State law permits ADUs up to 1,200 sqft for detached units. 5,000–7,500 sqft typical for CdM village lots. Some blufftop and hillside properties are larger. Buildable area may be constrained by coastal setbacks and view corridors.
16 feet for single-story detached ADUs. Up to 18 feet may be permitted near transit stops. Height restrictions in the Coastal Zone may vary by specific location.
4-foot minimum from rear and side property lines for new detached ADUs. Oceanfront and blufftop properties may have additional setback requirements. Properties near public access paths may require special considerations.
Parking requirements follow Newport Beach's ADU ordinance with standard state exemptions. Properties within 0.5 miles of transit are exempt. CdM's walkable village center provides transit accessibility for many properties.
No owner-occupancy requirement (permanent per AB 976, effective 2025).
Estimated cost $350K–$525K. Permit fees $12K–$25K+. Impact fees: Waived under 750 sqft.
Corona Del Mar is an affluent coastal village within the City of Newport Beach, located on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean between the Newport Channel and Crystal Cove State Park. Known for its charming village center along East Coast Highway, world-class beaches (Corona Del Mar State Beach and Little Corona Beach), and multi-million-dollar homes, CdM is one of the most prestigious addresses in Orange County. ADU construction here falls under Newport Beach's jurisdiction and is subject to the city's ADU ordinance. Critically, most of Corona Del Mar is within the California Coastal Zone, requiring a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for new construction. The village's compact lot sizes and high property values make ADU investment here a premium play — construction costs are higher, but rental rates are among the highest in Orange County. The community's walkable village center, proximity to Fashion Island, and Newport Beach's top-rated schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District make CdM exceptionally desirable for both residents and renters.