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Costa Mesa Real Estate Sign Rules & Sign Ordinance

Costa Mesa Real Estate Sign Rules & Sign Ordinance

⚠ Confirm key figures against the official source · Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter VIII (Signs), Article 3, Table 13-115 (legacy § 13-956)

Quick answer: Residential for-sale signs max 5 sq ft / 6 ft, one per frontage. Open house signs max 3 sq ft / 5 ft. Off-site open house signs in parkway max 5 sq ft / 3 ft, Fri 6am–Sun 6pm, citywide cap of 10 at once. No permit.
Please double-check before you post. R.E.S.S. provides this summary as a free convenience for the real estate community. Sign rules change and vary by zoning district, overlay zone, and HOA or master association. While we believe this information is reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or currency, and none of it is legal advice. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the city or the official ordinance (linked) before manufacturing, installing, or posting any sign.

🏠 'For Sale' Sign Rules

Maximum size 5 sq ft (residential); 32 sq ft (commercial)
Maximum height 6 ft (residential); 12 ft (commercial)
Number allowed 1 per street frontage
Illumination Not specified
When to remove Per code

📍 Open House & Directional Sign Rules

Allowed? Yes
Maximum size 3 sq ft (on-site); 5 sq ft (off-site parkway)
Maximum height 5 ft (on-site); 3 ft (off-site)
Number allowed Max 10 off-site signs citywide at one time
Permitted hours 6:00am Friday to 6:00pm Sunday
Placement rules Landscaped parkway, not in center median; not within 15 ft of fire hydrant/driveway/intersection; no overhang of street/curb/sidewalk

Permits & enforcement

Permit: Generally no permit for temporary real estate/open house signs

If a sign is removed: Illegal signs abated under Title 13; contact Community Improvement / Code Enforcement

City contact: Planning (714) 754-5245; Code Enforcement (714) 754-5638

Figures from City/NBAOR summary keyed to legacy § 13-956; confirm against current Table 13-115.

Official source:Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter VIII (Signs), Article 3, Table 13-115 (legacy § 13-956)
Ordinance reference: Current through Ord. 2025-08 (Nov 18, 2025); revised by Ord. 18-02 (2018)

Frequently asked questions

Can I put an open house sign in Costa Mesa?

Yes. In Costa Mesa, open house signs are permitted: max size 3 sq ft (on-site); 5 sq ft (off-site parkway), max height 5 ft (on-site); 3 ft (off-site), Max 10 off-site signs citywide at one time. Allowed hours: 6:00am Friday to 6:00pm Sunday. Placement: Landscaped parkway, not in center median; not within 15 ft of fire hydrant/driveway/intersection; no overhang of street/curb/sidewalk

How big can a 'For Sale' sign be in Costa Mesa?

A residential for-sale sign in Costa Mesa may be up to 5 sq ft (residential); 32 sq ft (commercial), with a maximum height of 6 ft (residential); 12 ft (commercial). You may post 1 per street frontage. Illumination: Not specified. Removal: Per code.

Do I need a permit for a real estate sign in Costa Mesa?

Generally no permit for temporary real estate/open house signs. The governing rule is Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter VIII (Signs), Article 3, Table 13-115 (legacy § 13-956).

What happens if my sign is removed in Costa Mesa?

Illegal signs abated under Title 13; contact Community Improvement / Code Enforcement. For questions, contact Planning (714) 754-5245; Code Enforcement (714) 754-5638.

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