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Costa Mesa council adopts first-reading zoning code amendments to modernize commercial uses
Summary
Council approved introduction and first reading of limited-scope amendments to Title 13, updating commercial use categories, parking rules and permitting to streamline local business approvals. The planning commission had recommended the changes unanimously.
The City Council voted 7-0 on Aug. 4 to introduce and give first reading to amendments to Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code that revise nonresidential land-use classifications and update several development standards.
Amber Gray, project planner, told the council the proposal reduces an outdated list of 155 specific uses into broader categories to make permitting clearer and to enable adaptive reuse. "These amendments support evolving business models, improve regulatory clarity, reduce reliance on similar-use definitions, and facilitate reinvestment," Gray said. The changes include permitting many small, low-impact commercial uses by right where previously they required a conditional-use permit, adjustments to parking requirements and a revised floor area ratio definition.
Planning staff noted the update is a limited-scope modernization — not a full zoning code rewrite — and said the planning commission unanimously recommended approval after public hearings. Council members praised the update as long overdue and asked staff to continue periodic cleanups; Councilman Reynolds asked about the broader plan for future updates and staff said they expect two to three updates per year as resources allow.
Council approved the ordinance on first reading, sending it forward for additional steps required by the municipal code.
