Costa Mesa’s proposal would allow apartments and condos on listed commercial and industrial Measure K sites along corridors, not in single family neighborhoods. The council has not voted yet.
What the city is deciding
The council is asked to introduce a zoning ordinance (first reading only). Measure K, approved by voters in 2022, lets the city rezone specific commercial and industrial sites without a citywide vote. The Mixed Use Overlay is an extra zoning layer allowing homes and mixed use buildings on listed sites. New design standards would set measurable rules for multifamily buildings of three or more stories.
Where and who it affects
The overlay would reach more than 1,000 commercial and industrial parcels, shown on the city’s zoning map exhibit. The city estimates room for about 22,441 new homes over 30 years; no project is proposed in this item.
The plan does not rezone residential neighborhoods. It also leaves out 21 Measure K properties near the airport and the Cla-Val site, and sites on Bristol Street between Santa Ana Avenue and the Newport Beach city limits.
What it could mean for your property
Maximums by area:
- Mesa West Bluffs and 19 West: 20 to 30 homes per acre, 60 feet.
- Newport and Harbor boulevards: 30 homes per acre, 60 feet.
- SoBECA: 40 homes per acre, 60 feet.
- North Costa Mesa: 60 homes per acre, 72 feet; its Housing Element sites 90 homes per acre, 108 feet.
New buildings next to R1, R2 and R3 lots would need upper story setbacks to allow space, light, air and privacy. Commercial uses in overlay projects could not run outdoor activity, including loading and deliveries, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Small ADU edits for state law are not detailed in the report. Tandem parking would be allowed when a multifamily unit needs two spaces, but not for guests.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the property inside the Mixed Use Overlay on the city’s zoning map?
- What density, height and setback rules apply to that parcel?
- Is the property one of the 21 Measure K sites excluded from the overlay?
What happens next
On October 20, the council is asked to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission, certify the environmental report, approve the General Plan and specific plan changes and introduce the ordinance. The overrule needs a two thirds council vote. A second reading would be required to adopt the ordinance; the documents give no date.