Home Remodeling in Del Mar

46 percent of Del Mar homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s

The Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 survey counts 2,550 housing units in Del Mar. Of them, 722 were built in the 1970s and 452 in the 1960s, and the median year built is 1971. Houses of that age were put up before modern energy and seismic codes, so a remodel that opens walls tends to add rewiring, new supply lines and insulation. Another 428 units, 16.8 percent, are held for seasonal or occasional use, homes that sit empty for part of the year.

Source: Census ACS 2020-2024, Year Structure Built, Del Mar

FEMA's 2019 flood map pushed the wave zone past Del Mar's seawalls

Del Mar's Floodplain Overlay Zone matches the area FEMA maps as having a 1 percent chance of flooding each year. The flood map that took effect on December 21, 2019 moved the VE zone, the category for coastal flooding with wave action, past existing seawalls and onto private property north of 18th Street. The Coastal Commission lists the beach from Powerhouse Park to the south city limit, with its 1.5 mile coastal bluff and rail corridor, as vulnerable to sea level rise, along with the San Dieguito Lagoon. Work on these lots faces overlay rules, geotechnical reports and elevation standards before design even starts.

Source: City of Del Mar, FEMA New Flood Map

Most Del Mar projects need design review, with neighbors notified

The city's Administrative Design Review guide says most construction projects face some level of design review. Minor work such as new windows and doors, fences or walls no taller than 6 feet, retaining walls of 4 feet or less, small structures up to 48 square feet and skylights up to 4 by 4 feet can go through staff review. Owners within 300 feet get notice and have 10 business days to object, and a single objection moves the project up to the Design Review Board, whose hearings fall on the fourth Wednesday. Larger projects go straight to a noticed hearing before the board. Like-for-like repairs are exempt.

Source: City of Del Mar, Administrative Design Review Applicant Guide

How much does a remodel cost in Del Mar?

Del Mar does not publish permit values, so there is no local median to quote. What drives the cost is clear from the city's own rules: design review, bluff and floodplain overlays and geotechnical reports add time and fees. Owner-occupied homes carry a median value of $2 million or more, and the median San Diego-area electrician earned $36.62 an hour in 2025.

Do I need design review to remodel in Del Mar?

Usually, if the work shows on the outside. The city says most construction projects face some level of design review. Minor items such as windows, doors, fences up to 6 feet and skylights go through staff review with notice to neighbors within 300 feet. An objection, or a larger project, sends it to the Design Review Board. Like-for-like repairs are exempt.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Del Mar?

Yes, in almost every case. Del Mar requires building permits for all new fences, retaining walls and freestanding masonry walls, and its fence form sets the line at anything over one foot high. A new or different fence also needs a design review permit. Replacing an existing fence like for like skips design review but still needs the building permit.

Who issues building permits in Del Mar?

Building Services at Del Mar City Hall, which the city runs under contract with True North Compliance acting as its building department. Planning and Community Development handles design review, coastal and tree permits. All applications are electronic and go through the eTRAKiT portal, where anyone can also search permit records without creating an account.

Can I build an ADU in Del Mar?

Yes. Del Mar allows ADUs up to 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet with more than one bedroom, and junior ADUs up to 500 square feet. A detached unit can be 16 feet tall with 4 foot setbacks. Each one needs an administrative coastal permit, and on the coastal bluff it must sit 40 feet from the edge. The city issued 14 ADU permits in 2025.