Building a House in Marina del Rey, CA

Marina del Rey, California, is one of the most desirable coastal neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Known for its picturesque marina, beachside lifestyle, and upscale yet relaxed vibe, it’s no surprise that many individuals dream of building a custom home here. But constructing a new residence in this tightly regulated and environmentally sensitive community requires thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of local regulations.

Whether you envision a luxury waterfront estate or a sleek modern home near the marina, here’s what you need to know about building a house in Marina del Rey—and how working with the right professionals, like Jambi Property Management, can help you maximize your investment.

Before diving into the logistics, it's worth understanding what makes Marina del Rey such an appealing location for new construction.

• Prime Location: Nestled between Venice Beach and Playa del Rey, this coastal enclave offers easy access to major freeways, LAX, tech hubs in Silicon Beach, and some of the most scenic oceanfront views in Southern California.
  
  
• Lifestyle Appeal: Marina del Rey offers a rare combination of laid-back beach life and luxury amenities. Residents enjoy yachting, paddleboarding, waterfront dining, upscale shopping, and proximity to entertainment and culture.
  
  
• Real Estate Value: While existing homes are in high demand, the opportunity to build allows owners to create a personalized space that reflects their lifestyle—something increasingly valued in the premium property market.

Marina del Rey falls under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County and is governed by a complex set of zoning regulations and development guidelines. Unlike other coastal cities, much of the land in Marina del Rey is actually owned by the County and leased to developers and homeowners, which adds a unique wrinkle to the building process.

Some key zoning considerations include:

• Land Use Regulations: Most land in Marina del Rey is subject to the Local Coastal Program (LCP), which mandates specific uses, density limits, and environmental protections. Understanding whether your intended property is residential, commercial, or mixed-use is essential before making plans.
  
  
• Permit Requirements: Any new construction requires approvals from multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, the Department of Public Works, and the California Coastal Commission. This includes building permits, coastal development permits, and in some cases, environmental impact reports.
  
  
• Height and Setback Restrictions: Building height is typically limited to maintain view corridors and minimize shadows. Setbacks from the water and neighboring structures are also tightly regulated, particularly for waterfront lots.

Lots in Marina del Rey are limited, and available land is often already developed or tightly constrained. However, there are still opportunities to purchase tear-down properties or vacant parcels that are suitable for custom homes.

Key factors to evaluate include:

• Lot Size and Shape: Smaller or irregularly shaped lots may limit the size and configuration of your home. Engage a surveyor early in the process to understand boundaries and buildable area.
  
  
• Utilities and Access: Make sure the lot has access to essential utilities, including water, sewer, electricity, and internet. Properties located on small walk streets or close to the marina may have special easement or access requirements.
  
  
• Flood Zones and Soil Conditions: Some parts of Marina del Rey are located in flood-prone or liquefaction areas, which may impact foundation requirements and insurance premiums.

One of the advantages of building a home in Marina del Rey is the ability to create a custom design that maximizes natural light, ocean breezes, and indoor-outdoor flow. However, working with an architect who understands the coastal permitting process and neighborhood context is crucial.

• Architectural Style: While the community features a range of architectural styles—from mid-century modern to Mediterranean revival—new builds often favor clean, contemporary lines that blend luxury and functionality.
  
  
• Green Building Practices: Sustainability is a growing focus for Marina del Rey construction. Consider using solar panels, energy-efficient windows, drought-tolerant landscaping, and other eco-conscious features that align with California’s Title 24 energy code.
  
  
• View Orientation: Homes that face the marina or open water are highly prized. Designing your living spaces to capture these views while respecting privacy and community guidelines is essential to increasing long-term value.

Building a home in Marina del Rey is not a simple turnkey process—it involves close coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and local officials. Expect the full timeline from planning to completion to take 18 to 36 months.

Here are some critical phases to plan for:

• Feasibility Study: Before purchasing a lot, conduct a feasibility study to assess development potential, legal encumbrances, and buildable square footage.
  
  
• Design and Approvals: This stage includes hiring your design team, preparing plans, and navigating the complex permitting process. It’s common to revise plans multiple times based on agency feedback.
  
  
• Construction Management: Once permits are approved, construction begins. A general contractor or construction manager oversees the day-to-day building operations, inspections, and milestone completions.
  
  
• Final Inspections and Move-In: Once construction is complete, the home must pass all final inspections to receive a certificate of occupancy.

The cost to build a home in Marina del Rey varies widely depending on lot location, design complexity, materials, and labor rates. As of 2025, average custom home construction in the area ranges from $500 to $800 per square foot, not including land acquisition.

Additional costs to plan for:

• Architectural and engineering fees
• Permit and impact fees
• Soil testing and site prep
• Utility hookups
• Landscaping and exterior hardscape
• Interior design and furnishings

Once your home is built, you’ll want to protect your investment and potentially generate income—whether through long-term leasing, seasonal rentals, or vacation hosting. That’s where partnering with a knowledgeable property manager becomes invaluable.

Jambi Property Management, based in nearby Manhattan Beach, offers premium property management services to help you seamlessly transition from construction to ownership.

Whether your Marina del Rey home is a personal residence or an income-producing asset, Jambi PM ensures it’s professionally maintained, legally compliant, and financially optimized.

Services include:

• Tenant screening and leasing
• Maintenance coordination
• Financial reporting and rent collection
• Regulatory compliance (including coastal ordinances)
• 24/7 emergency support

Jambi Property Management is deeply familiar with the nuances of coastal living and the expectations of high-end tenants. Their proactive, white-glove service takes the stress out of managing a custom-built property, freeing you to enjoy everything Marina del Rey has to offer.

Building a house in Marina del Rey is a unique opportunity to create a legacy home in one of Los Angeles’ most coveted waterfront communities. While the process is complex, the reward is a personalized sanctuary that reflects your lifestyle and investment goals.

Ready to build and manage your dream property? Let Jambi Property Management help you navigate the process with confidence, local expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Visit Jambi Property Management today to schedule a consultation. From the first blueprint to long-term property care, they’re your trusted partner in Marina del Rey.