Water restrictions in Costa Mesa, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
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.
Under CMMC landscaping standards, all landscaped areas must be provided with an approved irrigation system. Automatically time-controlled sprinkler systems are required for commercial, industrial, and residential sites with more than two dwelling units. Single-family homes must also provide adequate irrigation for landscaping. New development must comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), including water budgets and efficient irrigation design. Costa Mesa is served by the Mesa Water District, which implements drought-stage restrictions during water emergencies. California's permanent water conservation regulations also apply. Water waste including runoff, watering during rain, and irrigating during windy conditions is prohibited.
New development failing to meet irrigation requirements may have permits withheld. Water waste during drought restrictions is subject to progressive fines from warnings to $500 per violation.
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 ...
Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at th...
Costa Mesa, CA
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 proac...
Costa Mesa, CA
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 pub...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirem...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle water restrictions.
See how Costa Mesa's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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