Programs & Applications


Business Insight Tool


Outdoor Dining Ordinance

On January 17, 2024 the City Council modified the City’s outdoor dining program in the following ways:

  • Streamlined the approval process for food and beverage establishments to obtain permits for outdoor dining areas.
  • Created development standards to retain existing outdoor dining established during the COVID-19 pandemic and incentivize and encourage the development of new outdoor dining areas.

Development standards related to outdoor dining may be found by clicking here.

Green Business Program

The City of Costa Mesa offers a Green Business Assistance Program to help businesses operate sustainably and gain public recognition for their efforts. By becoming a Certified Green Business, companies can implement practices that reduce energy and water consumption, prevent pollution, and divert waste from landfills. Here are the program benefits:

  1. Cost Savings: Save money on energy, water, and waste bills.
  2. Environmental Impact: Conserve valuable resources and protect the environment.
  3. Employee Well-Being: Improve employee well-being and productivity.
  4. Recognition: Receive public recognition from the City of Costa Mesa and membership in the California Green Business Network.

To qualify, businesses must be located in Costa Mesa, have a current business license, and comply with city and county ordinances. Register now to get started!

Opportunity Zones

Opportunity zones are designated census tracts that allow businesses to receive certain tax incentives for investing in eligible projects.    Opportunity Zones support the community by encouraging economic development and job creation in stagnant areas.

Resources:

  • Click here read the Overview of Opportunity Zones in California
  • Enter an address here to determine if a site is located in an Opportunity Zone and determine the boundaries of opportunity zones with this interactive map.