Coastal Commission approval for Solana Beach ADUs

Solana Beach's ADU checklist starts in an unusual place. The Solana Beach ADU Submittal Process and Basic Plan Requirements (June 2025) says that to apply for a building permit you email the application, the plans and "a copy of the approval letter from the California Coastal Commission."

What this means

For Solana Beach ADUs, coastal approval is a separate, earlier step handled by the Commission, not the city. Plan for it in the schedule.

How we prepare

• Contact the Commission's San Diego Coast district office early to confirm the current application type
• Prepare a site plan and drawings sufficient for coastal review
• Keep the design within the city's objective standards so the coastal and city sets match
• Note bluff, habitat, drainage or public access issues on or near the lot

Then the city

With the letter in hand, submit to counter@cosb.org. See the permit process.

State timelines

Per HCD, where a city lacks a certified Local Coastal Program, the Coastal Commission must approve or deny an ADU coastal permit within 60 days of a complete application; with an existing home, it's deemed approved if it doesn't. It may delay the ADU if filed with a new house.

Also checked Oct 14, 2026: HCD ADU Handbook (March 2026).

Sources, checked Oct 14, 2026: Solana Beach ADU Submittal Process and Basic Plan Requirements (June 2025) · California Coastal Commission.