Commission hears proposed 2025 zoning code updates; staff to return with public hearing draft

Costa Mesa planning staff on June 23 presented a study session on a package of technical zoning code updates and codifications intended to clarify frequently used zoning‑administrator determinations and to align several provisions with current state law.

Assistant planners Caitlin Curley and Froylan Garcia described the package (PCTY‑25‑0001) as focused on technical clarifications rather than new policy. The proposed changes include codifying existing zoning administrator determinations for: walls, fences and landscaping standards; definitions and parking rates for individual and group counseling uses; exterior piping and conduit treatments; screening requirements for ground‑mounted antenna support elements and equipment; and updates related to implementation of Senate Bill 9. Staff also proposed revisions to ADU/JADU provisions to address two minor HCD comments and planned an updated shared‑parking analysis tool with more current demand data.

On walls and fences, staff said the package would consolidate existing local standards into the zoning code and would modestly increase the maximum permitted front‑yard fence height in certain narrow conditions while…