Premium coastal lifestyle with strong rental demand ($2,500–$4,000/mo). Unique Spanish Colonial architectural character adds lasting property value. Requires an experienced team for design review and coastal permitting, but the investment is well rewarded.
San Clemente — the "Spanish Village by the Sea" — is the southernmost city in Orange County and one of the most architecturally distinctive. The city enforces mandatory Spanish Colonial Revival design review for all new construction, meaning your ADU must conform to Hispanic architectural principles including specific materials, finishes, roof tiles, stucco textures, and color palettes. Most of the city falls within the California Coastal Zone, requiring a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for ADU projects. The combination of rigorous design requirements and coastal permitting makes San Clemente one of the more complex ADU markets in Orange County — but the premium coastal lifestyle, strong rental demand ($2,500–$4,000/mo), and unique architectural character create significant property value upside for those who navigate the process correctly.
Before any design work, contact San Clemente Planning Services at (949) 361-6197 or planning@san-clemente.org. You MUST speak with a planner to get guidance on Coastal Zone requirements, Spanish Colonial design standards, and any view protection issues specific to your property.
Your ADU must conform to San Clemente's mandatory Spanish Colonial Revival architectural standards. This includes clay barrel tile roofing, smooth or sand-finish stucco, arched openings, wrought iron details, earth-tone color palettes, and recessed windows. Work with a designer who understands these requirements.
Most San Clemente properties require a Coastal Development Permit. Prepare your CDP application with environmental documentation, view analysis if applicable, and any required geotechnical reports for hillside properties.
Submit your plans to Planning Services for Spanish Colonial design review and building permit plan check simultaneously. Include site plan, floor plans, elevations with material callouts, structural engineering, MEP, and Title 24.
Once approved, pull your permit and begin construction. All construction must match the approved Spanish Colonial design — inspectors will verify materials and finishes. Use clay tile, real stucco, and authentic architectural details.
Pass final inspection including design conformity review. Receive your Certificate of Occupancy. Your Spanish Colonial ADU enters San Clemente's premium coastal rental market — $2,500–$4,000/mo with the unique character that defines this city.