintain their property free of weeds, debris, and conditions that create nuisances or safety hazards. Title 20 (Property Maintenance) establishes maintenance standards and strict civil liability for property owners of vacant parcels.

Costa Mesa allows residents to hold up to two garage or yard sales per year without a permit, with each sale lasting no more than three consecutive days. The city offers an optional online registration system for garage sales.

Costa Mesa declares it a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge of any premises to maintain the property with conditions of deterioration, disrepair, or blight. Title 20 (Property Maintenance) establishes strict liability for property owners for all building, housing, fire, and land use violations.

Costa Mesa requires residents to follow specific bin placement rules on collection day and store bins out of public view when not set out for pickup. Bins must be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. on collection day with handles facing the home, spaced at least one foot apart, and three feet from obstructions.

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 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 adopted its own Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance on November 7, 2023, which prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid just cause reason. No-fault evictions require 60 days notice and relocation assistance equal to one month of HUD Fair Market Rent.

Costa Mesa does not have a local rent control ordinance but is subject to California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying rental properties. The city does not operate a rent board.

Costa Mesa does not currently require landlords to register rental properties with the city. A rental registry proposal was considered by the City Council in 2026 but was rejected by a 5-2 vote. Landlords must still comply with state and local landlord-tenant laws without any city registration requirement.

Costa Mesa residents must separate recyclable materials into the blue recycling cart and organic waste into the green organics cart per California SB 1383 requirements. Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1 through 5 and 7. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled paper are prohibited in recycling carts. Organic waste including food scraps and yard trimmings must be placed in the green cart.

Costa Mesa residential trash and recycling collection is managed by the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) with CR&R Environmental Services handling curbside pickup. Collection occurs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with specific collection days assigned by address.

Costa Mesa Sanitary District requires residential trash, recycling, and organics carts to be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day and retrieved by midnight the same day. Carts must be placed at the curb with handles facing the house, lids closed, and at least 3 feet from other carts, mailboxes, vehicles, and obstructions. Between collection days, carts must be stored behind the front building line and screened from public view.

Costa Mesa Sanitary District provides free large item curbside collection for residential customers through the Large Item Collection Program. Residents may schedule pickups for furniture, appliances, mattresses, and other bulky items that do not fit in standard carts. Pickups are scheduled based on availability and may occur one or more weeks from the request date. Hazardous materials, construction debris, and e-waste are not accepted through this program.

Commercial drone operations in Costa Mesa require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and additional authorization through LAANC or a Part 107 waiver due to John Wayne Airport's Class C airspace covering much of the city. Operators must carry liability insurance, obtain a Costa Mesa business license if operating commercially within city limits, and coordinate with the Police Department for operations near public events or critical infrastructure.

Recreational drone operations in Costa Mesa are governed primarily by FAA regulations. Operators must register drones weighing over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and yield to manned aircraft. Costa Mesa's proximity to John Wayne Airport (SNA) places much of the city within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization before flight. City parks prohibit drone takeoff and landing without prior Parks Division approval.

Food trucks operating in Costa Mesa must obtain a city business license and comply with Orange County Health Care Agency permitting for mobile food facilities. Trucks must have a valid OC Health permit, California seller's permit, and appropriate vehicle registration. Operation on private property requires the property owner's written consent and compliance with parking and zoning standards. Special event food vending at the OC Fairgrounds and city events requires separate event permits.

Costa Mesa regulates where food trucks and mobile vendors may operate through zoning and right-of-way regulations. Food trucks are generally permitted on private commercial property with owner consent but face restrictions near schools, residential zones, and established restaurants. The city does not maintain formally designated food truck zones but allows operations in commercial and industrial areas subject to parking and nuisance standards.

Costa Mesa residents can post 'No Soliciting' signs to prohibit door-to-door salespeople and canvassers from approaching their property. Under the Municipal Code, solicitors must honor posted no-soliciting signs and leave immediately when asked by a resident. Ignoring these signs or refusing to leave constitutes a violation of the soliciting ordinance and may qualify as trespassing under state law.

Any person engaging in door-to-door peddling or soliciting in Costa Mesa must first obtain a permit from the Costa Mesa Police Department under Municipal Code Sections 9-114 through 9-133. Nonprofit solicitors must obtain a separate permit from the Finance Department at City Hall. Permits require identification, background check, and a fee. Soliciting is prohibited before 9:00 AM and after 9:00 PM.

Costa Mesa city parks are closed to the public between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless otherwise posted or authorized by a special event permit. Fairview Park, TeWinkle Park, and all other municipal parks enforce these hours. The Costa Mesa Police Department conducts regular park patrols and may cite individuals found in parks after hours for trespassing.

Costa Mesa enforces a juvenile curfew under Municipal Code Chapter 20, Article 2. Minors under age 18 may not be in public places between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Exceptions apply for minors accompanied by a parent, traveling to or from work, or engaged in a First Amendment activity.

Costa Mesa limits residential building height to 35 feet in the R1 single-family zone and most residential districts. Two-story construction is the practical maximum in single-family zones. Accessory dwelling units may not exceed 16 feet for detached one-story units or 27 feet and two stories for attached or multi-story units. Height is measured from the finished grade to the highest point of the roof.

Costa Mesa's Zoning Code limits the total lot coverage of buildings and impervious surfaces in residential zones. In the R1 single-family district, structures may not cover more than approximately 55% of the total lot area. Lot coverage includes the footprint of the main dwelling, garage, accessory structures, and covered patios. Open lattice covers, uncovered decks, and swimming pools are generally excluded from lot coverage calculations.

Costa Mesa's Zoning Code (Title 13) establishes building setback requirements that vary by zoning district. In the R1 single-family district, typical setbacks are 20 feet for the front yard, 3 feet for interior side yards (combined minimum of 25% of lot width), and 10 feet for rear yards. Corner lots require additional street-side setbacks. Setback standards are detailed in Table 13-32 of the Municipal Code.

Costa Mesa requires prior city approval before removing any tree that was required by a site plan, landscaping condition, or planning approval. Trees shall not be destroyed or removed without review by the Planning Division, which may require a California licensed arborist report. Replacement trees of comparable size are required where possible. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property and may not be trimmed or removed by residents.

Costa Mesa provides enhanced protections for heritage and significant trees through its planning and zoning standards. Trees designated as heritage specimens — typically defined by species, trunk diameter, or historical significance — require special review before removal or significant alteration. The city's Landscaping Standards require preservation of mature trees during development, and a California licensed arborist report may be required for any proposed work affecting heritage trees.

Costa Mesa requires replacement trees when approved tree removals occur on properties subject to site plan conditions or heritage tree protections. Replacement trees must be of a size and species consistent with the tree being removed, as directed by the Planning Division. Heritage tree removals may require enhanced replacement ratios of two or more trees per tree removed. Replacement plans must be approved before removal work begins.

Costa Mesa does not impose a strict numerical limit on the number of garage sales a resident may hold per year. However, sales conducted frequently enough to resemble commercial activity — such as weekly or biweekly sales, or sales of new or purchased-for-resale merchandise — may be classified as a home business requiring a business license and compliance with home occupation permit requirements.

Costa Mesa does not require a permit for residential garage sales, yard sales, or estate sales conducted at the seller's own residence. Sales must be held on the property and may not spill onto sidewalks, parkways, or public streets. Signs advertising the sale are subject to the city's temporary sign regulations and must be removed immediately after the sale concludes.

Costa Mesa garage sales should operate during reasonable daylight hours, typically between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. While the Municipal Code does not specify exact garage sale hours, sales conducted early in the morning or after dark may generate noise and traffic complaints subject to the city's noise ordinance and nuisance provisions. Multi-day sales should be limited to weekend periods.