[Bob]

If I’m not mistaken, it’s easier to get permits for a “remodel”. Leave one upright in place and build the rest of the house around it — that’s a remodel, not new construction.

[forgotten man]

Yep. I knew a guy who did that in La Jolla. He bought a house and tore down everything except one wall in one room. It was a remodel.

[Flick Lives]

If I’m not mistaken, it’s easier to get permits for a “remodel”. Leave one upright in place and build the rest of the house around it — that’s a remodel, not new construction.

—

Yup. You get to “grandfather” the house under more generous rules for setback, square footage, etc if it is a “reno” instead of “new” construction.