Garage conversion ADUs in Del Mar
Converting a garage is often the simplest ADU in Del Mar, but parking is where Del Mar differs from most cities. Here's what Del Mar Municipal Code Chapter 30.91 (June 2025) says.
Garage conversion options
| Garage | Becomes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attached garage | ADU within the house, or a JrADU | An ADU inside means no JrADU; a JrADU allows a detached ADU too |
| Detached garage | Detached ADU (conversion) | May add 150 sq ft for ingress/egress; a JrADU is allowed in the house |
| Detached garage, demolished | New detached ADU | Standard detached ADU sizes apply |
Source: DMMC §30.91.040(B), (G)(6).
Replacement parking
Del Mar requires replacement off-street parking when a garage, carport or covered parking is converted or demolished for an ADU only if the loss has a significant effect on public access to the shoreline. Replacement spaces may be covered or uncovered, in a driveway or setback on an improved surface, tandem, or on a mechanical lift inside a garage. No parking applies within half a mile of a major transit stop.
Setbacks and coastal permit
- A legal nonconforming garage can keep its setback if it meets building and fire codes and the coastal setbacks.
- Conversion of entirely existing habitable space in the house is exempt from the coastal permit; a garage is non-habitable space, so expect an administrative CDP.
Step by step
- Confirm the garage's legal status
- Check shoreline-access parking with Planning
- Choose ADU or JrADU
- Plan entry, kitchen, bath and egress
- Submit; record the deed restriction
- Build and inspect
Questions homeowners ask
- How long does it take to convert a garage into an ADU? We don't promise durations. The city approves compliant ADUs within the state time limit (60 days for a complete application).
- Do I need to replace parking? Only where losing it significantly affects public shoreline access.
Attached garage: ADU or JrADU?
Converting an attached garage to a full ADU uses your single ADU allowance and closes off the JrADU option. Converting it to a JrADU keeps the door open for a detached ADU later. For many Del Mar families that makes the JrADU the smarter first step, if 500 sq ft is enough.
Detached garage conversion
A detached garage can become the lot's detached ADU, with up to 150 sq ft added for ingress and egress, even if the garage already exceeds the maximum ADU size. If the garage is demolished and rebuilt as an ADU, the normal detached size limits apply. Either way, a JrADU in the house is still allowed.
Keeping curb cuts
Del Mar's standards say existing vehicular access and curb cuts stay where they are, unless that would prevent an ADU under 800 sq ft. Driveways must be 10 to 20 ft wide, and circular driveways aren't allowed.
Plans checklist
- Existing and proposed garage plans
- Any 150 sq ft addition shown
- Parking analysis for shoreline access
- Kitchen with a real cooking appliance (not a hot plate)
- Sprinkler status of the house
- Flood elevation certificate if in a FEMA zone
Sources, checked Oct 14, 2026: Del Mar Municipal Code Chapter 30.91 (June 2025).
Questions
Do I need replacement parking for a garage conversion in Del Mar?
Only if losing the parking would significantly affect public access to the shoreline, per DMMC §30.91.040(O).