CITY OF COSTA MESA
Agenda Report
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
File #: 26-259 Meeting Date: 5/5/2026
TITLE:
ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA ADDING CHAPTER IV, TRAP- NEUTER-RETURN, TO TITLE 3 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A
TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY CATS
DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY: STEPHANIE A. SELINSKE, LIEUTENANT
CONTACT INFORMATION: STEPHANIE A. SELINSKE, LIEUTENANT
714-754- 5293
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 2026-XX adding Title 3 Animal Regulations of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code 3-171 to establish and regulate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats within the City of Costa Mesa.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Costa Mesa Municipal Code does not currently have an ordinance that would allow Trap- Neuter-Return for community cats within the City of Costa Mesa.
On April 21, 20226, Staff presented to City Council the first reading for Ordinance No. 2026-XX adding Title 3 Animal Regulations of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code 3-171 to establish and regulate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats within the City of Costa Mesa. The City Council unanimously voted to move the ordinance forward as proposed.
ANALYSIS:
This ordinance is being presented for final adoption.
The proposed ordinance would add Title 3 Animal Regulations of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code 3- 171 to establish and regulate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats within the City of Costa Mesa. The proposed ordinance authorizes and regulates Trap-Neuter-Return activities within the City by establishing a clear framework for TNR activities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may adopt the ordinance as proposed; or modify the ordinance and direct staff to return with revisions.
The City Council may also decline to adopt the ordinance and maintain the City’sexisting approach
File #: 26-259 Meeting Date: 5/5/2026
The City Council may also decline to adopt the ordinance and maintain the City’sexisting approach to community cat management and continue to prohibit free-roaming cats.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the City’sGeneral Fund (Fund 101) associated with adoption of this ordinance. The TNR program relies on registered individuals and sponsor organizations to conduct trapping, veterinary services, and recordkeeping. Staff time associated with registration, oversight, and data review is expected to be absorbed within the existing Animal Services Unit budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’sOffice has reviewed this report and the proposed Ordinance and approved them as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
· Strengthen public safety and improve the quality of life CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 2026-XX adding Title 3 Animal Regulations of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code 3-171 to establish and regulate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats within the City of Costa Mesa.