San Diego County ADU Guide

Del Mar

Del Mar publishes an ADU application packet and sample floor plans. Plans meeting State ADU Law (Gov. Code §§66310-66342) are approved within 60 days of a complete submittal.

Official source verified 2026-08-16Official jurisdiction resource ↗
01 / Plan path

Choose the right production starting point.

Del Mar publishes an ADU application packet and sample floor plans. Plans meeting State ADU Law (Gov. Code §§66310-66342) are approved within 60 days of a complete submittal.

Express PlanStarting at $4,500

For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.

Custom PlanStarting at $6,500

For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.

02 / Size + fee checkpoints

Size affects more than floor area.

A lot with one dwelling may have one ADU and one Junior ADU. A Junior ADU is capped at 500 square feet within the walls of the dwelling and needs a separate entrance, an efficiency kitchen, and bathroom access. ADUs are allowed in all residential zones and the Carmel Valley Precise Plan area.

The City has operated ADU incentive and amnesty programs aimed at legalising unpermitted units and encouraging affordable ADUs. Confirm which programs are currently open, along with current fees.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditions

Property conditions can change the path.

  • Coastal Zone status and Coastal Development Permit requirements
  • Whether an incentive or amnesty program currently applies
  • Zoning and lot configuration
  • Bluff, drainage and geologic conditions
04 / Consultant screen

Likely disciplines to evaluate.

  • Structural engineering
  • Title 24 energy documentation
  • Survey
  • Coastal, geotechnical or civil consultation when triggered

Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.

05 / Property-specific next step

Turn the guide into a preliminary project report.

Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.

Check the property →Email Bennett Design Studio →
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.