Bonsall Outdoor Living & Landscape Design‑Build
Updated September 2025 — Unincorporated San Diego County (Bonsall 92003)
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
From Olive Hill and Gopher Canyon to Hialeah Estates, San Luis Rey Heights, and the Lilac Rd corridor, we plan, permit and build cohesive outdoor living on rural & 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 Bonsall backyard packages run $110k–$240k+. Whole‑property (front + back) plans often range $240k–$780k+. Estate‑acreage with slopes/engineering can exceed $450k–$950k+ depending on access, walls, utilities and approvals.
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Key Takeaways
- County-first planning: We handle PDS Building permits (covers, walls, electrical/gas) and DPW Right‑of‑Way for aprons/underdrains/curb outlets with one inspection‑ready set.
- Hillside/WUI & rural utilities: Slopes, septic/leach fields, propane tanks and long utility runs are designed early to avoid re‑work.
- Transparent ranges & packages: Line‑item allowances (engineering, gas/electric, drainage) cut change‑order risk.
Do‑This‑First — Jurisdiction, Hillsides/WUI, Septic & Utilities
- Jurisdiction: Bonsall is unincorporated County (PDS Building). Select enclaves may have HOA/ARC; we confirm up front.
- Hillsides/soils: We review slopes, potential geotech, and retaining/drainage needs; cross‑sections & BMP notes included.
- WUI & dark‑sky: Fire Hazard Severity Zones get ignition‑resistant details and low‑glare, shielded fixtures.
- Septic & easements: We locate leach fields, wells and easements early to place structures, gas lines and drainage properly.
- ROW tie‑ins: Aprons, sidewalk underdrains, curb outlets go through County DPW; EMRA may be required for private features in ROW.
- Code cycle: 2022 CA Codes through Dec 31, 2025; 2025 codes effective Jan 1, 2026.
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TL;DR — Typical Bonsall Installed Ranges (2025)
- Backyard “Entertaining Core” (patios + pergola + kitchen + lighting + drainage): $110k–$240k+
- Front upgrades (driveway/motor court + entry walk/lighting): $70k–$200k+
- Whole‑property (front + back): $240k–$780k+ depending on slopes, engineering, finishes & approvals
Access, haul/export, slopes/retaining, rural utilities and finish tiers drive totals.
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Packages (Good / Better / Best)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good — Entertaining Core | 900–1,600 sf porcelain/paver patios & paths; 12’–16’ pergola; masonry outdoor kitchen (base appliances); low‑glare lighting starter; drainage basics; planting/irrigation refresh. | $110k–$210k+ |
| Better — Pavilion + Motor Court | All “Good” + engineered pavilion or 16’–20’ louvered pergola w/ heaters; upgraded kitchen; 1,200–3,000 sf paver driveway/motor court; seat/retaining walls; expanded lighting; drainage to lawful outlets. | $210k–$420k+ |
| Best — Acreage Resort | All “Better” + spa terrace/second shade zone; hillside terraces & steps; long‑run lighting/irrigation; premium veneers/caps; entry gates/pilasters; County approvals included. | $420k–$780k+ |
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Scope Anchors — Bonsall Big‑Ticket Items
| Scope | Typical Range | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Paver Patios & Walks | $35–$70/sf | Porcelain Paver Cost |
| Paver Driveway / Motor Court | $70k–$200k+ (≈1,200–3,000 sf) | Driveway Cost • ROW/Apron Permits • Motor Courts & Gates |
| 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 & Hillside Steps | $70–$240/face sf | Retaining Wall Cost • Wall Permits • Hillside Terraces |
| Drainage & Lawful Outlets | $12k–$65k+ | Drainage & Stormwater |
| Low‑Glare Lighting (Dark‑Sky) | $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 provide engineered footings, heater clearances and electrical sheets.
- Retaining walls: Permit required over 3’ or with surcharge; we include calculations, sections and drain details.
- Driveway/apron/ROW: County DPW encroachment for apron modifications, 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 and gas isometric with BTU schedules included.
- Stormwater docs: County BMP Design Manual notes and lawful outlet strategy sized for slopes/soils.
- Lighting & WUI: Shielded fixtures and ignition‑resistant assemblies 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, septic/well where applicable).
- 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 if relevant.
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Areas We Serve in & around Bonsall
Bonsall 92003, Olive Hill, Gopher Canyon, Hialeah Estates, San Luis Rey Heights, Lilac Rd corridor, North River area, Via Maria/Street of Dreams ridge, Morro Hills & Vista Valley (adjacent), plus nearby enclaves.
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FAQs — Bonsall
Do I need HOA/ARC approval?
Some Bonsall enclaves have HOA/ARC. Most acreage is non‑HOA. We verify and coordinate if 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 notes.
What about driveway aprons or curb outlets?
Those are permitted through County DPW Right‑of‑Way (Encroachment). If a private feature remains in ROW, an EMRA may be required.
Are Bonsall properties in the Coastal Zone?
No. Bonsall is inland. Coastal/CDP does not apply; focus is on slopes, drainage and WUI requirements.
Can you work around septic, wells and propane?
Yes—our plans account for leach fields, well locations and tank setbacks to route utilities and drainage correctly.
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