Notes
Short essays on building ADUs in Del Mar.
Solar on a Detached ADU
Nov 11, 2026
A new detached ADU in Del Mar must include solar under the Energy Code, but the panels can go on the main house. Which ADU types are exempt, and why.
Decoding the New ADU Section Numbers
Nov 11, 2026
California moved its ADU law from Government Code 65852.2 to sections 66310-66342, then changed it again for 2026. A plain map for Del Mar owners.
- The 800 sq ft floor: Del Mar sets ADU size lot by lot under the Coastal Act. What that means for planning, and why the first call to Planning matters more here.
- ADU plus JrADU: On a Del Mar single dwelling lot, a detached ADU plus a JrADU gives two extra homes. Why choosing attached means giving up the JrADU.