Sign Regulations in Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa, California has specific sign regulations covering 14 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Building Wall Sign, Non-Commercial Portable Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Costa Mesa, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Costa Mesa
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 7 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — |
| Building Wall Sign | — | Total area of all permanent building wall signage may not exceed TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE | — |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 20% of contiguous window area maximum. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
14
- Freestanding Sign
- Building Wall Sign
- Non-Commercial Portable Sign
- Banner on Private Property
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Costa Mesa
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Costa Mesa, monument signs are limited to 7 ft.. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Costa Mesa, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Costa Mesa, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Building Wall Sign, Non-Commercial Portable Sign, Banner on Private Property, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Costa Mesa vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Costa Mesa are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Costa Mesa has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Costa Mesa, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Costa Mesa, California regulates 14 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Residential Zones zoning district are capped at 7 ft. tall and 30 sq. ft. (Sec. Table 13-115). Most commercial signs in Costa Mesa require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Costa Mesa, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Costa Mesa (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zones | 10 | 18 ft. high maximum | 64 sq. ft. maximum | — |
| Commercial Zones | 6 | 32 ft. | 230 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Zones | 1 | 7 ft. | — | — |
| Institutional Zones | 1 | — | 15 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 3 ft. above grade | 5 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Costa Mesa(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 7 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | — | 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on same site. | Must be located in landscaped planter equal to twice the sign area. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Building Wall Sign | — | Total area of all permanent building wall signage may not exceed TOTAL SIGN AREA PER STREET FRONTAGE | — | — | — | Signs may only be attached to a building wall abutting a public street or on-site parking area serving the subject building, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Division. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Construction Sign | 16 ft. high maximum | 64 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| For Sale Sign | 6 ft. high maximum | 5 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Open House Sign | 5 ft. high maximum | 3 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Non-Commercial Portable Sign | 6 ft. height above grade | 5 sq. ft. maximum per sign | — | — | — | Signs affixed in the ground. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Apartment Flag | 18 ft. high maximum | 15 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Banner on Private Property | — | 0.5 ft. per unit. Maximum area: 100 sq. ft. per site. | — | — | — | The entire surface of the banner must be securely affixed to either a building wall of the business being advertised (the building wall must abut a public street or on-site parking area serving the business being advertised), or to the sign face of a freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
Commercial Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft. | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Freeway-Oriented Freestanding Sign | 32 ft. | 230 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Building Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | 20% of window area | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Balloon Sign (less than 24 inches) | — | — | — | — | — | May not extend beyond any property line or over any public-right-of-way, regardless of wind conditions. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
| Banner on Private Property | — | 0.5 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage facing the street. Minimum entitlement: 25 sq. ft. per tenant. Maximum area: 75 sq. ft. per tenant. | — | — | — | The entire surface of the banner must be securely affixed to either a building wall of the business being advertised (the building wall must abut a public street or on-site parking area serving the business being advertised), or to the sign face of a freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | Table 13-115 |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Commercial Portable Sign | 3 ft. above grade | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | — | May be placed in any landscaped parkway, except tree wells and within the center median of any street or highway. | — | Unlock | § 13-123 |
| Commercial Portable Sign | 3 ft. above grade | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | The total number of commercial portable signs per owner or its agent pursuant to this section shall not exceed 10 signs in the city at any one time. | May be placed in any landscaped parkway but not within the center median of any street or highway. | — | Unlock | § 13-123.5 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Costa Mesa — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Costa Mesa — start freeProhibited Signs in Costa Mesa
- Signs which incorporate any flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting
- Signs which by color, wording, design, location, or illumination resemble, obstruct, or conflict with any traffic-control device or with safe and efficient flow of traffic
- Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view of or passage of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
- Banners, flags, and pennants except as authorized in Table 13-115
- Street banners in the public right-of-way, except as authorized by section 13-118
- Signs projecting into or located in the public right-of-way, except governmental signs or other types of signs as authorized by sections 13-123, 13-123.5 and 13-127 or Chapter II of Title 19
- Inflatable signs (and balloons) larger than 24 inches in any dimension
- Portable signs, except as authorized by sections 13-123 and 13-123.5 and Table 13-115
- Mechanical movement
- Signs which project above a parapet or the highest point of the roof
- Signs on public property, except as permitted under sections 13-118.1, 13-118.2, 13-123 and 13-123.5
- Electronic changeable copy signs, except theater marquees and time/temperature signs
Exempt Signs in Costa Mesa
- Flags of any nation or of the State of California
- Governmental signs
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Costa Mesa
- Signs may be authorized as part of a planned signing program even if they do not conform to all specific regulations contained elsewhere in this chapter.
- A planned signing program shall be processed as a minor conditional use permit in accordance with provisions contained in Chapter III, Planning Applications.
Source: municode municipal code