Santaluz & The Crosby Outdoor Remodels (2025): HOA/DRC Approvals, City/County Permits, Specs & Installed Budget Tiers
Updated September 2025 — San Diego County
Written by:
Luke W., Founder & Owner of INSTALL-IT-DIRECT
Luxury Landscape Design & Build Expert • 16+ Years in San Diego
Reviewed by:
Chris MacMillan, General Manager
ICPI Certified • CA CSLB License #947643
Last reviewed: September 2025 · About our process
6,000+ 5‑star reviews since 2009 • Fully licensed & insured in California
If you live in Santaluz (City of San Diego) or The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe (Unincorporated County), this guide shows how to pass HOA/DRC the first time, which City/County permits your outdoor remodel needs, what specs get approved, and installed budget tiers that attract solid bids. We bundle patios/pavers & motor courts, pergolas/pavilions, outdoor kitchens, lighting (dark‑sky), drainage/underdrains, walls/terraces, turf/greens, and planting/irrigation into one coordinated plan and estimate.
Plan My Santaluz / Crosby Remodel →
Do‑This‑First — HOA/DRC, Jurisdiction & Budget Bracket
- Confirm jurisdiction & overlays: Santaluz is in the City of San Diego; The Crosby is in Unincorporated County (RSF Fire Protection District). City lighting uses SDMC §142.0740 Outdoor Lighting and ENER‑5‑1 (BUG ratings); County uses the Light Pollution (Dark‑Sky) Code. Verify Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones with CAL FIRE FHSZ and the City’s VHFHSZ map.
- HOA/DRC rules (Santaluz): Santaluz requires concealed, down‑directed lighting; no landscape uplighting in perimeter/street zones; limited downlighting in interior yards. Use the community Design Books and submittal steps (see Sentinel / Posada Design Books; Step 3 Lighting Review · Step 4 Final).
- HOA/DRC rules (The Crosby): Crosby Architectural Guidelines require DRC approval for all exterior improvements; plant list & joint review forms are provided via the HOA site.
- Right‑of‑Way (ROW): City curb outlets & sidewalk underdrains are permitted via IB‑165 (Minor ROW) on ROW permits; private encroachments may require a recorded EMRA (DS‑3237). County roads use DPW Encroachment/Construction ROW permits and a Traffic Control Permit.
- WUI & Shelter‑in‑Place: The Crosby is a shelter‑in‑place community within RSF Fire; maintain defensible space and hardened details. See RSF Fire Shelter‑in‑Place.
- Code cycle: 2022 CA Codes are in force through Dec 31, 2025; the 2025 Code takes effect Jan 1, 2026. (CA Building Standards Commission)
- Pick your bracket: Choose the package below that fits your goals and lot. We tailor line items to access, slopes/soils, export/haul, and finish tier.
TL;DR — Installed Ranges (Santaluz & The Crosby · 2025)
- Signature Entry & Motor Court (front‑first): $95k–$250k+ (paver driveway/motor court, gates, low‑glare lighting, drainage to lawful outlets).
- Outdoor Room Core (backyard): $85k–$185k+ (900–1,600 sf patios/paths, 12’–20’ pergola or pavilion, masonry kitchen, lighting scenes, drainage).
- Estate Package (front + side + back): $185k–$500k+ (add walls/terraces, larger motor court, expanded lighting/irrigation, planting/turf/green).
Ranges reflect 2025 labor/materials in City (Santaluz) vs County (The Crosby). Lighting & brush/WUI rules, slopes/engineering, and finish tier drive totals.
Check My Santaluz/Crosby Budget →
Packages (Good / Better / Best)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good — Outdoor Room Core | 900–1,600 sf porcelain/paver patios & paths, 12’–16’ pergola or shade system, masonry kitchen (base appliances), low‑glare lighting starter, drainage to lawful outlets, planting/irrigation refresh. | $85k–$185k+ |
| Better — Pavilion + Motor Court | All “Good” + engineered pavilion or 16’–20’ louvered pergola with heaters, upgraded kitchen suite, 1,200–2,400 sf paver motor court & gate pads, seat/retaining walls, hillside steps, dark‑sky lighting scenes. | $150k–$350k+ |
| Best — Estate Package | All “Better” + expanded terraces/walls, longer path networks, premium veneers/caps, perimeter lighting, turf/green, orchard/garden zones, stormwater and ROW packages, HOA/DRC turnkey. | $250k–$500k+ |
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Scope Anchors — What Big Line Items Typically Run
| Scope | Typical Range | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Paver Patios & Walks | $35–$70/sf | Porcelain Cost |
| Paver Driveway / Motor Court | $85k–$220k+ (1,200–2,400 sf) | Driveway Cost • ROW/Apron Permits |
| Louvered Pergola / Pavilion | $35k–$140k+ | Louvered Pergola • Patio Cover Cost |
| Masonry Outdoor Kitchen | $25k–$90k+ (appliance‑driven) | Kitchen Cost • Kitchen Permits |
| Retaining/Seat Walls & Steps | $70–$260/face sf | Wall Cost • Wall Permits |
| Drainage (French/Area/Channel/Outlets) | $12k–$60k+ | Drainage & Stormwater |
| Low‑Glare Lighting (Dark‑Sky) | $8k–$36k+ | Outdoor Lighting |
| Artificial Turf / Putting Green | Turf: $12k–$45k • Green: $8k–$30k+ | Artificial Grass Cost • Putting Green Cost |
| Planting & Irrigation (Estate‑Scale) | $18k–$90k+ | Hydrozones, drip, smart controllers; long runs |
See My Big‑Ticket Items →
Example Line‑Item Models (Santaluz • The Crosby)
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~1,100–1,500 sf) | Porcelain/paver with clean edges & transitions | $40,000–$86,000 |
| Pergola (12’–16’) or Louvered | Aluminum/steel; electrical rough‑in | $28,000–$80,000 |
| Outdoor Kitchen | Masonry island + base appliances | $25,000–$55,000 |
| Lighting (Dark‑Sky) | Concealed, shielded, scenes; Santaluz interior‑yard limits | $8,000–$16,000 |
| Drainage | French/area/channel drains → lawful outlets (City) | $10,000–$24,000 |
| Planting & Irrigation | Beds/trees, drip, smart controller | $16,000–$38,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | Santaluz DRC Steps 1–4 + City OTC permits | $8,000–$22,000 |
| Model A Total | Backyard entertaining core (Santaluz) | $85,000–$210,000 |
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~1,600–2,000 sf) | Large‑format porcelain/pavers | $60,000–$120,000 |
| Pavilion or 16’–20’ Louvered | Engineered, heaters, electrical (County) | $55,000–$140,000 |
| Outdoor Kitchen (Upgraded) | Premium grill + refrigeration + burner | $40,000–$90,000 |
| Motor Court & Gate Pads | 1,200–2,400 sf pavers; DPW ROW as needed | $85,000–$220,000 |
| Walls/Steps | Seat walls & retaining up to ~6’ | $40,000–$140,000 |
| Lighting (Dark‑Sky) | Shielded, low‑glare per County code | $14,000–$32,000 |
| Drainage & Stormwater | Multiple networks; private outfalls | $18,000–$48,000 |
| Planting/Irrigation | Estate refresh + drip networks | $28,000–$75,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | Crosby DRC + County PDS/DPW permits | $14,000–$38,000 |
| Model B Total | Front + back with motor court (Crosby) | $185,000–$450,000+ |
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~2,200–3,000 sf) | Multiple zones + transitions | $85,000–$180,000 |
| Two Shade Structures | Primary pavilion + spa terrace | $110,000–$250,000+ |
| Kitchen (Premium) | Pizza oven, refrigeration wall, sink | $65,000–$140,000 |
| Motor Court & Gates | 2,200–3,500 sf pavers + automation | $160,000–$300,000 |
| Walls/Steps (Terraces) | 300–600 fsf mix, veneers/caps | $70,000–$240,000 |
| Lighting (Perimeter + Scenes) | Zones, transformers, controls | $24,000–$55,000 |
| Drainage & Stormwater | Networks, private/approved outlets | $28,000–$75,000 |
| Planting/Irrigation | Trees/orchard/beds + drip | $40,000–$120,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | Survey, engineering, City/County/HOA | $20,000–$55,000+ |
| Model C Total | Full property package | $285,000–$550,000+ |
Price My Project Like These →
Finish Allowances — Good / Better / Best
| Category | Good | Better | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio/Walk | Porcelain/paver standard series | Large‑format porcelain or designer pavers | Premium porcelain/stone inlays & details |
| Pergola/Pavilion | Aluminum pergola | Motorized louvered (1–2 zones) | Engineered pavilion + integrated heaters/screens |
| Outdoor Kitchen | 36″ grill + fridge | 42–48″ grill + fridge + side burner | Built‑ins + pizza oven + refrigeration wall |
| Walls/Steps | SRW + caps | CMU veneer + seat walls | Premium stone veneer/caps, curved profiles |
| Lighting | Die‑cast brass path/step (shielded) | Expanded circuits + scenes (BUG‑rated) | Perimeter + moonlight + automation (City/County compliant) |
| Turf/Green | Premium turf (antimicrobial) | Turf + 400–700 sf putting green | Tour‑spec green + bunkers/chipping pads |
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Specs & Cross‑Section (What Passes Santaluz/Crosby)
Pavers/Porcelain
- Drive‑rated base, compacted to engineered depths; edge restraints on perimeters; movement joints at transitions.
- Slopes away from structures; integrate area/French/channel drains at lows to lawful outlets (City curb outlets/underdrains via IB‑165; County via DPW standards).
Walls/Steps
- Engineer geogrid/footings; wide drain zones with perf pipe (in sock) and cleanouts; waterproof CMU with protection board where applicable.
- Riser/run per CRC; guards/handrails where required; low‑glare riser lights to meet City §142.0740 or County dark‑sky.
Pergolas/Pavilions & Kitchens
- Aluminum/steel frames or engineered pavilions; show heater/appliance clearances and listings; anchor to engineered footings. City permit thresholds/OTC paths in IB‑206 (County: PDS‑078).
- Gas/electric in approved materials with shutoffs/bonding; provide one‑line (electrical) & gas isometrics; separate permits as needed (City Electrical Permits).
Design My Cross‑Sections & Details
Drainage & Underdrains (No Re‑Work Later)
- Capture & convey: French/area/channel drains sized to hardscape. City projects include the DS‑560 Stormwater Applicability Checklist and notes per the Stormwater Standards Manual (2024).
- ROW tie‑ins: Sidewalk underdrains & curb outlets permitted through the City’s Minor ROW process (see IB‑165); private encroachments may require a recorded EMRA (DS‑3237). County roads: DPW Encroachment + Traffic Control.
- Walls: Clean‑stone drain zones with socked perf pipe, cleanouts, and relief; never trap water behind backfill.
Map My Drainage Plan →
Permits & HOA/ROW (Santaluz vs The Crosby)
- Santaluz lighting & landscape: Concealed, down‑directed sources; no uplighting in perimeter/street zones; limited downlighting in interior yards. See Design Books Sentinel / Posada.
- Santaluz Steps: Step 3 includes fixture cut‑sheets to prove no visible sources/trespass (Step 3); Step 4 reconciles City comments (Step 4).
- Crosby approvals: DRC Guidelines require approval for all exterior work; use HOA forms and plant lists (Master HOA resources available online).
- Patio covers/pergolas: City: IB‑206; County: PDS‑078.
- Retaining walls: City permit if over 3’ high or with surcharge (IB‑220); County has PDS standards/forms.
- Outdoor lighting: City: §142.0740 + ENER‑5‑1 BUG; County: Light Pollution Code.
- ROW (driveways, curb outlets, underdrains): City IB‑165 + ROW permit (EMRA may be required for non‑standard private encroachments: DS‑3237). County roads: Encroachment/ROW + Traffic Control.
- WUI/Brush Management: Confirm VHFHSZ & maintain Zones 1–2 per City Brush Guide.
We verify HOA/DRC rules, jurisdiction (City vs County), overlays, and ROW early and submit once with a complete, inspection‑ready set.
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City/County + HOA/DRC Submittals (What We File)
City of San Diego (Santaluz) — Typical Residential Set
- Site plan to scale per IB‑122 (lot lines, easements, setbacks, overlays, brush zones, utilities).
- Architectural/structural sheets (pavilions/pergolas per IB‑206; retaining walls per IB‑220 with calcs/drainage).
- Electrical/mechanical/plumbing (kitchen gas/electrical, lighting one‑line, load calcs). Electrical Permits.
- Stormwater: DS‑560 + notes per Stormwater Standards Manual.
- ROW package (if applicable): plan sheets on DS‑3179 (see IB‑165 references) with curb outlets/underdrains; include EMRA (DS‑3237) for private encroachments.
- Lighting notes per §142.0740 and ENER‑5‑1 (BUG/CCT/controls).
County of San Diego (The Crosby) — Typical Residential Set
- PDS building permits for patio covers, walls, electrical/gas (per County handouts such as PDS‑078 Patio Covers).
- Stormwater: follow County DPW standards and Watershed/BMP manuals where applicable.
- ROW on County roads: DPW Encroachment/Construction ROW + Traffic Control Permit.
- Lighting: comply with County Light Pollution Code (shielding/CCT).
HOA/DRC — What We Include
- Santaluz: Steps 1–4 applications, Adjacent Owner Awareness, plan set, fixture cut‑sheets proving concealed sources (Step 3), and City comment reconciliation (Step 4).
- The Crosby: Design Review application, site/planting/lighting plans, finishes, appliance lists, and any joint review items per the Architectural Guidelines.
- Written decisions: We request written determinations & timelines per California Davis‑Stirling Civil Code §4765 to keep your file moving.
Timeline (Typical)
- Concept plan & budget alignment: ~1–2 weeks.
- HOA/DRC + City/County permits: ~2–6+ weeks (ROW/discretionary items may extend).
- Build (field): Outdoor Room Core: 3–6 weeks • Pavilion + Motor Court: 6–10 weeks • Estate Package: 10–14+ weeks.
Plan My Schedule & Procurement
Maintenance & Care (Protect Your Investment)
- Quarterly: lighting scenes/transformers check, drain inlets/cleanouts, irrigation tune.
- Annually: joint sand/sealer (where specified), appliance service, ROW apron inspection.
- Seasonally: WUI defensible‑space refresh (brush Zones 1–2; keep fixtures clear of mulch/debris).
Add a Maintenance Plan
Quote Comparison Checklist (Apples‑to‑Apples)
- Scope map (front/side/back): sf/LF counts, wall face sf, fixture counts, drain schedule & lawful outlets.
- Allowances listed: patio series, pergola model/size, appliance list, lighting (shielding/BUG/CCT), veneer/caps.
- Engineering & permits: included or allowances shown (pavilion, retaining, ROW, gas/electric, stormwater docs).
- Utilities: panel capacity, BTU load, meter upgrades, sleeve plan, shutoffs/bonding.
- Overlays/HOA: Santaluz lighting limits; Crosby DRC requirements; WUI/brush zones shown.
- Schedule & warranty: phasing, inspections, punch, service plan.
Transparent, Line‑Item Quote
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Serving Santaluz, The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe, Del Sur, 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and more.
FAQs
What do outdoor remodels typically cost in Santaluz or The Crosby?
Outdoor Room Core builds land $85k–$185k+; Pavilion + Motor Court packages $150k–$350k+; whole‑property “Estate” plans $250k–$500k+. Slopes, lighting rules, ROW, and finish tier drive totals.
How strict are Santaluz & Crosby with lighting?
Santaluz limits visible sources and uplighting (perimeter/street zones) and requires Step‑3 fixture review; Crosby follows County dark‑sky rules (shielded/low‑glare).
Do I need City/County permits and HOA/DRC approval?
Yes. Santaluz requires HOA approval plus City permits; Crosby requires DRC approval plus County PDS/DPW permits where applicable.
Can you manage ROW curb outlets and underdrains?
Yes. We prepare City IB‑165 packages (DS‑3179 plan, TCP), secure EMRA when required, and handle County DPW encroachment/traffic control when in the County.
When do the new California codes kick in?
The 2025 California Building Standards Code takes effect January 1, 2026; 2022 codes govern through December 31, 2025.
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Key References
- Santaluz — Sentinel Design Book · Posada Design Book · Step 3 (Lighting Review) · Step 4 (Final).
- The Crosby — Architectural Guidelines & DRC.
- City of San Diego — IB‑206 Patio Covers · IB‑220 Retaining Walls · IB‑165 ROW · ROW Permit Page · DS‑560 Stormwater · Stormwater Standards Manual (2024) · Outdoor Lighting §142.0740 · Technical Bulletin ENER‑5‑1 · DS‑3237 EMRA · IB‑122 Site Plan.
- County of San Diego — Light Pollution Code · DPW ROW/Encroachment · Traffic Control Permits.
- RSF Fire — Shelter‑in‑Place Guidance.
- Codes — CA Building Standards Commission.