Bolthole Index

San Diego County, California

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Del Mar, California

Inside Del Mar city limits, the City's Building Services handles building permits, and the City's Planning Department reviews plans first12. Zoning is the City's own Title 30 code3. Septic permits for every Del Mar address come from San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality, not the City4. Tiny homes are allowed on any lot that allows an accessory dwelling unit5.

At a glance

Building permits
Issued by the City of Del Mar (Building Services), after Planning review; electronic submittal only12
Zoning
City of Del Mar Title 30; standards differ by district (R1-40 through R1-5B and others)3
Septic permits
San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, even inside city limits4
Tiny homes
Allowed on any lot that allows an ADU, on a foundation with water and sewer5
RV living
No Del Mar rule allowing it confirmed; ask City Planning6
Owner-builder
Available with a signed declaration on the City permit application7
Short-term rentals
City STR Permit required; new STRs outside a primary residence prohibited8
Wells
County DEHQ permits wells countywide9

Who to call

Building permits

City of Del Mar Building Services

Building permit applications, plan checks and permit issuance inside Del Mar city limits

(858) 375-9514

Building@delmar.ca.us

1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Planning & zoning

City of Del Mar Planning Department

Plan review before building permits and the starting point for a Building Services request

(858) 755-9313

Planning@delmar.ca.us

1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Septic permits

San Diego County DEHQ Land and Water Quality Division, Onsite Wastewater Systems

Septic system design review, permits and installation inspections, including inside incorporated cities

(858) 565-5173

lwqdduty@sdcounty.ca.gov

5500 Overland Avenue, Suite 110, San Diego, CA

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Del Mar means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Del Mar, CA, and who issues it?

Building permits inside Del Mar city limits come from the City, not from San Diego County. Del Mar Building Services accepts building permit applications and plan checks only by electronic submittal1. Before a building permit request goes forward, the City of Del Mar Planning Department must review the plans2. Start by emailing Planning@delmar.ca.us or calling (858) 755-93132; for status questions, Building Services is at (858) 375-95141.

Owners can pull their own permits. The City's application includes an owner-builder declaration, signed under penalty of perjury, for owners who qualify for a state contractor-licensing exemption7. The owner may do all or part of the work if the structure is not intended or offered for sale7.

Fees come from the City's published fee schedules, which the City may raise each July 1 by CPI, capped at 3 percent a year; paying by credit card adds a 3 percent service fee10.

Does Del Mar have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Del Mar has its own zoning in Title 30 of the municipal code, with districts that include R1-40, R1-14, R1-10, R1-10B, R1-5 and R1-5B, plus multiple-residential, commercial, public and floodway zones; development standards differ by district3. San Diego County's zoning ordinance covers only land outside cities, so it does not apply here11.

In the R1-5 district, the minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet12. R1-5 setbacks are 20 feet front, 20 feet rear, 5 feet interior side and 10 feet street side13. Maximum lot coverage in R1-5 is 45 percent or 3,000 square feet, whichever is greater14, and the maximum height is 22 feet15. Other districts have different numbers, so confirm your parcel's district with City Planning before you buy.

Can you live in a tiny home or RV in Del Mar?

Tiny homes are permitted in Del Mar on any lot that allows an accessory dwelling unit5. The City's definition requires a foundation, independent living facilities, and water and sewer connections, with at least 150 square feet of interior space and a maximum of 400 square feet16. A tiny home on wheels that is not on a foundation does not fit that definition5.

RV living is less clear. California treats RVs as not intended for permanent occupancy and generally limits them to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks unless a local ordinance allows otherwise6. We could not confirm a Del Mar ordinance that allows living in an RV on a residential lot; ask City Planning at (858) 755-93132. Sleeping on private property in Del Mar, including camping, requires the owner's prior permission17.

How do septic permits work inside Del Mar?

San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality has jurisdiction over septic installation or modification in every incorporated city, including Del Mar4. The City does not issue septic permits.

A septic permit is required, and the property owner may obtain it for their own property; otherwise a licensed C-36, C-42, Class A or Class B contractor must do so18. A layout design and County review come before the permit to construct18. The system must be inspected before it is backfilled19. Contact the County's Onsite Wastewater Systems team at (858) 565-517320. Wells are also a County matter: DEHQ regulates water wells throughout San Diego County9.

Building a home in Del Mar: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your parcel's zoning district and development standards in Title 30 with City Planning3.
  2. Check whether the parcel needs a Floodplain Development Permit; no building permit issues until that permit is obtained21.
  3. Send your plans to Planning@delmar.ca.us for Planning Department review2.
  4. Submit the building permit application and plan check electronically to Building Services1.
  5. If the lot uses septic, get the County's layout design and review before the permit to construct18.
  6. Request inspections; the septic system must be inspected before backfill19.

Division of land is separately regulated: the City publishes tentative map and parcel map applications22.

What to check before you buy land in Del Mar

Floodplain status matters: a structure that requires a Floodplain Development Permit cannot get a building permit until that permit is issued21. Driveways for residential-only parking of six spaces or fewer must be permanently surfaced and at least 10 feet wide, with a 20-foot maximum total width along abutting street lines23.

If you plan a rental, new short-term rentals that are not within a primary residence are prohibited, and any permitted STR needs a City STR Permit that lasts two years8. Costs are county-level figures: San Diego County's typical home value is about $940,98624 and its effective property tax rate is 0.7 percent25.

For land outside city limits, use the San Diego County page; the County's rules apply only to unincorporated areas11.

Watch-outs

  • Searching Del Mar often turns up San Diego County's Planning & Development Services; that office serves unincorporated land, and Del Mar parcels go through the City's Planning Department and Building Services instead112.
  • We could not confirm a general certificate-of-occupancy requirement or an agricultural exemption in Del Mar's code; ask City Building Services at (858) 375-95141.
  • Del Mar's lot-size, setback and height numbers above are for the R1-5 district only; other districts differ3.
  • Building Services takes building permit applications only electronically, not on paper1.

Sources

  1. City of Del Mar Building Services (delmar.ca.us)
  2. City of Del Mar Planning Department (delmar.ca.us)
  3. R1-5 Development Standards (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  4. Frequently Asked Questions on Septic Systems (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  5. Zones Where Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are Permitted (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  6. hcd.ca.gov (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Permit Application (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  8. When a Short-Term Rental Permit is Required (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  9. Water Well Program, quoted and re-checked
  10. City Fee Schedules (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. library.municode.com (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  13. library.municode.com (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  14. library.municode.com (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  15. library.municode.com (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  16. library.municode.com (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  17. Camping on Private Property (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  18. Frequently Asked Questions on Septic Systems (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Systems (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  20. San Diego County DEHQ Land and Water Quality Division, Onsite Wastewater Systems (sandiegocounty.gov)
  21. Floodplain Development Permit Required (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  22. Development Applications & Guides (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  23. Design of Parking Spaces (Del Mar), quoted and re-checked
  24. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Del Mar

Del Mar’s own rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Applicants for City building permits inside Del Mar who qualify for a Contractors’ State License Law exemption.

    • The owner-builder declaration must be signed under penalty of perjury.
    • An owner may perform all or part of the work if the structure is not intended or offered for sale.
    • An owner may exclusively contract with licensed contractors.
    • The application states that, except for a qualifying personal residence, an owner-builder may not legally sell a structure not constructed entirely by licensed contractors.
    “I, as owner of the property, or my employees with wages as their sole compensation, will do o all of or o portions of the work, and the structure is not intended or offered for sale”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Del Mar Title 30 zoning districts, including R1-40, R1-14, R1-10, R1-10B, R1-5, R1-5B, multiple residential, commercial, public, railroad, floodway, and specific-plan zones.

    • Development standards differ by district.
    “1. Very Low Density Residential Zone (R1-40). 2. Modified Low Density Residential Zone (R1-14). 3. Low Density Residential Zone (R1-10). 4. Low Density-Beach Residential Zone (R1-10B). 5. Medium Density Single-Family Residential Zone (R1-5). 6. Medium Density Single-Family Residential Zone-Beach (R1-5B).”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Tiny homes inside Del Mar city limits; this is not a general minimum for every dwelling.

    • The tiny-home definition requires at least 150 square feet of interior living space and a maximum of 400 square feet.

    minimum interior living space: >= 150 sq ft · maximum tiny-home area: <= 400 sq ft

    “Tiny Home means a small accessory dwelling unit with at least 150 square feet of interior living space that meets all of the following criteria: a maximum of 400 square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R1-5 Medium Density Single-Family Residential district.

    • The district provides one building site for each 5,000 square feet of net land area.

    minimum lot size: 5000 sq ft

    “Density. One building site for each 5,000 square feet of net land area. B. Lot Dimensions. 1. Minimum lot size: 5,000 square feet.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R1-5 Medium Density Single-Family Residential district.

    • Front yard 20 feet; rear yard 20 feet; interior side yard 5 feet; street side 10 feet.

    front yard: 20 feet · rear yard: 20 feet · interior side yard: 5 feet · street side: 10 feet

    “Setbacks: a. Front yard: 20 feet. b. Rear yard: 20 feet. c. Interior side yard: Five feet. d. Street side: Ten feet.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R1-5 Medium Density Single-Family Residential district.

    • The maximum is 45 percent or 3,000 square feet, whichever is greater.

    maximum lot coverage: 45% or 3,000 percent or sq ft (Whichever is greater.)

    “Maximum lot coverage: 45 percent or 3,000 square feet, whichever is greater.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R1-5 Medium Density Single-Family Residential district.

    • The maximum height is 22 feet.

    maximum height: 22 feet

    “Height: 22 feet. 3. Floor area ratio: 30 percent or 2,000 square feet, whichever is greater.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on private and public property inside Del Mar city limits.

    • Private-property camping, lodging, sleeping, or nighttime tarrying requires prior owner permission.
    • Public-property camping during hours of darkness is unlawful unless otherwise permitted by the Code.
    • Camping is evidenced by sleeping accommodations, bedrolls or sleeping bags, or a shelter.
    “It is unlawful for any person to camp, lodge, sleep or tarry at night in or on any private property without the prior permission of the owner of such property.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes on lots inside Del Mar city limits.

    • Tiny homes are permitted on any lot that allows an ADU.
    • A tiny home may also be developed in non-residential zones except Beach Commercial and Visitor Commercial if deed restricted affordable for a lower-income household for at least 30 years.
    • The definition requires a foundation, independent living facilities, and water and sewer utility connections.

    minimum interior living space: >= 150 sq ft · maximum area: <= 400 sq ft · minimum affordability restriction: >= 30 years (Qualifying non-residential-zone development.)

    “Tiny homes are permitted on any lot that allows an ADU.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Septic-system installation or modification inside Del Mar city limits; the County DEHQ administers the septic jurisdiction within incorporated cities.

    • The administering authority is the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
    • Del Mar's code also incorporates County septic regulations by reference.
    “The installation or modification of any septic system within the county of San Diego, including all incorporated cities will be within the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Health and Quality.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation or modification of septic systems inside Del Mar city limits, administered by County DEHQ.

    • The property owner may obtain the septic tank permit for installation on the owner's property.
    • Otherwise, a licensed C-36, C-42, Class A, or Class B contractor is required to obtain permits.
    • A layout design and County DEH review precede the permit to construct.
    “The property owner can obtain a septic tank permit for installing a septic system on his or her property.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic-system installation inside Del Mar city limits, inspected by County DEHQ.

    • Inspection must occur before the system is backfilled.
    • If satisfactory, DEHQ finalizes the OWTS permit; final approval may remain pending specific conditions.
    “The system must be inspected by County DEH before the system is backfilled.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, parcel maps, tentative maps, and related land division inside Del Mar city limits.

    • The City publishes Final and Parcel Map, Tentative Map, and Tentative Parcel Map applications and guides.
    “Final and Parcel Map Application [...] Tentative Map / Tentative Parcel Map Application”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Required off-street parking serving residential uses inside Del Mar city limits.

    • For parking areas with six spaces or less serving only residential uses, the driveway must be permanently surfaced and at least 10 feet wide.
    • The total maximum width along abutting street lines is 20 feet.
    • Other residential and non-residential configurations have different width and turnaround requirements.

    minimum driveway width: >= 10 feet (Residential-only parking areas with six spaces or less.) · maximum total width along abutting street lines: <= 20 feet (Residential-only parking areas with six spaces or less.)

    “Access to parking areas with six spaces or less and serving only residential uses shall have an unobstructed, permanently surfaced driveway not less than ten feet in width.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction or substantial improvement inside a Del Mar floodplain when a Floodplain Development Permit is required.

    • No building or other development permit may issue for a structure requiring a Floodplain Development Permit until the floodplain permit is obtained.
    “No building permit or other development permits shall be issued relating to a structure for which a Floodplain Development Permit is required until the Floodplain Development Permit is obtained.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals of 30 consecutive days or less inside Del Mar city limits.

    • A valid City STR Permit is required, subject to listed hotel and timeshare exceptions.
    • Only the dwelling-unit owner may operate the STR.
    • The permit is valid for two years and must be renewed.
    • STRs are prohibited in specified zones and locations, including new STRs not within a Primary Residence, residential ADUs, non-dwelling units, and specified commercial/public/floodway zones.

    STR permit duration: 2 years (Must be timely renewed.)

    “New STRs that are not within a Primary Residence shall be prohibited.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    City building, planning, engineering, public works, clean-water, and related permits inside Del Mar city limits.

    • The City reserves the right to update the fee schedule annually at the beginning of each fiscal year, July 1, based on CPI, not to exceed 3 percent in a year.
    • A 3 percent credit-card service fee applies effective January 3, 2023; cash and paper-check payments have no service fee.

    annual CPI adjustment cap: <= 3 percent (Per fiscal year.) · credit card service fee: 3 percent (Effective January 3, 2023; no fee for cash or paper check.)

    “The City User Fee Schedules listed below represent the fees for all City departments.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Del Mar or San Diego County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Buildings inside Del Mar city limits.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural development inside Del Mar city limits.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Del Mar publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. San Diego County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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