Building in the City of Costa Mesa
Located in Orange County, Costa Mesa is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its thriving arts scene, diverse communities, and strong economic base. Historically rooted in agriculture and industry, the city has transformed into a hub for commerce, entertainment, and innovation. Its strategic location near major transportation corridors, including the I-405 and SR-55 freeways, provides easy access to regional markets, the Orange County Airport, and the broader Southern California area, making Costa Mesa an attractive location for businesses in retail, professional services, technology, and creative industries.
Costa Mesa places a strong emphasis on balanced growth, revitalization, and community livability. The city supports mixed-use development, modern commercial centers, and residential neighborhoods while preserving its unique character. Investments in public infrastructure, transportation improvements, parks, cultural facilities, and recreational programs have enhanced the quality of life for residents and strengthened the city’s appeal as a destination for visitors and businesses alike.
Looking to the future, Costa Mesa is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunity. The city’s long-term vision focuses on expanding business and employment opportunities, enhancing public amenities, supporting creative industries, and promoting environmentally responsible development. By combining strategic planning, community engagement, and a commitment to quality of life, Costa Mesa continues to grow as a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking city where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive.
Construction Procedure in the City of Costa Mesa
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether it is residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Costa Mesa General Plan, and relevant development standards, including the Zoning Code and any specific planning policies. Assess key site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or major remodels within Costa Mesa must comply with the city’s permitting process and building codes, so early planning helps ensure a smooth development process.
2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the City of Costa Mesa Development Services Department, which includes staff from the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, Public Works/Engineering, and relevant utility providers. This meeting allows you to verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or specific plan compliance, and review conceptual plans. Early engagement with city staff helps identify potential challenges, streamline review, and ensure your project aligns with Costa Mesa’s development goals.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre-application consultation, submit a complete permit and application package. This typically includes permit forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Larger or site-specific projects may also require grading, drainage, and landscape plans. Additional studies such as traffic reports, geotechnical assessments, environmental evaluations, or noise studies may be required depending on the project. Include all necessary fees to prevent delays in processing.
4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
The city reviews submitted plans for compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division verifies adherence to California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews impacts to public rights-of-way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and fees submitted, the city issues the necessary permits. Coordination with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, and gas connections is required. Off-site improvements, such as street, traffic, or drainage upgrades, are coordinated through the Public Works/Engineering Division. Projects affecting public rights-of-way, grading, or encroachments may require additional permits from the Engineering Division. Proper coordination ensures construction can proceed efficiently.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must be performed by licensed contractors and follow approved plans. The city conducts inspections at key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final inspection. Public improvements, such as sidewalks, streetlights, and drainage systems, are also inspected. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted for review and approval before continuing.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
After construction is complete and corrections made, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for tenant improvements or remodels. This confirms that the building is safe for use and meets all regulatory requirements.
8. Project Close‑Out
Project close-out includes meeting all conditions of approval, paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and off-site improvements, and addressing any public infrastructure or easements. Once all requirements are satisfied, the project file is officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after completion, ongoing compliance with Costa Mesa’s municipal codes and maintenance standards is required. Future modifications, such as adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), installing signage, constructing fences, or changing land use, must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance, and alignment with the city’s long-term planning goals.
The Planning Division of the City of Costa Mesa guides the city’s growth and development to promote orderly, sustainable, and well-designed progress. The division oversees land use, zoning, subdivisions, and community design to ensure all projects comply with the Costa Mesa General Plan, Municipal Code, and state regulations. By administering zoning ordinances, design standards, and environmental review under CEQA, the division preserves the city’s character while encouraging responsible development. Working closely with other city departments, the Planning Division ensures that every project contributes to a safe, vibrant, and well-planned Costa Mesa.
The Building & Safety Division ensures that all construction in Costa Mesa meets state and local safety standards. The division reviews and issues building permits, conducts plan checks, and performs inspections for structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy compliance. By enforcing the California Building Standards Code and local ordinances, the division supports safe, high-quality development and protects the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the city.
The Public Works Department maintains and improves Costa Mesa’s essential infrastructure to support residents, businesses, and visitors. Services include street and sidewalk maintenance, traffic management, stormwater and drainage systems, water and sewer services, and city facility upkeep. The department also oversees capital improvement projects and coordinates with other agencies to ensure the city’s infrastructure remains safe, efficient, and sustainable.
Costa Mesa, located in Orange County, is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its cultural amenities, diverse neighborhoods, and strategic location at the heart of Southern California. Historically a center for agriculture and light industry, Costa Mesa has transformed into a thriving hub for commerce, arts, and professional services while maintaining its community-focused character. The city’s lively neighborhoods, strong civic engagement, and vibrant arts and cultural scene define Costa Mesa as a place of opportunity, creativity, and resilience.
Costa Mesa’s infrastructure—including its streets, public facilities, parks, water and sewer systems, and transportation networks—is carefully maintained to support residents, businesses, and continued growth. The city’s economy is driven by retail, professional services, creative industries, and small businesses, contributing to regional employment, economic vitality, and a high quality of life for the community.
Through strategic planning, community collaboration, and sustainable investment, Costa Mesa continues to build a strong, connected future. By balancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and livability, the city blends its rich history with modern progress—creating a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking community for all who live, work, and invest in Costa Mesa.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Costa Mesa
Phone: (714) 754-5300
Address: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Services: Building permits, plan checks, construction codes, and inspection services — including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. The division ensures that all construction in Costa Mesa meets state and local safety standards, supporting safe and high-quality development.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Costa Mesa Planning Division
Phone: (714) 754-5245
Address: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Services: Zoning information, development standards, land-use policies, subdivision processing, design review, and environmental review (CEQA). The Planning Division oversees orderly development and ensures that projects align with the Costa Mesa General Plan and the city’s long-term community goals.
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Costa Mesa Public Works Department
Phone: (714) 754-5300
Address: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Services: Street and sidewalk maintenance, water and sewer services, stormwater management, traffic control, and public infrastructure projects. The department maintains Costa Mesa’s essential infrastructure and ensures sustainable, efficient city operations for residents and businesses.
