Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Costa Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in development
Municipal Facilities Master Plan & Deferred Maintenance
The council will review lease revenue bonds and award a construction contract to rebuild Fire Station No. 2, improving emergency response infrastructure.
Comprehensive Housing Element Implementation and Zoning Overhaul
The city adopted a comprehensive zoning overhaul to implement Measure K and the housing element, creating options for mixed-use and multifamily housing along commercial corridors.
Fairview Developmental Center redevelopment
The city debated adopting a massive specific plan for the 95-acre Fairview Developmental Center site. Residents voiced major concerns over high density, severe traffic congestion, and the loss of green space, while housing advocates emphasized the critical need for affordable housing options in Costa Mesa.
21-Unit Residential Development at 396 East 21st Street
A proposal to build 21 single-family homes on a long-vacant mobile home park site, featuring one very low-income affordable unit and utilizing state density bonus waivers.
Dick's House of Sport Retail Expansion
Dick's Sporting Goods is bringing its experiential 'House of Sport' concept to Harbor Boulevard, featuring a climbing wall, golf simulators, and updated retail space that requires a height variance.
Airport Land Use Commission Inconsistency Overrule
The city initiated a 45-day process to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission's inconsistency determination regarding housing and zoning updates.
Indoor Trampoline Park Approval
A new family-friendly indoor trampoline park called Jumpstart is moving into a vacant storefront at 2200 Harbor Boulevard, bringing new recreation options and breathing life into an underutilized shopping center.
Business Development Program
Dreaming of opening your own restaurant in Costa Mesa? The city's new EATS program is here to help aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs navigate everything from kitchen skills to running the business side of things, all for free!
Wireless Communication Facility at 2065 Placentia Avenue
AT&T proposed a new 60-foot mono-eucalyptus wireless tower at 2065 Placentia Avenue, relocating it away from residential property lines to address community privacy, noise, and aesthetic concerns.
Permanent Supportive Housing and Community Services
Residents asked about the 200 units of permanent supportive housing mandated by state legislation, discussing whether they would be integrated or concentrated near Department of Developmental Services property. Staff explained that supportive housing typically involves wraparound services and may be placed in a dedicated multifamily setting.
Pomona Avenue Live/Work Master Plan Extension
The developer of an eight-unit live/work project on Pomona Avenue received an 18-month extension to finalize permits while coordinating utility undergrounding with Southern California Edison.
Cecil Place Townhome Condominiums and Pedestrian Improvements
A single-family home on Cecil Place will be replaced by two two-story townhomes, adding ownership housing and a new sidewalk to the neighborhood.
Mesa West Bluffs Urban Plan Residential Loft Development
The council reviewed a screening request for a 34-unit live/work and residential loft development on Placentia Avenue, shaping future housing density in the area.
Wildfire Hazard Zones
Heads up, Costa Mesa! Parts of our city are now officially in updated wildfire hazard zones. This means homeowners in these areas might face new regulations or need to take extra precautions.