Costa Mesa, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Costa Mesa Municipal Code Sec. 12-56 defines a "skateboard" as any non-metallic wheeled object, coaster or conveyance used for transportation or sport that is human-powered and not classified as a bicycle or roller skate, and defines a "skate park" as a public facility designated as such by the recreation manager. Sec. 12-57 lists 15 specific regulations that apply at every skate park: use is limited to skateboarding and roller skating (no bicycles, scooters or motorized devices); riders must wear the required safety equipment, defined in Sec.

12-56 as at minimum a legal or approved helmet, elbow pads and knee pads, as posted at the facility; riding is banned when the surface is wet; profanity, reckless or boisterous behavior including tandem riding, pushing, horseplay and bullying is prohibited; food, beverages, glass bottles and breakable items are barred from the skating surface; riders cannot add outside obstacles like ramps or jumps; alcohol, controlled substances and dangerous weapons are prohibited; littering, vandalism and graffiti are banned; riding is confined to the skating surface itself, not curbs, planters, benches, steps, railings, parking lots or driveways; portable stereos and headphones are barred; and riding is limited to posted hours of operation.

Sec. 12-58 sets the penalty: any violation of the article is an infraction or misdemeanor at the discretion of the city attorney or district attorney, each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense, and anyone cited and convicted of three or more infractions is permanently barred from using or entering any skate park. Officers may also impound a violator's skateboard, bicycle, scooter or roller skates on the spot; the owner can reclaim the impounded item free of charge at the police department during business hours (a minor needs a parent or guardian present), and the city can destroy or auction any item left unclaimed 60 days after impoundment.