ADU Construction in Dana Point

Dana Point is a coastal city in south Orange County known for its harbor, world-class surfing, and year-round tourism economy. The Dana Point Harbor revitalization project is driving renewed real estate interest throughout the city. Most properties in Dana Point fall within the California Coastal Zone, requiring careful navigation of coastal permitting requirements. The city has had ongoing exchanges with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding ADU ordinance compliance, and Ordinance No. 25-04 now governs current ADU rules. Dana Point's marinas, beaches, and mild year-round weather create consistent rental demand from both long-term tenants and tourism-adjacent workers.

Zoning & requirements

Setbacks

4-foot minimum from rear and side property lines for new detached ADUs. Conversions of existing structures are exempt from setback requirements.

Height

16 feet for single-story detached ADUs. Additional height may be permitted near transit per state law.

Parking

One parking space per ADU required. Exemptions include properties within 0.5 miles of transit, garage conversions, and other state-mandated conditions. Under SB 1211, no replacement parking is required when converting a garage to an ADU.

Lot Size

Density-based lot requirements — approximately 4,400 sqft typical for residential properties. No minimum lot size required by state law to build an ADU.

Owner Occupancy

No owner-occupancy requirement (permanent per AB 976).

Additional Notes

Most properties in Dana Point are within the Coastal Zone. Review Ordinance No. 25-04 for current ADU regulations. The city uses the eTRAKIT online portal for permit submissions and tracking.

How to permit your ADU in Dana Point

Check Coastal Zone status

Determine if your property is within the California Coastal Zone using the city's zoning maps or by contacting Community Development. Most Dana Point properties are in the Coastal Zone, which may require additional review or a Coastal Development Permit.

Review Ordinance No. 25-04

Familiarize yourself with Dana Point's current ADU regulations under Ordinance No. 25-04. Contact the Community Development Department for guidance on how the ordinance applies to your specific property and project.

Design your ADU

Create architectural plans compliant with Dana Point's ADU regulations and coastal zone requirements. Include site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural engineering, MEP, and Title 24 energy calculations.

Submit via eTRAKIT

Submit your permit application and plans through Dana Point's eTRAKIT online portal. Track your application status online. The city processes compliant ADU applications within the state-mandated 60-day timeline.

Obtain permit & build

Once approved, pull your building permit and begin construction. Schedule required inspections at each milestone — foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation, and final.

Final inspection & occupancy

Pass final inspection and receive your Certificate of Occupancy. Your ADU is ready to enter Dana Point's premium coastal rental market — strong demand from tourism workers and lifestyle renters.

Dana Point Community Development Department • Fees: Contact city for current fee schedule. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft. Submit through eTRAKIT portal. • Timeline: 4–8 weeks for standard plan check. Additional time for Coastal Zone properties requiring CDP. 60-day maximum review required by state law.