News Summary
Costa Mesa officials have begun a year-long visioning process to rezone major commercial and industrial corridors to allow for the construction of 11,760 new residential units by 2029. The initiative responds to a state housing mandate, with engagements planned to involve community feedback on development standards, including discussions on affordable housing and neighborhood improvements. Notably, Measure K facilitates the process, allowing for quicker rezoning without a public vote, with community meetings scheduled for further local input.
Costa Mesa Launches Year-Long Visioning Process for Citywide Rezoning
Officials in Costa Mesa have initiated a year-long visioning process aimed at rezoning significant commercial and industrial corridors throughout the city to accommodate an additional 11,760 residential units by the year 2029. This process is a response to a state mandate requiring the city to significantly increase its housing supply.
The kick-off event was held at the Norma Hertzog Community Center, where residents and stakeholders were encouraged to participate in planning discussions. Approximately 70 participants attended, including city planning staff, consultants, and several current and former planning commissioners. The open house featured interactive sessions that allowed attendees to share their experiences and prioritize neighborhood improvements, with materials available in both English and Spanish.
Many residential parcels in Costa Mesa are nearing full development, meaning that accommodating the state’s housing growth mandate necessitates significant rezoning efforts across the city. This situation was facilitated by the passage of Measure K in 2022, which allows for rezoning without requiring a popular vote, streamlining the process for city officials.
Future Planning Steps
City officials are presently in the early stages of defining development standards within the corridors identified in Measure K, particularly along Harbor and Newport Boulevards and north of the 405 Freeway. The timeline for refining the zoning code updates is projected to be completed by the summer or fall of 2026.
City officials have outlined a series of upcoming community meetings aimed at further engaging residents in the planning process. Notable scheduled events include a workshop on August 21 that will focus on Harbor and Newport Boulevards, an informational walking tour on August 23, and a meeting on September 10 to tackle zoning issues in the city’s north end.
Community Feedback and Emphasis on Affordable Housing
Feedback collected during the open house highlighted several key community priorities, including the addition of accessible bus stops, more trees, mixed-use developments, and improvements for walkability and bikeability. Participants also voiced a significant concern regarding the availability of affordable housing. Current median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa hovers around $2,400 per month, prompting residents to press for housing options that cater to very-low-income households.
Calls for Enhanced Citizen Participation
Planning and Engineering Oversight
To manage the extensive rezoning efforts, the city plans to hire a dedicated planning and engineering firm, with a contract almost totaling $2 million already approved. This rezoning initiative is considered a crucial component in fulfilling the promises outlined in Measure K while ensuring compliance with overarching state housing laws.
The ongoing visioning process underscores the city’s commitment to addressing its housing crisis and fostering development that meets the needs of all residents, aiming to create a comprehensive plan that paves the way for desirable living conditions in Costa Mesa.
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HERE Resources
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Costa Mesa Planning Commission Rejects Victoria Place Complex
Costa Mesa Proposes 1,050-Unit Hive Live Residential Development
Huntington Beach Faces Legal Setbacks Over Housing Development
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Invites Residents to Rezoning Open House
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Los Angeles Times: Plan to Build Housing at Trinity Broadcasting Network HQ
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Rezoning
- Los Angeles Times: Commission’s Denial of Home Ownership Project
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa Housing Plan
- Orange County Register: Council Approves Zoning for 15,000 Homes in Irvine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
