Some areas of Costa Mesa have special development and land use standards to provide more flexibility in certain areas than allowed by the Zoning Code. In Costa Mesa, such plans are referred to as Specific Plans and Urban Plans. These plans help implement goals and policies of the General Plan.

The General Plan is the City’s comprehensive, long-range policy document that guides future development as well as conservation. The City regulates the use of property through the General Plan in conjunction with zoning, subdivision, and building codes, specific plans, and urban plans.