La Jolla · Buyer and seller guides · Homes

La Jolla architecture: home styles and what they mean for a remodel

Short answer: La Jolla has many home styles, from small beach cottages to Spanish Revival, mid-century and modern homes. The style and age of a house can shape what you can change. Older homes may get a City historic check before some permits. Near the coast, other permit rules apply too.

I help buyers and sellers in La Jolla and around coastal San Diego talk about homes in plain terms. Knowing the style helps you plan a remodel and set fair expectations.

This guide is about houses, not people. It isn’t legal or design advice.

I’m Weston Clark, Founding Member of the Dickinson-Clark Team at Compass. I help buyers and sellers in coastal San Diego understand what a home’s style and age mean for their plans. You can talk about fees with Weston directly. This form does not give a commission quote.

Talk to Weston Jump to FAQ Historic review

Related: Historic review · Barber Tract · Remodel rules · Coastal permits · Permit history · Guides

Styles you’ll see around town

• Beach cottages. Small, often wood-sided homes, many near the water.
• Craftsman homes. Low roofs, wide eaves, wood details and front porches.
• Spanish Revival homes. Stucco walls, red tile roofs, arches and courtyards.
• Mid-century modern homes. Flat or low roofs, big glass and open plans.
• Newer modern homes. Clean lines, large windows and outdoor rooms.

Many homes mix styles after years of changes. A label is a starting point, not a rule.

Why age matters: historic review

The City of San Diego Municipal Code, section 143.0212(a), says:

“The City Manager shall determine the need for a site-specific survey for the purposes of obtaining a construction permit or development permit for development proposed for any parcel containing a structure that is 45 or more years old and not located within any area identified as exempt in the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual or for any parcel identified as sensitive on the Historical Resource Sensitivity Maps.”

In plain words, older homes may get a City check for historic value before some permits. Being old doesn’t make a house a landmark. See my historic review guide.

Some areas have their own history

Some parts of La Jolla have a well-known design history. One is the Barber Tract near Windansea. See my Barber Tract guide.

What style means for a remodel

• Original details, like tile roofs or wood windows, can cost more to match.
• A big change to the outside may need more review than work inside.
• Height and size limits can shape an addition. See my remodel rules guide.
• Near the shore, a coastal permit may apply. See my coastal permits guide.

Tips for buyers and sellers

Buyers: ask for permit records and any past historic review before you remove your contingencies (the conditions that let you cancel). See my permit history guide. Sellers: gather plans, permits and photos of original details. Buyers who love the style will ask.

General information only

This guide describes home styles and the process. It isn’t legal or design advice. Ask an architect or attorney about your own plans.

More on sandiego.homes

• Historic review: the City’s check on older homes
• Barber Tract: one area with design history
• Remodel rules: height and size limits
• Coastal permits: building near the shore
• Permit history: how to look up past permits on a home
• Guides · La Jolla

Talk with Weston about a home’s style

Tell me about the home and what you hope to change. I’ll help you find the right questions to ask.

Or call (858) 997-8998 · weston@sandiego.homes · Search on Compass

Free tools: What is my home worth? · What would I take home? · Real estate words in plain English

Have another question? Quick answers to common questions

Sources

• City of San Diego Municipal Code Ch. 14, Art. 3, Div. 2 (Historical Resources Regulations)
• City of San Diego — Historic review of older structures
• sandiego.homes — Historic review
• sandiego.homes — Barber Tract