Bonita Outdoor Living & Landscape Design‑Build
Updated September 2025 — Unincorporated San Diego County (Bonita 91902)
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
Along the Sweetwater Valley—from Sunnyside and Bonita Highlands to Lynwood Hills (adj.) and Proctor Valley (adj.)—we plan, permit and build cohesive outdoor living on ranch‑style and hillside lots: porcelain/paver patios, louvered pergolas or engineered pavilions, masonry outdoor kitchens (gas/electric), retaining/seat walls & hillside steps, dark‑sky lighting, drainage/underdrains, turf & putting greens, planting/irrigation—coordinated with the County of San Diego (PDS Building) and County DPW Right‑of‑Way.
Project fit: Minimum project $15k. Typical Bonita backyard packages run $95k–$210k+. Whole‑property (front + back) plans often range $210k–$620k+. Acreage/slope or long utility runs may exceed $350k–$780k+ depending on access, walls, finishes and approvals.
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Key Takeaways
- County path made simple: We handle PDS Building permits (covers, walls, electrical/gas) and DPW ROW for aprons/underdrains/curb outlets in one inspection‑ready set.
- Sweetwater corridor savvy: ESL/riparian buffers, slopes and drainage are planned early to protect structures and landscape.
- Transparent ranges & packages: Line‑item allowances (engineering, gas/electric, drainage) keep change‑orders in check.
Do‑This‑First — Jurisdiction, ESL/WUI, Utilities
- Jurisdiction: Most of Bonita is unincorporated County. Some edges touch Chula Vista/National City; we verify at intake.
- ESL & riparian: Parcels near the Sweetwater River/canyons may trigger Environmentally Sensitive Lands review; we include sections and BMP notes.
- WUI & dark‑sky: When Fire Hazard Severity Zones apply, we specify ignition‑resistant assemblies and shielded, low‑glare fixtures.
- ROW tie‑ins: Aprons, sidewalk underdrains and curb outlets go through County DPW; a maintenance agreement (EMRA) may be required for private features in ROW.
- Utilities: Confirm panel capacity and gas BTU for heaters/kitchens; coordinate SDG&E upgrades if needed.
- Code cycle: 2022 CA Codes through Dec 31, 2025; 2025 codes effective Jan 1, 2026.
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TL;DR — Typical Bonita Installed Ranges (2025)
- Backyard “Entertaining Core” (patios + pergola + kitchen + lighting + drainage): $95k–$210k+
- Front upgrades (driveway refresh/motor court + entry walk/lighting): $50k–$140k+
- Whole‑property (front + back): $210k–$620k+ depending on slopes, engineering, finishes & approvals
Access/haul, slopes/retaining, utilities and finish tiers drive totals.
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Packages (Good / Better / Best)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good — Entertaining Core | 800–1,400 sf porcelain/paver patios & paths; 12’–16’ pergola; masonry outdoor kitchen (base appliances); low‑glare lighting starter; drainage basics; planting/irrigation refresh. | $95k–$180k+ |
| Better — Shade + Kitchen + Walls | All “Good” + engineered pavilion or 16’–20’ louvered pergola w/ heaters; upgraded kitchen; seat/retaining walls; expanded lighting scenes; drainage to lawful outlets. | $180k–$360k+ |
| Best — Valley Resort | All “Better” + spa terrace or second shade zone; hillside steps/terraces; long‑run lighting/irrigation; premium veneers/caps; County approvals included. | $360k–$620k+ |
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Scope Anchors — Bonita Big‑Ticket Items
| Scope | Typical Range | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Paver Patios & Walks | $35–$70/sf | Porcelain Paver Cost |
| Paver Driveway / Entry | $45k–$140k+ (≈900–2,500 sf) | Driveway Cost • ROW/Apron Permits |
| Louvered Pergola / Engineered Pavilion | $35k–$120k+ | Louvered Pergola Cost • Patio Cover Cost • Permits |
| Masonry Outdoor Kitchen (Gas/Electric) | $20k–$75k+ | Outdoor Kitchen Cost • Kitchen Permits |
| Retaining/Seat Walls & Steps | $70–$240/face sf | Retaining Wall Cost • Wall Permits • Hillside Terraces |
| Drainage & Lawful Outlets | $10k–$55k+ | Drainage & Stormwater |
| Low‑Glare Lighting | $6k–$30k+ | Outdoor Lighting Guide |
| Artificial Turf / Putting Green | Turf $8k–$30k • Green $8k–$25k+ | Artificial Grass Cost • Putting Green Cost |
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Permits & Right‑of‑Way — County Snapshot
- Pergolas & patio covers: Permit thresholds, setbacks and OTC eligibility apply. We supply engineered footings, heater clearances and electrical plans.
- Retaining walls: Permit required over 3’ or with surcharge; calcs, sections and drain details included.
- Driveway/apron/ROW: County DPW encroachment for apron modifications, sidewalk underdrains and curb outlets; EMRA may be required where private features remain in ROW.
- Outdoor kitchens (gas/electrical): Separate electrical and gas/plumbing permits as applicable; one‑line diagrams and gas isometric with BTU schedules included.
- Stormwater/BMPs: County BMP Design Manual notes and lawful outlet strategy sized for soils/slopes.
- Lighting & WUI: Shielded fixtures and ignition‑resistant details suitable for hillside/wildfire contexts.
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What We File for You (Typical County Sets)
County of San Diego — PDS Building
- Scaled site plan (lot lines, easements, setbacks, slopes, utilities).
- Architectural/structural sheets (pavilions/pergolas; retaining walls with calcs & drainage).
- Electrical/gas sheets (kitchen circuits, lighting one‑line, load calcs; gas isometric & BTU schedules).
- Stormwater/BMP notes and standard details.
County DPW — Right‑of‑Way (ROW)
- Encroachment plans for apron modifications, sidewalk underdrains/curb outlets; traffic control notes if needed; EMRA package when a private feature remains in ROW.
HOA/ARC (if applicable)
- Scaled site/elevations; exterior materials & finishes; lighting plan with shielding/trespass notes; planting/irrigation zones; entry gate/pilaster details where relevant.
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Areas We Serve in & around Bonita
Bonita 91902, Sunnyside, Bonita Highlands, Sweetwater Road corridor, Lynwood Hills (adjacent), San Miguel/Proctor Valley (adjacent), Rohr Park area (adjacent), and nearby enclaves.
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FAQs — Bonita
Do I need HOA/ARC approval in Bonita?
Some enclaves have HOA/ARC, but much of Bonita is non‑HOA. We verify and coordinate approvals where applicable.
Who issues building permits?
County of San Diego (PDS Building). We handle patio covers/pergolas, retaining walls (over 3’ or with surcharge), electrical/gas permits and stormwater/BMP documentation.
What about driveway aprons or curb outlets?
Those are permitted through County DPW Right‑of‑Way (Encroachment). If a private feature remains in ROW, a maintenance agreement (EMRA) may be required.
Is Bonita in the Coastal Zone?
No. Bonita is inland. Coastal/CDP does not apply; focus is on ESL near the Sweetwater corridor, drainage and WUI where mapped.
Can you phase the work?
Yes—drainage/utility backbone first, then patios/structures, then lighting/planting for fastest usability.
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