Del Mar · Zoning · BC
Del Mar BC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Del Mar's BC zone, generally buildings can be up to 14 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Del Mar code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 14 ft (south of Carmel Valley Road may be 26 ft if structures do not exceed 4 ft above the highest natural grade of the lot)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 10% (Up to 20 percent with an approved conditional use permit)
BC (Beach Commercial Zone) is a zoning district in Del Mar. Every value below was read from the Del Mar Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in BC
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 14 ft Applies: south of Carmel Valley Road may be 26 ft if structures do not exceed 4 ft above the highest natural grade of the lot § 30.23.070 · code textHeight: 14 feet, except that south of Carmel Valley Road, the building height may be extended to 26 feet, providing the structure(s) and appurtenances do not exceed four feet above the highest natural grade elevation of the lot. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 30.23.070 · code textFront yard: Ten feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 30.23.070 · code textInterior side yard: Ten feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 30.23.070 · code textRear yard: Ten feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 30.23.070 · code textMinimum lot size: 6,000 square feet. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 10% Applies: Up to 20 percent with an approved conditional use permit § 30.23.070 · code textFloor area ratio: Ten percent, except that the lot coverage may be increased up to 20 percent subject to an approved conditional use permit. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in BC:
- Maximum building height: 26 ft — South of Carmel Valley Road, provided the structure(s) and appurtenances do not exceed four feet above the highest natural grade elevation of the lot § 30.23.070
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, density limit for BC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Del Mar Municipal Code.
Other Del Mar zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Del Mar's BC zone?
14 ft (south of Carmel Valley Road may be 26 ft if structures do not exceed 4 ft above the highest natural grade of the lot) — Del Mar Municipal Code § 30.23.070.
What is the minimum front setback in Del Mar's BC zone?
10 ft — Del Mar Municipal Code § 30.23.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Del Mar's BC zone?
10 ft — Del Mar Municipal Code § 30.23.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Del Mar's BC zone?
10 ft — Del Mar Municipal Code § 30.23.070.
What is the minimum lot size in Del Mar's BC zone?
6,000 sq ft — Del Mar Municipal Code § 30.23.070.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Del Mar property in BC
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question