Olivenhain & Harmony Grove Outdoor Remodels (2025) — HOA/DRC, County/City Permits, Specs & Installed Budget Tiers
Updated September 2025 — Encinitas (Olivenhain) & Unincorporated County (Harmony Grove)
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 on a large-lot property in Olivenhain (City of Encinitas) or in Harmony Grove (Unincorporated County), this guide shows what complete outdoor remodels really cost in 2025—and exactly how to get HOA/DRC approvals, City/County permits, and inspection-ready specs that pass the first time. We bundle paver driveways & motor courts, porcelain patios, pavilions/pergolas, outdoor kitchens, walls/terraces, low-glare lighting, drainage, turf/greens, and planting/irrigation into one plan and estimate.
Olivenhain / Harmony Grove Estimate
Do-This-First — Confirm Area, HOA & Code Cycle
- Where are you? Olivenhain is in the City of Encinitas (City permits/ROW, lighting & stormwater): Building Permits & Inspections • Outdoor Lighting Performance Standards • Permanent BMP Program. Harmony Grove & Harmony Grove Village are Unincorporated County (County PDS building, DPW encroachment, County lighting/BMP manual): PDS Building • DPW Encroachment Permits • Private Outdoor Lighting (PDS-211) • County BMP Design Manual.
- HOA/DRC: Many Olivenhain subdivisions and Harmony Grove Village homes require Architectural Review for exteriors (landscape, hardscape, lighting, walls). We package HOA/DRC + City/County into a single, coordinated submittal. (Community-specific guidelines vary.)
- Dark-sky lighting: Encinitas requires fully shielded outdoor fixtures; the County regulates lighting under its Light Pollution Code. See Encinitas Lighting Standards and PDS-211.
- Stormwater/BMPs: City Permanent BMPs + County BMP Design Manual apply. We size drains/outfalls to lawful standards.
- Code cycle: 2022 CA Codes through Dec 31, 2025; 2025 Codes start Jan 1, 2026. (CA Building Standards Commission)
Start with My HOA/Jurisdiction Check →
TL;DR — Typical Installed Ranges (Olivenhain & Harmony Grove • 2025)
- Outdoor Room Core (backyard focus): $100k–$230k+ (porcelain/paver patios, 12’–16’ pergola or single-zone louvered, base outdoor kitchen, starter lighting, drainage, planting/irrigation).
- Pavilion + Kitchen + Front refresh: $230k–$420k+ (engineered pavilion or 16’–20’ louvered w/ heaters, upgraded kitchen, seat/retaining walls, entry/courtyard, scenes lighting, drainage).
- Full Property (front + side + back + driveway): $420k–$850k+ (full paver driveway or motor court, premium kitchen, pavilion, walls/steps, low-glare lighting, turf/green, planting/irrigation, stormwater docs).
Olivenhain large-lots typically land in the upper halves of ranges; Harmony Grove Village lots trend mid-range. Slopes, access/export, appliance lists and finish tiers drive totals.
Check My Range →
Packages (Good / Better / Best)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good — Outdoor Room Core | 600–1,200 sf porcelain/paver patios & paths, 12’–16’ pergola or louvered (1 zone), masonry island (grill + fridge), low-glare lighting starter, drainage basics, planting/irrigation refresh, turf option. | $100k–$230k+ |
| Better — Pavilion + Front Refresh | All “Good” + engineered pavilion or 16’–20’ louvered with heaters, expanded kitchen, seat/retaining walls, entry walkway/courtyard, driveway accents/overlay, scenes lighting, drainage to lawful outlets. | $230k–$420k+ |
| Best — Full Property Re-Do | All “Better” + full paver driveway replacement (1,000–2,000+ sf or motor court), premium veneers/caps, steps/risers, turf/putting green, perimeter lighting, robust drainage, planting/irrigation throughout. | $420k–$850k+ |
Price My Package →
Scope Anchors — What Big Line Items Typically Run
| Scope | Typical Range | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Paver Patios & Walks | $35–$70/sf | Porcelain Cost • Concrete vs Pavers |
| Paver Driveway / Motor Court | $60k–$180k+ (1,000–2,000+ sf) | Driveway Cost • Encinitas: Encroachment – Permanent PROW • Driveways/Construction on ROW (Code) |
| Louvered Pergola / Pavilion | $40k–$125k+ | Louvered Pergola Cost • Encinitas: Accessory/Patio Covers |
| Masonry Outdoor Kitchen | $25k–$85k+ (appliance-driven) | Kitchen Cost |
| Retaining/Seat Walls & Steps | $70–$260/face sf | Wall Cost |
| Drainage (French/Area/Channel) | $12k–$50k+ | Drainage & Stormwater • County: BMP Design Manual |
| Low-Glare Lighting (Dark-Sky) | $8k–$32k+ | Outdoor Lighting • Encinitas: Lighting Standards • County: PDS-211 |
| Artificial Turf / Putting Green | Turf: $12k–$45k • Green: $8k–$30k+ | Artificial Grass Cost • Putting Green Cost |
| Planting & Irrigation | $18k–$70k+ | Hydrozones, drip, smart controllers (estate-scale on large lots) |
Get Line-Item Pricing →
Example Line-Item Models (Outdoor Room • Pavilion + Front • Full Property)
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~700–1,100 sf) | Porcelain/paver, transitions & edges | $26,000–$60,000 |
| Pergola (12’–16’) or Louvered | Electrical rough-in, post footings | $24,000–$55,000 |
| Outdoor Kitchen (Base) | 36″ grill + fridge + storage | $18,000–$40,000 |
| Lighting | Path/step/wall + transformer | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Drainage | French/area/channel to lawful outlets | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Planting & Irrigation | Beds/trees, drip, smart controller | $10,000–$22,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | HOA/DRC + City/County as needed | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Model A Total | Outdoor room core | $100,000–$230,000+ |
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~900–1,400 sf) | Large-format + transitions/inlays | $40,000–$95,000 |
| Pavilion or 16’–20’ Louvered | Engineered, heaters, electrical | $55,000–$120,000 |
| Outdoor Kitchen (Upgraded) | 42–48″ grill + refrigeration + storage | $35,000–$75,000 |
| Entry/Drive Refresh | Bands/inlays or partial overlay | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Walls/Steps | Seat walls, small retaining | $18,000–$60,000 |
| Lighting (Scenes) | Perimeter + step/wall + controls | $10,000–$24,000 |
| Drainage & Planting | Networks + front refresh | $20,000–$45,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | Survey (as needed), HOA/DRC, permits | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Model B Total | Backyard + front refresh | $230,000–$420,000+ |
| Item | Scope / Notes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Patios/Paths (~1,400–2,000+ sf) | Multiple zones, transitions/inlays | $60,000–$125,000 |
| Pavilion + Heaters/Screens | Primary entertaining structure | $85,000–$150,000 |
| Premium Outdoor Kitchen | Pizza oven, refrigeration wall, sink | $55,000–$110,000 |
| Driveway / Motor Court | 1,200–2,000+ sf pavers, automation (gates optional) | $80,000–$180,000 |
| Walls/Steps | Seat/retaining, premium veneer/caps | $35,000–$100,000 |
| Lighting (Perimeter + Scenes) | Zones, transformers, controls | $18,000–$40,000 |
| Drainage & Planting/Irrigation | Multiple networks + water-wise planting | $30,000–$70,000 |
| Soft Costs & Approvals | Survey/engineering, HOA/DRC, permits | $12,000–$35,000 |
| Model C Total | Full front + back + drive | $420,000–$850,000+ |
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 + 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 | Perimeter + moonlight + automation (BUG/CCT tuned) |
| Turf/Green | Premium turf (antimicrobial) | Turf + 350–700 sf putting green | Tour-spec green + bunkers/chipping pads |
Lock Allowances & Appliances →
Specs & Cross-Section (City vs County)
Pavers/Porcelain
- Compacted base to engineered depths; edge restraints at perimeters; movement joints at transitions.
- Slopes away from structures; integrate area/French/channel drains at low points to lawful outlets. Encinitas & County require standard ROW methods (no unapproved curb coring). Encinitas PROW permits: Traffic Control PROW • Encroachment – Permanent PROW.
Walls/Steps
- Engineer geogrid/footings; provide wide drain zones with socked perf pipe and cleanouts; waterproof CMU with protection board where applicable.
- Step rise/run per CRC; guards/handrails where required; integrate low-glare riser/step lights (shielded) per Encinitas lighting standards and County PDS-211.
Pergolas/Pavilions & Kitchens
- Encinitas Accessory/Patio Covers permit path covers patio covers; show heater/appliance clearances and listings; anchor to engineered footings. Apply here.
- Gas/electric in approved materials with shutoffs and bonding; provide one-line (electrical) & gas isometrics; separate permits where required (City: Building Permits • County: PDS Building).
Lighting (Dark-Sky)
- Encinitas: fully shielded fixtures (light directed below horizontal plane) to limit glare/trespass — see Outdoor Lighting Performance Standards.
- County: comply with Private Outdoor Lighting (PDS-211) — limits and shielding vary by zone (A/B/C) near observatories.
Design My Cross-Sections & Details →
Drainage & ROW (Approval-Ready)
- Encinitas ROW: Work affecting City streets/traffic needs a Traffic Control PROW permit; permanent tie-ins (curb outlets/underdrains/driveways) use an Encroachment – Permanent PROW permit and may require a recorded maintenance & removal covenant. Links: Traffic Control PROW • Encroachment – Permanent PROW • Encroachment Covenant (Code).
- County ROW (Harmony Grove): Use the DPW Encroachment Permit for curb outlets or private facilities within County road right-of-way.
- Stormwater docs: Encinitas Permanent BMPs and County BMP Design Manual govern sizing and notes on plan sheets.
Map My Drainage Plan →
Permits & HOA/DRC (Olivenhain vs Harmony Grove)
- City of Encinitas (Olivenhain):
- Accessory/patio covers: Temporary/Accessory Structure Permit application & minimum standards.
- Driveways/ROW: driveway work on City streets needs encroachment/ROW approval — see Encroachment – Permanent PROW and code for Driveways/Construction on ROW.
- Outdoor lighting: Performance Standards (fully shielded).
- Stormwater: City Permanent BMP Program & Clean Water Program.
- County of San Diego (Harmony Grove):
- Building permits: issued by PDS Building.
- ROW: DPW Encroachment Permit for work in County right-of-way.
- Lighting: Private Outdoor Lighting (PDS-211).
- Stormwater: County BMP Design Manual.
- HOA/DRC: Many Olivenhain subdivisions and Harmony Grove Village homes require architectural review for landscape/exterior changes; we coordinate HOA approvals alongside City/County permits to avoid re-work. (Guidelines vary by community.)
- Fire/WUI & brush: We verify Fire Hazard Severity Zones and design defensible space & compliant planting/clearances — see CAL FIRE FHSZ maps.
We align HOA approvals with a complete permit set so you approve once.
Handle Engineering & Approvals →
City/County Submittal Packages (What We File for You)
City of Encinitas — Typical Residential Set
- Site plan to scale (lot lines, easements, setbacks, ROW, utilities, brush areas where relevant). Permit guidance
- Architectural/structural sheets (pavilions/pergolas via Accessory/Patio Covers; wall sections/details).
- Electrical/mechanical/plumbing sheets (kitchen gas/electric, lighting one-line, load calcs).
- Stormwater: City Permanent BMP notes/details.
- ROW package (if applicable): Traffic Control PROW + Encroachment – Permanent PROW; include maintenance & removal covenant when required.
County of San Diego — Typical Residential Set
- PDS building permits for patio covers, walls, electrical/gas; verify community plan overlays — PDS Building.
- Stormwater: County BMP Design Manual notes/details.
- ROW on County roads: DPW Encroachment Permit package.
- HOA/DRC (where applicable): separate architectural review for landscape/exterior work (community specific).
Timeline (Typical)
- Concept plan & budget alignment: ~1–2 weeks.
- HOA/DRC + City/County permits: ~2–8+ weeks (ROW/walls can extend).
- Build (field): Outdoor Room: 2–5 weeks • Pavilion + Front: 4–8 weeks • Full Property: 6–12+ weeks.
Plan My Schedule & Procurement →
Maintenance & Care (Protect Your Investment)
- Quarterly: debris removal, transformer/scene checks, irrigation audit.
- Annually: joint sand/top-up or sealer (where specified), drain cleanouts, appliance service.
- Seasonally: brush-adjacent pruning; adjust lighting scenes/curfews for earlier sunsets (dark-sky friendly): Encinitas lighting standards.
Add a Maintenance Plan →
Quote Comparison Checklist (Apples-to-Apples)
- Scope map by area: sf/LF counts, wall face sf, lighting counts, drain schedule.
- Allowances listed: patio series, pergola model/size, appliance list, lighting fixtures, veneer/caps.
- Engineering & permits: included or allowances shown (pavilion, walls, gas/electric, stormwater docs, ROW package).
- Utilities: panel capacity, gas BTU loads, sleeve plan, shutoffs.
- Drainage: lawful outlet detail (no unapproved curb tie-ins), cleanouts, underdrains at walls.
- HOA/DRC: community requirements accounted for (Olivenhain subdivisions / Harmony Grove Village).
- Schedule & warranty: phasing, inspections, punch, service plan.
Transparent, Line-Item Quote →
Plan the rest of your remodel:
Serving North County: Olivenhain (Encinitas 92024) and Harmony Grove / HG Village (92029) — plus nearby Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Sur & 4S Ranch, and Carmel Valley.
FAQs
Is Olivenhain in the City or the County?
Olivenhain is within the City of Encinitas. City permits, ROW processes, lighting standards and stormwater rules apply. See Building Permits & Inspections.
Is Harmony Grove in the City or the County?
Harmony Grove (including Harmony Grove Village) is in the unincorporated County; County PDS/DPW permits and the County Light Pollution Code apply. See PDS Building and PDS-211.
Do I need HOA/DRC approval?
Many Olivenhain subdivisions and Harmony Grove Village homes require architectural review for exterior projects. We coordinate HOA/DRC with permits so you approve once. (Guidelines vary.)
What outdoor lighting rules apply?
Encinitas requires fully shielded fixtures to limit glare/trespass; the County regulates lighting under its Light Pollution Code. See Encinitas lighting standards and PDS-211.
Which code cycle is in effect?
The 2022 California Building Standards remain in effect through December 31, 2025; the 2025 codes take effect January 1, 2026. (CA BSC)
Olivenhain / Harmony Grove Plan
Key References
- City of Encinitas — Building Permits & Inspections • Accessory/Patio Covers • Traffic Control PROW • Encroachment – Permanent PROW • Encroachment Covenant (Code) • Driveways/Construction on ROW (Code) • Outdoor Lighting Performance Standards • Permanent BMP Program • Clean Water Program.
- County of San Diego — DPW Encroachment Permits • Private Outdoor Lighting (PDS-211) • BMP Design Manual.
- California Code Cycle — Building Standards Commission (Code Effective Dates).