Costa Mesa · Zoning · MP
Costa Mesa MP zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Costa Mesa's MP zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 feet (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 feet and the minimum lot size is 30,000 square feet, with the conditions listed below (Costa Mesa code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 feet
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 feet
- Minimum side setback: 10 feet (Interior lot.)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 feet (if the rear line is adjacent to a residential zone: 2 times the building height from that line)
- Minimum lot size: 30,000 square feet (newly subdivided lots)
MP is a zoning district in Costa Mesa. Every value below was read from the Costa Mesa Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in MP
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 45 feet § 13-53 · code textTable row “Maximum Building/Structure Height”, column “MP”: 3 stories/45 feet |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 13-53 · code textTable row “Maximum Building/Structure Height”, column “MP”: 3 stories/45 feet |
| Minimum front setback | 20 feet § 13-53 · code textTable row “Front”, column “MP”: All lots: 20 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 10 feet Applies: Interior lot. § 13-53 · code textTable row “Side”, column “MP”: Interior lot: 10 feet Corner lot: 20 feet on the street side Exception: If the side property line is adjacent to a residential zone, all buildings shall maintain a side setback from the residential property line of 2 times the building height at all locations. |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 feet Applies: if the rear line is adjacent to a residential zone: 2 times the building height from that line § 13-53 · code textTable row “Rear (Interior)”, column “MP”: All lots: 0 feet Exception: If the rear property line is adjacent to a residential zone, all buildings shall maintain a rear setback from the residential property line of 2 times the building height at all locations. |
| Minimum lot size | 30,000 square feet Applies: newly subdivided lots § 13-53 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area for newly subdivided lots”, column “MP”: 30,000 square feet |
Uses in MP
Uses the code's use tables allow in MP, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Emergency shelter — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MP:
- Minimum side setback: 20 feet — corner lot, street side § 13-53
- Minimum side setback: 2 times the building height — side property line adjacent to a residential zone § 13-53
- Minimum rear setback: 2 times the building height — rear property line adjacent to a residential zone § 13-53
- Minimum rear setback: 20 feet — rear abutting a public street § 13-53
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for MP in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Costa Mesa Municipal Code.
Other Costa Mesa zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Costa Mesa's MP zone?
45 feet — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-53.
What is the maximum number of stories in Costa Mesa's MP zone?
3 stories — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-53.
What is the minimum front setback in Costa Mesa's MP zone?
20 feet — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-53.
What is the minimum side setback in Costa Mesa's MP zone?
10 feet (interior lot) — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-53.
What is the minimum rear setback in Costa Mesa's MP zone?
0 feet (if the rear line is adjacent to a residential zone: 2 times the building height from that line) — Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-53.
General information, not legal advice.
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