Del Mar Outdoor Living & Landscape Design‑Build
Updated September 2025 — City of Del Mar (Coastal Zone)
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 Olde Del Mar (Village) and the Beach Colony/North Beach to the bluffs and lagoon-adjacent streets, we design-build coastal-grade outdoor living: porcelain/paver patios, louvered pergolas or engineered pavilions, masonry outdoor kitchens (gas/electric), retaining/seat walls & hillside steps, low-glare lighting, drainage/underdrains, turf & putting greens, planting/irrigation — coordinated through Del Mar Design Review (DRB/ADR), Coastal Development Permits (CDP), and Encroachment Permits where right-of-way work is involved.
Project fit: Minimum project $15k. Typical Del Mar backyard packages run $130k–$280k+. Whole-property (front + back) plans often range $280k–$900k+. Bluff/lagoon-adjacent/CDP-intensive builds may run $350k–$1.2M+ due to engineering, geology and approvals.
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Key Takeaways
- We route projects through Del Mar’s Design Review (DRB/ADR), CDP, and Encroachment as one coordinated plan set.
- Coastal-grade specs: marine-tolerant finishes (AAMA 2604/2605), sealed lighting, stainless fasteners, wind-aware shade structures.
- Transparent ranges & packages and line-item allowances (gas/electric, drainage, engineering) reduce change-order risk.
Do-This-First — Design Review, Coastal & ROW
- Design Review path: Determine if your scope is eligible for Administrative Design Review (ADR) or requires a full Design Review Board (DRB) hearing. We handle either track.
- Coastal overlay & appeals: Most of Del Mar is in the Coastal Zone. Some properties are in the Coastal Commission appeal area (e.g., between the first public road and the sea or near lagoon/wetlands). We identify this early and prepare CDP findings accordingly.
- Right-of-Way (ROW): Driveway aprons, curb outlets/underdrains, or other features in City ROW require an Encroachment Permit (Minor or Major). We plan to City standards and secure the permit before construction.
- Stormwater: We prepare the City’s Standard Project SWMP and BMP details per Del Mar’s BMP Design Manual when triggered.
- Code cycle: 2022 CA Codes through Dec 31, 2025; 2025 codes effective Jan 1, 2026.
Del Mar Approvals & Overlays
TL;DR — Typical Del Mar Installed Ranges (2025)
- Backyard “Entertaining Core” (patios + pergola + kitchen + lighting + drainage): $130k–$280k+
- Front upgrades (driveway/entry + gates/lighting): $90k–$220k+
- Whole-property (front + back): $280k–$900k+ depending on slopes, engineering, finishes & approvals
- Bluff/lagoon/CDP-intensive: $350k–$1.2M+ (soft costs, geology, drainage/outfall constraints)
Access, export/haul, bluff/canyon conditions, utilities and finish tiers drive totals.
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Packages (Good / Better / Best)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good — Entertaining Core | 800–1,500 sf porcelain/paver patios & paths; 12’–16’ pergola; masonry outdoor kitchen (base appliances); low-glare lighting starter; drainage basics; planting/irrigation refresh. | $130k–$220k+ |
| 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 (coastal constraints considered). | $220k–$450k+ |
| Best — Coastal Resort | All “Better” + spa terrace or second shade zone; bluff/canyon-sensitive terraces; long-run lighting/irrigation; premium veneers/caps; DRB/ADR + CDP approvals included. | $450k–$900k+ |
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Scope Anchors — Del Mar Big-Ticket Items
| Scope | Typical Range | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Paver Patios & Walks | $35–$70/sf | Porcelain Paver Cost • Porcelain vs. Travertine (Pool Decks) |
| Paver Driveway / Entry | $50k–$180k+ (≈1,000–3,000 sf) | Driveway Cost • ROW/Apron Permits |
| Louvered Pergola / Engineered Pavilion | $40k–$140k+ | Louvered Pergola Cost • Patio Cover Cost • Permits |
| Masonry Outdoor Kitchen (Gas/Electric) | $25k–$85k+ | Outdoor Kitchen Cost • Kitchen Permits |
| Retaining/Seat Walls & Steps | $80–$260/face sf | Retaining Wall Cost • Wall Permits • Hillside Terraces |
| Drainage & Lawful Outlets (Coastal) | $12k–$65k+ | Drainage & Stormwater |
| Low-Glare Lighting (Neighborhood) | $8k–$40k+ | Outdoor Lighting Guide |
| Artificial Turf / Putting Green | Turf $10k–$40k • Green $8k–$30k+ | Artificial Grass Cost • Putting Green Cost |
| Fire Features (Coastal) | $5k–$35k+ | Fireplace/Fire Pit Cost • Rules & Clearances |
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Design Review (DRB/ADR), CDP & Encroachment — Del Mar Snapshot
- Design Review Board (DRB) / Administrative Design Review (ADR): Exterior changes typically require DRB approval; some smaller scopes may qualify for ADR. We confirm eligibility, prepare submittals and manage hearings as needed.
- Coastal Development Permit (CDP): Del Mar administers CDPs under its certified LCP. Sites in the appeal jurisdiction (e.g., between the first public road and the sea or near lagoon/wetlands) can be appealable to the Coastal Commission.
- Right-of-Way (Encroachment Permits): Driveway apron modifications, curb outlets/underdrains and other work in City ROW require an Encroachment Permit. Del Mar distinguishes Minor vs Major encroachments with different review levels.
- Stormwater & Erosion Control: We prepare the City’s Standard Project SWMP and BMP details per Del Mar’s BMP Design Manual when triggered; follow the City’s Construction BMP Manual during build.
- Landscape Plans: Landscape construction plans are prepared by a California-licensed professional and submitted with DRB materials per City guidance.
DRB/ADR, CDP & Encroachment
What We File for You (Typical Del Mar Sets)
DRB or ADR Package
- Scaled site plan; elevations/sections; exterior materials & colors; lighting plan (shielding/trespass notes); planting/irrigation plan; wall/terrace details; neighborhood context imagery.
CDP Package (when triggered)
- Findings for LCP consistency; coastal hazards/geotechnical reports if required; visual simulations where helpful; appeal-jurisdiction notices when applicable.
Encroachment (ROW) Package
- Plan sheets for driveway aprons, sidewalk underdrains/curb outlets; excavation limits; traffic control notes; Minor vs Major encroachment documentation.
Stormwater & Construction BMP
- Standard Project SWMP (as applicable) and BMP details per City BMP Design Manual; Construction BMP practices during build.
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Areas We Serve in & around Del Mar
Olde Del Mar (Village), Beach Colony/North Beach, Del Mar Bluffs, Stratford area, Crest Canyon edges, and adjacent neighborhoods: Del Mar Heights (City of San Diego), Del Mar Terrace/Torrey Pines (adjacent).
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FAQs — Del Mar
Do I need Design Review in Del Mar?
Yes. Most exterior/landscape changes require Design Review. Smaller scopes may qualify for Administrative Design Review (ADR); larger scopes go to the Design Review Board (DRB).
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit (CDP)?
Often. Del Mar is in the Coastal Zone; some sites are also in the Coastal Commission appeal area. We verify status and prepare the CDP application when required.
What about driveway aprons or curb outlets?
Those are permitted through the City’s Encroachment process (Minor or Major) when work is within public right-of-way.
How do you handle stormwater and erosion?
We provide a Standard Project SWMP (when triggered) and BMP details per the City’s BMP Design Manual; Construction BMPs are implemented during build.
Can you design for salt air, wind and privacy?
Yes—marine-grade finishes, wind-aware shade structures, low-glare lighting and layered planting deliver comfort and longevity in coastal conditions.
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