La Jolla Shores Approves 6,169 SF Home Expansion Despite Neighbor Opposition

What the Approval Process Revealed

The Narla residence project first appeared before the Permit Review Committee in November 2025, but applicants discovered they needed different permits mid-process. Island Architects took over the redesign, and the project returned for committee review in January 2026, where it faced opposition before finally gaining approval this month.

This timeline illustrates the reality of major home expansions in La Jolla Shores: expect multiple committee appearances, design revisions, and community scrutiny. The La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee meets monthly (third Thursday) and typically requires at least two presentations—one informational, one for decision.

Committee recommendations then move to the La Jolla Community Planning Association for ratification before advancing to the City of San Diego. For non-controversial projects, this process can take 1-2 months; for contentious proposals like the Prestwick Drive expansion, expect 4-6 months from initial submission to final approval.

Cost Reality for 3,600+ SF Additions in Coastal San Diego

Adding 3,644 square feet to a La Jolla Shores home represents a significant investment. Based on 2026 construction costs for luxury coastal additions, homeowners should budget $300-$500 per square foot for premium finishes, or $376-$576 per square foot for true luxury specifications.

For a 3,644 SF expansion like the Narla residence:

• Mid-range luxury finish: $1,093,200 - $1,822,000 ($300-$500/SF)
• High-end luxury finish: $1,370,144 - $2,098,944 ($376-$576/SF)

These estimates cover hard construction costs only. Add 15-20% for architectural and engineering fees, coastal development permit fees, and committee review costs. Second-story additions cost at least 30% more than ground-level additions due to structural reinforcement requirements and foundation work.

Three-story construction is permitted in La Jolla Shores—unlike the rest of La Jolla—if total building height remains under 30 feet, creating unique opportunities for maximizing square footage on premium coastal lots.

Lessons for Homeowners Planning Major Expansions

The Prestwick Drive approval offers tactical insights for Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Bird Rock homeowners planning large-scale additions:

1. Expect multiple committee reviews: The Narla project appeared three times before approval. Budget extra months into your timeline.

2. Hire architects experienced with local committees: Island Architects' involvement mid-project suggests specialized knowledge of La Jolla Shores requirements matters.

3. Neighbor opposition is common but not fatal: The 4-2 approval vote shows projects can succeed despite objections if they comply with zoning regulations.

4. Coastal location adds complexity: La Jolla Shores projects require Coastal Development Permits and California Coastal Act compliance, adding time and fees to standard permitting.

5. Third-story options exist: Unlike most of La Jolla, Shores residents can build three stories under 30 feet, maximizing ROI on expensive coastal lots.

For homeowners considering 2,500+ SF additions in La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, or Bird Rock, selecting a builder with proven permit committee navigation skills reduces delays and cost overruns during the approval phase.