Summary

Housing and zoning actions approved

Costa MesaOct 7, 20254 min read

At a glance

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City Council approved a $650,000 annual transit voucher agreement, a zoning code update, and a small-lot residential project at 2308 Santa Ana Avenue; it also advanced a 1,050-unit housing project by closing the public hearing and continuing it to a later date.

Projects mentioned

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Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program

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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY*

Topics discussed

TransportationCommerceHousing

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What this means

The meeting led to several decisions that could affect residents’ housing options, transit access, and land-use rules. Council approved a two-year contract amendment for a clean mobility voucher program and raised the annual spending cap to $650,000. It also adopted a zoning code update and approved a small-lot subdivision on Santa Ana Avenue, while a much larger 1,050-unit housing project on Susan Street was not approved yet and was continued to a later date.

Key decisions

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Approved Amendment One to the Circuit Transit, Inc. agreement for the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program, with spending not to exceed $650,000 annually for two years.
Increased the Clean Mobility - On Demand Transit Services appropriation from $500,000 to $650,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Approved Parcel Map No. 2023-117 and Design Review PA-23-14 for a small-lot residential subdivision at 2308 Santa Ana Avenue.
Found the 2308 Santa Ana Avenue project exempt from CEQA under cited exemptions.
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 approving Zoning Code Amendment PCTY-25-0001 for technical updates and clarifications.
Closed the public hearing on the Hive Live project at 3333 Susan Street and continued the matter to a date uncertain.

Timeline & follow-ups

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Meeting information

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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY*

Oct 7, 2025, 6:00 PMCity Council Chambers 77 Fair Drivescheduled

*Note: All agency memberships are reflected in the title "Council Member" 4:00 P.M. Closed Session

Agenda

Council Member Buley will be attending the meeting via Zoom Webinar from: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA
The City Council meetings are presented in a hybrid format, both in-person at City Hall and as a courtesy virtually via Zoom Webinar. If the Zoom feature is having technical difficulties or experiencing any other critical issues, and unless required by the Brown Act, the meeting will continue in person.
TRANSLATION SERVICES AVAILABLE / SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCIÓN DISPONIBLE Please contact the City Clerk at (714) 754-5225 to request language interpreting services for City meetings. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make arrangements. Favor de comunicarse con la Secretaria Municipal al (714) 754-5225 para solicitar servicios de interpretación de idioma para las juntas de la Ciudad. Se pide notificación por lo mínimo 48 horas de anticipación, esto permite que la Ciudad haga los arreglos necesarios.
Members of the public can view the City Council meetings live on COSTA MESA TV (SPECTRUM CHANNEL 3 AND AT&T U-VERSE CHANNEL 99) or http://costamesa.granicus.com/player/camera/2?publish_id=10&redirect=true and online at youtube.com/costamesatv. Closed Captioning is available via the Zoom option in English and Spanish.
Members of the public are welcome to speak during the meeting when the Mayor opens the floor for public comment. There is no need to register in advance or complete a comment card. When it's time to comment, line up at one of the two podiums in the room and wait for your turn. Each speaker will have up to 3 minutes (or as directed) to address the City Council. To maintain a respectful and orderly atmosphere during the meeting, attendees shall refrain from using horns or amplified speakers. Signs and props may be brought into the Chamber, provided they do not exceed 11 inches by 18 inches in size and do not hinder the visibility of other attendees. The possession of poles, sticks, or stakes is strictly prohibited. All attendees must remain seated while in the chamber until instructed by the Presiding Officer to approach and line up for public comment. To ensure safety and maintain order during the proceedings, standing or congregating in the aisles or foyer is strictly prohibited. Further information regarding the City's regulations on addressing the City Council and expected conduct during meetings are available at the following links. Title 2: Administration § 2-61: Conduct while addressing the council. https://ecode360.com/42609578 Title 2: Administration § 2-64: Disorderliness by members of the audience. https://ecode360.com/42609598
As a courtesy, the public may participate via the Zoom option. Zoom Webinar: (For both 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. meetings) Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86098580031?pwd=3B9LF32StrAXk7lRxtPGKRQC6TQO1r.1 Or sign into Zoom.com and “Join a Meeting” Enter Webinar ID: 860 9858 0031/ Password: 230425 • If Zoom is not already installed on your computer, click “Download & Run Zoom” on the launch page and press “Run” when prompted by your browser. If Zoom has previously been installed on your computer, please allow a few moments for the application to launch automatically. • Select “Join Audio via Computer.” • The virtual conference room will open. If you receive a message reading, “Please wait for the host to start this meeting,” simply remain in the room until the meeting begins. • During the Public Comment Period, use the “raise hand” feature located in the participants’ window and wait for city staff to announce your name and unmute your line when it is your turn to speak. Comments are limited to 3 minutes, or as otherwise directed.
Participate via telephone: (For both 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. meetings) Call: 1 669 900 6833 Enter Webinar ID: 860 9858 0031/ Password: 230425 During the Public Comment Period, press *9 to add yourself to the queue and wait for city staff to announce your name/phone number and press *6 to unmute your line when it is your turn to speak. Comments are limited to 3 minutes, or as otherwise directed. Note, if you have installed a zoom update, please restart your computer before participating in the meeting.
Additionally, members of the public who wish to make a written comment on a specific agenda item, may submit a written comment via email to the City Clerk at cityclerk@costamesaca.gov. Any written communications, photos, or other materials for copying and distribution to the City Council that are 10 pages or less, can be e-mailed to cityclerk@costamesaca.gov, submitted to the City Clerk’s Office on a flash drive, or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office. Kindly submit materials to the City Clerk AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council, made available to the public, and will be part of the meeting record.
Please know that it is important for the City to allow public participation at this meeting. If you are unable to participate in the meeting via the processes set forth above, please contact the City Clerk at (714) 754-5225 or cityclerk@costamesaca.gov and staff will attempt to accommodate you. While the City does not expect there to be any changes to the above process for participating in this meeting, if there is a change, the City will post the information as soon as possible to the City’s website.
Note that records submitted by the public will not be redacted in any way and will be posted online as submitted, including any personal contact information. All pictures, PowerPoints, and videos submitted for display at a public meeting must be previously reviewed by staff to verify appropriateness for general audiences. This includes items submitted for the overhead screen during the meeting. Items submitted for the overhead screen should be 1 page and provided to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. No links to YouTube videos or other streaming services will be accepted, a direct video file will need to be emailed to staff prior to each meeting in order to minimize complications and to play the video without delay. The video must be one of the following formats, .mp4, .mov or .wmv. Only one file may be included per speaker for public comments, for both videos and pictures. Please e-mail to the City Clerk at cityclerk@costamesaca.gov NO LATER THAN 12:00 Noon on the date of the meeting. If you do not receive confirmation from the city prior to the meeting, please call the City Clerks office at 714-754-5225.
Note regarding agenda-related documents provided to a majority of the City Council after distribution of the City Council agenda packet (GC §54957.5): Any related documents provided to a majority of the City Council after distribution of the City Council Agenda Packets will be made available for public inspection. Such documents will be posted on the city’s website and will be available at the City Clerk's office, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
All cell phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off or set to vibrate. Members of the audience are requested to step outside the Council Chambers to conduct a phone conversation.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the Council Chambers during the meetings. The network username available is: CM_Council. The password is: cmcouncil1953.
As a LEED Gold Certified City, Costa Mesa is fully committed to environmental sustainability. A minimum number of hard copies of the agenda will be available in the Council Chambers. For your convenience, a binder of the entire agenda packet will be at the table in the foyer of the Council Chambers for viewing. Agendas and reports can be viewed on the City website at https://costamesa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Las agendas y los informes se pueden ver en español en el sitio web de la Ciudad en https://www.costamesaca.gov/trending/current-agendas/spanish-city-council-agendas.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Assistive Listening headphones are available and can be checked out from the City Clerk. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (714) 754-5225. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II]. En conformidad con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA), aparatos de asistencia están disponibles y podrán ser prestados notificando a la Secretaria Municipal. Si necesita asistencia especial para participar en esta junta, comuníquese con la oficina de la Secretaria Municipal al (714) 754-5225. Se pide dar notificación a la Ciudad por lo mínimo 48 horas de anticipación para garantizar accesibilidad razonable a la junta. [28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II].
PAGE BREAK
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS Members of the public are welcome to address the City Council only on those items on the Closed Session agenda. Each member of the public will be given a total of three minutes to speak on all items on the Closed Session agenda.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION – TWO CASES Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4), Potential Litigation.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATION OF LITIGATION – THREE CASES Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), Potential Litigation.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: City of Costa Mesa; People of State of Cal. v. D'Alessio Investments LLC, et al. 440 Fair Dr. and 1779 Newport Blvd. Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2020-01170520
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: D'Alessio Investments LLC v. City of Costa Mesa Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2020-01132646
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: D’Alessio v. City of Costa Mesa, et al., United States District Court, Central District of CA, Case No. 8:25-cv-00679-DOC-DFM
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Farrell Harrison v. City of Costa Mesa, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2025-01495293-CU-WM-CJC
PAGE BREAK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY OCTOBER 7, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
JOHN STEPHENS Mayor MANUEL CHAVEZ ANDREA MARR Mayor Pro Tem - District 4 Council Member - District 3 ARLIS REYNOLDS LOREN GAMEROS Council Member - District 5 Council Member - District 2 JEFF PETTIS MIKE BULEY Council Member - District 6 Council Member - District 1 KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW CECILIA GALLARDO-DALY City Attorney Interim City Manager
CALL TO ORDER
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SOLEMN EXPRESSION
ROLL CALL
CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
PRESENTATIONS:
Proclamation: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Recognition of the Newport Mesa Girls Softball 8U All Stars
Recognition of Costa Mesa Little League Player Gavin Brandon
PUBLIC COMMENTS – MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA Comments on Presentations and Consent Calendar items may also be heard at this time. Comments are limited to 3 minutes, or as otherwise directed.
PAGE BREAK
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS Each council member is limited to 3 minutes. Additional comments will be heard at the end of the meeting.
Council Member Gameros
Council Member Marr
Council Member Reynolds
Council Member Pettis
Council Member Buley
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
Mayor Stephens
REPORT – CITY MANAGER
REPORT – CITY ATTORNEY
CONSENT CALENDAR
PROCEDURAL WAIVER: WAIVE THE FULL READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
READING FOLDER
ADOPTION OF WARRANT RESOLUTION
MINUTES
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR EVERETT DOREY, LLP FOR LEGAL SERVICES
ACCEPTANCE AND ALLOCATION OF THE OPERATION STONEGARDEN (OPSG) FUNDS
AT THIS TIME COUNCIL WILL ADDRESS ANY ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
------------------------------END OF CONSENT CALENDAR-------------------------------
PAGE BREAK
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 2024060115), GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONE, SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT, MASTER PLAN, VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP, DENSITY BONUS, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR HIVE LIVE, A THREE-PHASED, 1,050-UNIT, RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH 3,692-SQUARE-FOOT RETAIL COMPONENT AT 3333 SUSAN STREET
APPEAL OF PLANNING APPLICATION 23-14 AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2023-117 FOR A RESIDENTIAL SMALL LOT SUBDIVISION TO CREATE TWO PARCELS, EACH CONTAINING A NEW TWO-STORY DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND AN ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE AT 2308 SANTA ANA AVENUE
PAGE BREAK
OLD BUSINESS:
CLEAN MOBILITY OPTIONS VOUCHER PILOT PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY BASED TRANSIT - AMENDMENT ONE
ADOPT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 13 (PLANNING ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL UPDATES AND CLARIFICATIONS (CODE AMENDMENT PCTY-25-0001)
NEW BUSINESS: NONE.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
ADJOURNMENT

Housing and zoning actions approved

At a glance

Projects mentioned

Committees mentioned

Topics discussed

What this means

Key decisions

Timeline & follow-ups

Meeting information

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY*

Agenda

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