Ocean Beach has protected its scale more deliberately than almost anywhere else on the San Diego coast, and the community plan reflects that. Remodeling here means working with a height limit and a design context that the neighborhood takes seriously.
We renovate OB cottages and bungalows, remodel kitchens and baths, and design additions that add real space while staying inside the envelope the community plan allows.
- Permitting authority
- City of San Diego Development Services, Ocean Beach Community Plan area
- Coastal status
- Entirely within the California Coastal Zone
- ZIP codes
- 92107
- Neighborhoods we work in
- OB Village · Sunset Cliffs Boulevard corridor · Newport Avenue area · Ocean Beach Highlands
What we find in Ocean Beach homes
Small 1920s–1950s beach cottages and Craftsman bungalows on compact lots, with a mix of small multi-unit buildings. Post-and-pier foundations, original electrical, and layered additions are common. The houses are modest and the character is the point — the successful projects here add function without changing what the street looks like.
Permitting and planning in Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach permits through the City of San Diego and sits within the Coastal Zone, so a Coastal Development Permit is generally required for exterior work. The Ocean Beach Community Plan and associated overlay apply a 30-foot height limit and design guidance that shape second-story and roofline decisions more tightly than in most of the city. The OB Planning Board reviews many projects at the community level.
What we build in Ocean Beach
Home Remodeling & Renovation
From a single-room addition to a full interior and exterior renovation, we guide the project from concept to completion.
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Kitchen Remodeling
A well-designed kitchen is the social center of your home. We handle design, cabinets, counters, lighting and flooring.
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Bathroom Remodeling
Thoughtful planning and attention to detail are the keys to any bathroom remodel — more light, more storage, more usable space.
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Custom New Home Construction
From the first planning conversation to the day you move in — a custom home built to your site, your preferences, and your budget.
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Design-Build
One entity, one contract, one continuous flow of work from first concept through final completion.
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Commercial Remodel & Tenant Improvements
Complete build-outs for office, retail, and industrial space — partition walls, custom millwork, and precision trim carpentry.
Learn moreRemodeling in Ocean Beach: common questions
What is the height limit in Ocean Beach?
The Ocean Beach Community Plan area is subject to a 30-foot height limit, which is the single biggest constraint on second-story work here. It is workable — it means designing the roof and floor system deliberately rather than assuming a standard second-floor plate height.
Do OB projects go before the community planning board?
Many do. The Ocean Beach Planning Board reviews projects at the community level ahead of city action. It is a step worth preparing for properly, since community input carries weight in this neighborhood.
Can an OB cottage be renovated without losing its character?
That is the standard we aim for. Keep the massing, porch, and window rhythm; fix the foundation, replace the electrical, insulate, and rework the interior plan. The house works and the street stays itself.
What our clients say about Surfside Developers
We specialize in helping our customers receive the biggest return on their investment — and we’d welcome the chance to give you a custom evaluation of your home.
“The quality of the finished work was great, delivered on time, and within our overall budget. What more can you say than that?”
Our experience with Surfside Developers has been outstanding. They came highly recommended to us by our trusted real estate agent assisting us in a remodel of our recently purchased home. With past contractors our experience has always been a hit or miss proposition, and so we were very nervous about committing to a major renovation on the order of $70K plus. Nevertheless, we were very confident of the plan upon our very first meeting with the owner, Derek Wattenbarger. Derek listened intently to our vision of what we wanted the remodel to accomplish and faithfully carried out the plan. And just as important, Derek provided great insight and advice to improve the execution of our plan when he saw opportunities to do so, as well as cautioning us when some of our original ideas were not economically feasible or may have contained an unforeseen downside. All through the process, Derek was completely straightforward, transparent, and respectful. Communication was terrific. All calls, emails, texts, etc. were returned promptly. He even introduced us to all of the various sub-contractors so that we had an opportunity to establish a relationship with them and communicate the details to the next level. Finally, and probably most importantly, the quality of the finished work was great, delivered on time, and within our overall budget. What more can you say than that? Highly recommended!
Jack and Sue SerrinoDel Mar, California“Derek has done over 25 jobs for my clients over the years and I hope to continue to do business with him in the future.”
Derek has been by far the best contractor I have ever worked with and his ability to listen to my clients and react to their needs is above what I had ever expected. Derek being classically trained and professionally educated shows. Derek’s knowledge of both the practical and the possible allow him to do both small and large scale jobs and for that there is nothing I will not refer his way. Derek has done over 25 jobs for my clients over the years and I hope to continue to do business with him in the future!
Seth O’ByrneSan Diego, CaliforniaWe also build near Ocean Beach
Building in Ocean Beach?
Tell us about the project and we'll set up a free consultation at the property — no pressure, no obligation.