Costa Mesa, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Costa Mesa addresses outdoor lighting through its zoning and development standards in Title 13 of the Municipal Code. While the city does not have a dedicated dark sky ordinance, all new development and substantial remodels must comply with outdoor lighting standards designed to minimize light pollution and nuisance impacts. Exterior lighting must be designed and directed so that it does not shine directly onto adjacent properties or create glare visible from public streets. Shielded and downward-directed fixtures are required for new construction and significant exterior modifications. California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards apply to all outdoor lighting installations in Costa Mesa, setting maximum wattage and efficiency requirements. Landscape and architectural lighting must be designed to avoid excessive brightness and light trespass. Parking lot and security lighting must meet specific design standards including pole height limits and fixture orientation. The city's general nuisance standards under Title 20 also apply to lighting that unreasonably disturbs neighbors, providing a basis for code enforcement action against excessively bright or misdirected residential lighting.