Planning Commission reviews 90‑item zoning code amendment list; asks staff to prioritize clarifications and state‑law alignment

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission on Aug. 11 received a staff presentation and discussion on a proposed package of roughly 90 potential zoning code amendments and asked staff to return with a prioritized work plan. The commission voted 7‑0 to receive and file the presentation and directed staff to refine priorities, distinguishing technical clarifications from policy changes.

Amber Gregg, contract planner, said staff compiled approximately 90 amendments that ranged from minor clarifications and definitions to substantial amendments needing interdisciplinary research and public outreach. Gregg said the items were organized by category (definitions, standards, uses, procedures) and by complexity (level 1 = minor, level 2 = moderate, level 3 = substantial). She told commissioners the list has grown from routine project review, state law changes and commissioner requests.

Gregg framed the purpose of the exercise as improving customer service,…