SB9 in Del Mar: Coastal Lot Split and Property Guide

Quick Answer

Del Mar has a particularly specific SB9 path because the entire city sits in the Coastal Zone. The City says its adopted regulations require an administrative Coastal Development Permit, objective local standards, and a property-specific check for coastal, fire, evacuation, and environmental constraints.

The City identifies certain R1-10 and R1-5 parcels as eligible. It also identifies areas where SB9 is not allowed, including named bluff, slope, canyon, lagoon, open-space, historic, beach, flood, and certain very-high-fire-hazard locations. A Del Mar address needs a more careful screen than a generic statewide checklist.

Del Mar's SB9 Framework

The City explains that SB9 can permit two primary dwelling units on a qualifying single-dwelling lot, an Urban Lot Split into two parcels, or both paths together. The City describes a maximum of two primary units on each resulting lot and four total units per SB9 project, subject to its adopted program.

Del Mar's current public guidance also says that at least one unit in an SB9 project must be reserved for rent to a low-income household for at least 55 years. That is a material project constraint, not a footnote, and it should be considered before an owner spends heavily on design or mapping.

Coastal, Hazard, And Access Review

Because Del Mar is entirely within the Coastal Zone, SB9 proposals are subject to the Coastal Act and the City's certified Local Coastal Program. The City notes that an administrative Coastal Development Permit is part of the review path.

For a real-world feasibility review, check:

• R1 zone status and the City's current eligible-lot map.
• Bluff, slope, canyon, lagoon, beach, flood, historic, and open-space overlays.
• Fire-hazard conditions and emergency evacuation access.
• The 40/60 split, 1,200-square-foot minimum parcel size, access, and future building envelopes.
• Height, setbacks, objective design standards, utilities, drainage, and recorded project restrictions.

A Lot Split Is Only Useful If The New Parcels Work

Coastal land constraints can make an apparently large parcel difficult to divide. Existing structures, access, utility routes, slope, drainage, geologic conditions, and a restricted future building area can each change the value of a proposed split. The map should be tested alongside a realistic future development plan.

Helpful next reads:

• San Diego County SB9 guide
• Encinitas SB9 lot split guide
• San Diego SB9 city guide
• What is SB9?
• SB9 versus an ADU
• SB9 lot size requirements and the 40 percent rule
• The SB9 lot split process

Start With A Del Mar Property Review

Use the SB9 eligibility checker to share the property address, existing conditions, and your desired outcome. A preliminary review should address the City's coastal and hazard constraints before a survey, parcel map, or design package is commissioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every Del Mar property eligible for SB9?

No. The City identifies certain R1-10 and R1-5 lots and also lists coastal, environmental, historic, flood, and fire-hazard areas that can prevent eligibility.

Does an SB9 project in Del Mar need a Coastal Development Permit?

The City says proposed SB9 development requires an administrative Coastal Development Permit through a staff-level process.

Does Del Mar require an affordable rental unit in an SB9 project?

The City's current guidance says at least one unit must be reserved for rent to a low-income household for at least 55 years. Confirm the current requirements with the City for a specific project.

Official Sources

Statewide:

• California Government Code Section 65852.21
• California Government Code Section 66411.7

City of Del Mar:

• City of Del Mar Senate Bill 9 Development
• Del Mar SB9 implementing-regulations report