What should I secure first: Approval by the AC or a City permit?

Posted on: April 24th, 2018

The rules and codes of the City of Encinitas and the Community Association align in many respects, but not in all.  Obtaining City permits does not waive or override the need for AC approval for any improvement.  Similarly AC approval does not waive or override the need for an Owner to obtain any required City permits.

For complex improvements such as additions, pools, spas, cabanas, patio covers, retaining walls, and large landscape projects, you are encouraged to contact the Architectural Committee early in the concept design phase and well before you are ready to submit an application to the AC or file for a City permit.  While the Architectural Standards and Appendices provide helpful guidelines, these documents do no cover every situation.   The AC is given discretion to evaluate any project based on architectural and aesthetic design compatibility with the community and the impact on neighboring properties.  The AC will be more than happy to meet with you to provide guidance on the design of your project.  To contact the AC, please call Angelita Villanueva, N.N. Jaeschke, 858-795-7034.