The Del Mar ADU application
Del Mar processes ADUs ministerially, with a building permit and, where required, an Administrative Coastal Development Permit. Here's what Chapter 30.91 asks you to submit (Del Mar Municipal Code Chapter 30.91 (June 2025)).
Submittal checklist (ADU)
- ADU Application Packet and fees
- Site plan with dimensioned setbacks and square footage of all structures; ADU size from inside face of studs
- Protected trees (Monterey Cypress, Torrey Pine) and dripline protection zones
- Engineering detail for attached or new detached ADUs, including any demolition
- Geotechnical report in the Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone for new structures or converted non-habitable space
- Sections in two directions and elevations with heights, openings, finishes and grades
- Floor plan showing entry, bedrooms, bathroom and full kitchen
- Water and sewer easements and connections; whether the house has sprinklers
- Standard plan notes on sale, occupancy and rentals
- Construction-phase parking and storage plan
- FEMA elevation certificate if applicable
- Height, setback and square footage certification before framing inspection
JrADU submittal
- Site plan showing a single dwelling and any ADUs
- Floor plan showing efficiency kitchen, separate entry and bathroom access
- Geotechnical report in the Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone when applicable
Timeline and process
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Decision | Ministerial approval or disapproval within state time limits (Gov. Code §66317: 60 days) |
| Disapproval | Written comments listing deficiencies and how to fix them |
| With a new house | ADU reviewed before the house's hearing; may be held until the house is acted on, without discretionary review |
| Deed restriction | Recorded before the building permit |
| Expiration | Two years after issuance without a certificate of occupancy |
Source: DMMC §30.91.030.
Building a new house and ADU together
If you're applying for a new house and an ADU at the same time, the ADU application is submitted before the house's public hearing and shown on the house plans. The city may hold the ADU until it acts on the house, but the ADU itself gets no discretionary review or hearing, and the house's decision maker can't consider the pending ADU. If you ask for a delay, the 60-day clock pauses.
After approval
- Obtain all construction permits under Chapter 23.04
- Follow High Fire Hazard Severity Zone building standards where mapped
- Submit height, setback and square footage certification before framing inspection
- Provide an as-built FEMA elevation certificate before final where applicable
- Request a separate address and mailbox from the city
What's in the packet
- Uniform Development Application, with owner certification and a hold-harmless clause
- Letter of Authorization if an architect, contractor or consultant applies for you
- ADU Verification Form, one per ADU or JrADU
- Checklist for Determination of Project Category (stormwater)
- Standard Project Stormwater Management Plan with BMP site plan
- Engineering plan set, title report and sewer determination for new ADUs
Engineering review
| Project | Engineering review? |
|---|---|
| New attached ADU | Yes |
| New detached ADU | Yes |
| ADU inside the house or an existing accessory structure | No |
| Garage converted to an ADU | No |
Source: Del Mar ADU Application Packet, Engineering ADU Plan Requirements.
Construction notes the plans carry
Equipment and truck operations are limited to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with none on Sundays or city holidays. Archaeological finds stop work until the city authorizes resumption. The limit of work is marked in the field before clearing, and Engineering does a final site inspection.
Also checked Oct 14, 2026: Del Mar ADU Application Packet (Rev. 2024) · HCD ADU Handbook (March 2026).
Sources, checked Oct 14, 2026: Del Mar Municipal Code Chapter 30.91 (June 2025) · City of Del Mar ADU page.
Questions
What does Del Mar require with an ADU application?
The ADU Application Packet, fees, and plans including a site plan with protected trees, sections, elevations, floor plan, utility information, standard notes and a construction parking plan.
How long does a Del Mar ADU permit last?
Two years after issuance unless a certificate of occupancy is issued.