Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
Yes. Every ADU in Daly City — whether detached, garage conversion, or junior ADU — requires a building permit. California state law (Government Code 65852.2 and AB 68/881) overrides local zoning restrictions, but Daly City still requires full plan review and fees.
Daly City's critical advantage is that it sits in the San Francisco Bay Area, where California's aggressive ADU state laws (introduced 2017 and expanded 2019-2024) severely limit what the city can restrict — owner-occupancy waivers, parking exemptions, setback reductions, and impact-fee caps are largely baked into state law already, not negotiable at city level. This means Daly City cannot require you to occupy the primary residence, cannot charge full parking impact fees, and must allow junior ADUs (320-500 sq ft units inside the primary home) as-of-right. What IS Daly City-specific: the city uses a 60-day shot clock for plan review (per AB 671/881), meaning your application must be deemed complete or rejected within 60 days; the online permit portal is city-managed, not a county service; and Daly City sits in climate zone 3B (coastal) to 5B (eastern foothills), so coastal units may trigger Title 24 solar requirements while foothill units may not. The city's fee structure follows state ADU caps: impact fees on ADUs are reduced, not waived. Bottom line: permits are mandatory, but the state law is your ally — Daly City cannot impose owner-occupancy, cannot require parking, and must process quickly.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Daly City ADU permits — the key details

California state law, not Daly City ordinance, is the primary driver for ADU permits in Daly City. Government Code 65852.2 (amended by AB 68 in 2021 and AB 881 in 2022) mandates that cities allow ADUs as-of-right in single-family zones and allows junior ADUs (contained within the primary home) without discretionary approval. Daly City adopted these requirements into its zoning code, meaning you cannot be denied a permit solely because of ADU restrictions — the state law preempts that. However, Daly City DOES retain authority over building safety, egress, setbacks (though setbacks are capped by state law to 4-5 feet from lot lines for side/rear), and utility connections. The city's 60-day review clock (AB 671/881) means once your application is deemed complete, the city has 60 days to issue or deny. Plan review is not negotiable — you will need architectural drawings showing foundation, floor plans with egress windows per IRC R310, electrical and plumbing layouts, and proof of separate utility service or sub-metering if the ADU shares utilities with the primary home.

Egress and occupancy requirements are the most frequent code triggers in Daly City. IRC R310.1 mandates that every sleeping room have an emergency egress window (minimum 5.7 sq ft for ground-floor rooms, 43 inches wide, 36 inches tall, clear opening). Detached ADUs are especially scrutinized here — a 400-sq-ft one-bedroom cottage at the rear of a lot must have full IRC R310 compliance, and if the lot slopes toward the garage (common in Daly City's topography), an egress well or elevated sill may be required, adding $2,000–$5,000 to construction cost. Junior ADUs (carved out of the primary residence, capped at 500 sq ft or 25% of primary home, whichever is less) also need egress — typically a new emergency window in the bedroom, or proof that the unit has direct access to an exterior door via a hallway or common area in the primary home. Garage conversions are popular in Daly City because garages often already have rear-facing walls that can become bedrooms; however, you must replace the garage's lost parking on-site (typically a carport or paved area in the driveway) unless you live within 0.5 miles of transit — and Daly City's BART and Caltrain corridors do qualify, so check your address against the map the city provides.

Utility and infrastructure requirements differ by ADU type and lot condition. Detached ADUs must have separate water, gas, and electrical service — you cannot stub off the primary home's meters. This typically requires a new service upgrade to the main panel, re-running water lines from the main shutoff or installing a new meter at the property line, and separate gas service if applicable. Cost ranges from $3,000–$10,000 depending on distance from the street and whether the lot already has spare capacity in the main service. Garage conversions and junior ADUs can share utilities IF you install sub-meters to track usage separately (required by state law for rate-setting if the ADU is rented). Daly City's Building Department reviews utility plans carefully; mistakes here cause rejections. Additionally, if your lot is in an area requiring fire sprinklers (determined by density and local fire district rules), the total square footage of the primary home plus ADU may trigger mandatory sprinkler installation. Coastal Daly City parcels (climate zone 3B) are often exempt due to low density; foothill parcels (5B) may be subject to fire district rules. The city provides a pre-screening checklist on its website to flag this early.

Setback and lot coverage rules are state-capped but still enforced by Daly City. AB 881 allows detached ADUs to be set back as little as 4 feet from side and rear lot lines (vs. typical 10-15 feet zoning setbacks); however, you must still comply with easements, utility rights-of-way, and any CC&R restrictions if your lot is in a homeowners' association. Daly City's topography — many lots slope or have irregular boundaries — means surveying is often necessary. The city does NOT grant variances to setback rules; if your lot is too small or shaped awkwardly, you may be limited to a junior ADU or garage conversion instead of a detached unit. Lot coverage (percentage of lot covered by structure) is typically capped at 50-60% in Daly City's single-family zones; the ADU (even if small) counts toward that cap. Plan review will include a site plan with dimensions, lot lines, proposed structure footprint, and a note stating total coverage percentage.

Timeline and fees are shaped by state caps but vary in practice. Daly City charges a building permit fee (typically $500–$2,000 depending on ADU square footage), a plan-review fee ($300–$1,000), and impact fees (capped by state law at 50% of the city's standard rate for single-family units). A 500-sq-ft detached ADU might incur $4,000–$8,000 in total permit and impact fees; a junior ADU might run $2,500–$4,000 because it's an interior conversion (lower impact). The 60-day review clock starts once the city deems your application complete — incomplete submissions are common (missing egress details, utility diagrams, or Title 24 solar calculations), so budget 2-4 weeks to assemble a complete package. Once approved, inspections include foundation (if detached), framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, drywall, final, utility sign-off, and planning verification. Total build-to-occupancy timeline is typically 5-7 months for a detached ADU, 3-4 months for a garage conversion. Owner-builder work is allowed under California Business & Professions Code § 7044 if you live in the unit, but electrical and plumbing must be performed by licensed contractors or yourself (if you hold a contractor license); inspectors will verify contractor licensing.

Three Daly City accessory dwelling unit (adu) scenarios

Scenario A
Detached ADU, new construction, 400 sq ft, one-bedroom, rear yard, Westlake neighborhood (coastal zone 3B)
You own a 7,000-sq-ft single-family lot in Westlake (Daly City's western coastal neighborhood). You want to build a small detached cottage at the rear, 400 sq ft, one bedroom, one bath, with its own electrical meter, water service, and gas line. State law (AB 881) allows you to set it 4 feet from the rear property line; Daly City's zoning code implements this. Your lot coverage will be about 48% (primary home + ADU), within limits. The critical local detail: Westlake is in climate zone 3B (coastal), so Title 24 solar requirements apply — the new ADU must have a solar-ready roof (or pre-installed PV system), which adds $1,500–$3,000 to cost and must be shown on electrical plans. Egress is your second hurdle. The one-bedroom requires a full IRC R310 emergency window (5.7 sq ft minimum, 43-inch wide, 36-inch tall). Your design shows a casement window on the rear wall facing the yard; Daly City's plan review will verify sill height, clear opening, and that the well or area in front does not have obstacles. Utilities: new 100-amp service pedestal, separate water meter at the curb (city installs; you pay $1,200–$2,000 for the connection), gas line run from street. Permit and plan-review fees: $600 (permit) + $800 (plan review) + $3,200 (impact fees, capped by state law at 50% of single-family rate) = $4,600. Builder inspection fees (foundation, framing, rough, final, utility sign-off): approximately $500–$800, covered by permit. Construction cost: $120,000–$180,000 for the cottage itself. Timeline: application processing 4-6 weeks, then 60-day clock starts (review typically completes in 40-50 days if plans are complete), then 4-5 months for construction and inspections. Total time from application to occupancy: 6-7 months.
Permit fee $600 | Plan review $800 | Impact fees $3,200 | Water meter connection $1,500–$2,000 | Electrical service upgrade $4,000–$6,000 | Solar-ready roof $1,500–$3,000 | Total permits and impact $4,600 | Total project $120K-$180K | 60-day review clock applies | No parking required (detached ADU in single-family zone) | Title 24 solar required
Scenario B
Garage conversion to ADU, 300 sq ft, one-bedroom, shared utilities via sub-meter, Daly City Heights (near BART, transit corridor)
You have a 1960s bungalow in Daly City Heights with a detached 400-sq-ft garage facing an alley. You want to convert it to a one-bedroom ADU (300 sq ft usable after wall thickness). State law permits this. Local Daly City context: your address is within 0.5 miles of the Daly City BART station (verified via city map), which means you are NOT required to replace the lost garage parking — this is a major cost savings. However, the building itself must meet IRC R401-R408 (foundation, framing, electrical load capacity). Your detached garage likely sits on a concrete slab; you'll need a structural engineer's report to verify the foundation can handle the new egress window opening and any interior walls you add. Egress again: the garage has only one wall facing the alley; you must install a new egress window on that wall (IRC R310 compliance), OR prove that the unit has direct outdoor access via an exterior door. If you add an exterior door, you'll need to cut the sill and frame it; if you use a window, the sill height is often 3-4 feet above the alley floor, requiring a small egress well or steps outside. Utilities: shared with the primary home, BUT you must install water, electrical, and (if applicable) gas sub-meters so the city and any future renter know the ADU's proportionate use. Sub-metering cost: $1,200–$2,500 (electrician + plumber + sub-meter hardware). Permit and plan-review fees: $500 (permit, lower than detached because it's a conversion, not new construction) + $600 (plan review, smaller scope) + $1,800 (impact fees, capped; conversions often qualify for reduced impact) = $2,900. Inspections: foundation verification (structural engineer's report satisfies this), framing, rough MEP, insulation, drywall, final, utility sign-off for sub-meters, and planning confirmation of parking replacement (or waiver memo showing BART proximity). Construction cost: $50,000–$80,000 for the conversion (structural work, MEP rerouting, egress window/door, finishes). Timeline: application 3-4 weeks assembly, 45-55 days review (shorter because scope is smaller), construction 2-3 months, inspections 4-6 weeks. Total 5-6 months.
Permit fee $500 | Plan review $600 | Impact fees (reduced) $1,800 | Sub-meter installation $1,500–$2,500 | Structural engineer report $1,200–$2,000 | Total permits and impact $2,900 | Total project $50K-$80K | 60-day review clock applies | Parking waiver (BART transit corridor) | Shared utilities with sub-meters required | No new utility service run needed
Scenario C
Junior ADU, 400 sq ft carved from primary home, one-bedroom, separate entrance via laundry room, Southgate neighborhood (foothill zone 5B, possible fire sprinkler trigger)
You own a 2,500-sq-ft single-story home in Southgate (Daly City's eastern foothills, climate zone 5B). Your home has a large laundry/mudroom on the side with a separate exterior door facing the driveway. You want to partition off 400 sq ft — a bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, and small living area — with its own entrance via the mudroom. State law (AB 68/881) allows junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft or 25% of primary home square footage (your primary is 2,500 sq ft, so 25% = 625 sq ft, meaning you're under cap at 400 sq ft). Local Daly City twist: because you're in zone 5B (foothills), your lot may trigger fire sprinkler requirements. Total square footage on lot (2,500 primary + 400 ADU = 2,900 sq ft) combined with your lot size and local fire district rules will determine if sprinklers are mandatory. Daly City provides a pre-screening tool; if your lot is flagged, plan for $3,000–$8,000 sprinkler installation (new riser, lines, heads). Egress for the bedroom: the new bedroom must have an emergency window per IRC R310 (casement or awning style, 5.7 sq ft minimum). Your design shows a window on the exterior wall facing the driveway; clear opening and sill height must be verified in plans. Utilities: the junior ADU will share the primary home's water, gas, and electrical service. California requires sub-metering IF the unit is rented (to track usage for billing); if you occupy it yourself, sub-metering is recommended by best practice but not legally mandated, though Daly City's plan review may request it anyway to future-proof the unit. Sub-metering cost: $1,200–$2,500. Permit and plan-review fees: $400 (permit, interior conversion is lowest-cost category) + $500 (plan review) + $1,200 (impact fees, capped; junior ADUs often see full exemption under state law, but Daly City may charge reduced impact; assume $1,200 as conservative) = $2,100. Inspections: no foundation inspection (interior only); framing (new walls), MEP rough (routing new circuits, water lines, gas if adding kitchen), insulation, drywall, final, and utility sign-off. Planning sign-off will also verify that the separate entrance is functional and meets ADA accessibility if the unit is rented. Construction cost: $40,000–$70,000 (interior walls, MEP redistribution, kitchen, bathroom, finishes; sprinkler installation adds $3,000–$8,000 if triggered). Timeline: application 2-3 weeks, plan review 40-50 days (usually quicker for interior conversions), construction 2-3 months. Total 5-6 months, potentially shorter if no sprinklers are required.
Permit fee $400 | Plan review $500 | Impact fees (reduced/capped) $1,200 | Sub-meter installation (recommended) $1,200–$2,500 | Fire sprinkler system (if triggered) $3,000–$8,000 | Total permits and impact $2,100 | Total project $40K-$70K (without sprinklers); $43K-$78K (with sprinklers) | 60-day review clock applies | Kitchen and separate entrance required | Fire sprinkler pre-screening recommended | Owner-occupancy NOT required (state law waived)

Every project is different.

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California state ADU law and how Daly City implements it

Daly City cannot reject an ADU permit based on zoning, owner-occupancy, or discretionary approval — California Government Code 65852.2 (original 2017 law) and AB 68 (2021, expanded) and AB 881 (2022, further expanded) override all local restrictions. This means that even if Daly City's old zoning code said 'no second units allowed,' the state law supersedes that. What Daly City CAN enforce: building safety (IRC), egress (IRC R310), setbacks (capped by state law at 4-5 feet from lot lines), lot coverage, and utility requirements. The city's role is ministerial — it must process your application and issue a permit if you meet these state-mandated safety and infrastructure standards, without adding additional discretionary hurdles.

Daly City's specific implementation includes a 60-day plan-review clock (AB 671/881 mandate). This clock starts the moment the city deems your application 'complete.' If your application is incomplete (missing egress window dimensions, utility diagrams, or Title 24 solar calculations), the city issues an 'incomplete' notice and the clock resets when you resubmit. Once the clock starts, Daly City must issue or deny within 60 days; late approvals are deemed approved under state law. In practice, straightforward applications (garage conversions, junior ADUs) process in 40-50 days; complex detached-ADU applications with new utility lines may take the full 60. The city's online portal (Daly City's own system, not a county service) allows you to track status; portal setup and credentials are issued once the application is formally accepted.

Impact fees are capped by state law at 50% of the city's standard single-family impact-fee rate for ADUs up to 500 sq ft. Daly City's single-family development impact fee is approximately $6,400 per unit (as of 2024; this varies by service category: water, sewer, traffic, parks); so the ADU cap is $3,200. Smaller units or junior ADUs may see further reductions or waivers depending on Daly City's local ordinance amendments. Parking is NOT required for ADUs in single-family zones under state law; however, if you lose parking (e.g., by converting a garage without replacing it on-site), you must verify that either you live within 0.5 miles of high-quality transit (Daly City BART and Caltrain corridors qualify) OR replace the parking elsewhere on your lot. Daly City's zoning code clarifies this with a map and distance calculator on the city website.

Coastal vs. foothill ADU requirements: climate zones, solar, fire, and soil

Daly City spans climate zones 3B (coastal) and 5B (foothills); this distinction affects Title 24 solar requirements, fire sprinkler triggers, and foundation design. Coastal Daly City (Westlake, Pacifica border) is temperate, fog-prone, and low-density; Title 24 Part 6 (California's energy code) requires solar-ready roofs or pre-installed PV on NEW buildings, including ADUs. 'Solar-ready' means the roof is designed and framed to support future panels (white membrane, reinforced rafters, clear layout documentation); cost is $1,500–$3,000 added to framing. If you install PV immediately, add $8,000–$15,000 for a 3-5 kW system. Foothill Daly City (Daly City Heights, Southgate) is in zone 5B, cooler, and denser; solar requirements are equally stringent, but foothill lots often have shade from surrounding terrain, so solar-passive design and high-efficiency HVAC become more critical. Daly City's plan review WILL flag solar non-compliance; inspectors check roof pitch, orientation, and framing details against Title 24 tables before issuing framing approval.

Fire sprinkler requirements differ by zone and local fire district rules. Coastal Daly City, low density and foggy, typically does NOT trigger mandatory residential sprinklers. Foothill Daly City (Southgate, Eastgate) may trigger sprinklers if lot density or total structure square footage exceeds local fire district thresholds. The Daly City Fire Department and local fire districts (e.g., San Mateo County Fire in some areas) have jurisdiction; Daly City Building Department cross-references the applicable district rules during plan review. If your lot is flagged as requiring sprinklers, the ADU triggers them (or exacerbates an existing requirement). Sprinkler installation for a 400-sq-ft ADU costs $3,000–$8,000 depending on distance from the main water line and number of zones. Daly City provides a pre-fire-sprinkler-screening form during application intake; use it early to avoid plan rejections.

Foundation and soil considerations vary by neighborhood. Coastal Daly City sits on sand and Bay Mud (soft, compressible); detached ADUs on new foundations require a geotechnical report and engineer-designed foundation (likely reinforced concrete slab on grade with thickened edges, or shallow frost-protected footings per IRC R403). Foothill Daly City has granitic and clay soils; expansive clay is possible, requiring engineer review and moisture barriers. Daly City is low elevation (sea level to ~1,200 feet); frost depth is negligible in coastal areas (0-6 inches) but 12-30 inches in foothill areas. Building Department's standard is to require a geotechnical report for any detached ADU on a new foundation (cost $1,500–$3,000). This report determines footing depth, bearing capacity, and any special drainage or de-watering needs. Garage conversions avoid this (existing foundation), a cost savings and a common reason to choose conversion over detached.

City of Daly City Building Department
Daly City City Hall, 333 90th Street, Daly City, CA 94015
Phone: (650) 991-8000 (main line; ask for Building Department) | https://www.dalycityca.gov/city-hall/building-permits (or search 'Daly City CA building permits online')
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify holidays and hours on city website)

Common questions

Can I build an ADU on my lot in Daly City without the primary home being owner-occupied?

Yes. California Government Code 65852.2 (as amended) removed the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. You can own a property, rent out the primary home, and lease the ADU to a tenant without living on the lot. Daly City cannot impose owner-occupancy rules. However, some older HOAs may have CC&R restrictions; check your property's covenants with your title company.

Do I need parking for an ADU in Daly City?

No, not in most cases. State law exempts ADUs from parking requirements in single-family zones. However, if your ADU is in a multi-family zone or you are converting a garage (losing parking), you must verify that your address is within 0.5 miles of high-quality transit (Daly City BART station or Caltrain) to waive replacement parking. Daly City's online portal has a transit-distance tool; check it during pre-planning.

What is the difference between a junior ADU and a detached ADU in Daly City?

A junior ADU (also called an internal ADU) is carved from the primary home, capped at 500 sq ft or 25% of the primary home's size. It requires less infrastructure (no new utilities, shorter permitting), typically costs $40K–$70K to build, and processes faster (40–50 days review). A detached ADU is a standalone cottage, capped by state law at 800 sq ft (or local cap, whichever is lower; Daly City typically allows up to 800 sq ft), requires new utility service, new foundation, and costs $120K–$200K. Detached units offer more independence and rental appeal but take longer to permit and build.

How much do Daly City ADU permits cost?

Detached ADUs typically cost $4,000–$8,000 in combined permit, plan-review, and impact fees. Garage conversions run $2,500–$4,000. Junior ADUs are $2,000–$3,500. These are in addition to construction costs ($40K–$200K depending on type). Impact fees are capped by state law at 50% of the single-family rate; Daly City follows this cap strictly.

Do I need an egress window for an ADU bedroom in Daly City?

Yes, every sleeping room in an ADU must have an emergency egress window per IRC R310.1. Minimum size is 5.7 square feet (casement or awning style), 43 inches wide, 36 inches tall, with a clear opening and no obstructions in front (well or area). Daly City's plan review will require dimensions and photos of the planned location; inspectors verify compliance during framing and final inspection.

What is the 60-day review clock, and how does it affect my ADU permit?

California law (AB 671/881) requires Daly City to issue or deny an ADU permit within 60 days of a complete application. If the application is incomplete, the city issues a notice and the clock resets when you resubmit. Most applications are deemed complete within 2–3 weeks. Once the clock starts, you typically hear back in 40–55 days if all is in order. If the city misses the 60-day deadline, your permit is deemed approved under state law.

Can I be an owner-builder for my ADU in Daly City?

Yes, under California Business & Professions Code § 7044. Owner-builders are allowed on ADU projects. However, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician or yourself (if you hold an electrical contractor license); plumbing must be licensed or self-performed under certain conditions. Daly City inspectors will verify contractor licensing before approving rough MEP inspections.

Do I need Title 24 solar on my Daly City ADU?

Yes. California Title 24 Part 6 (energy code) requires solar-ready design on all new residential buildings, including detached ADUs, garage conversions (if adding electrical load), and junior ADUs. 'Solar-ready' means roof design and framing that supports future PV installation; cost is $1,500–$3,000. If you install PV immediately, add $8,000–$15,000 for a 3–5 kW system. Daly City's plan review flags non-compliance; inspectors verify roof pitch and framing details.

Will my Daly City neighborhood require fire sprinklers on my ADU?

Coastal Daly City (Westlake) typically does not require residential sprinklers due to low density and fog. Foothill Daly City (Southgate, Eastgate) may trigger sprinklers if total lot square footage (primary + ADU) exceeds local fire district thresholds. Daly City provides a pre-screening form at application intake; use it to determine your lot's sprinkler requirement before finalizing plans. Sprinkler installation costs $3,000–$8,000 and adds 2–3 weeks to permitting if newly required.

How long does it take to get an ADU permit and build in Daly City?

Permit processing is typically 4–6 weeks (application assembly) + 45–60 days (Daly City's plan review) = 3–4.5 months from application to approval. Construction and inspections add 2–5 months (garage conversions: 2–3 months; detached ADUs: 4–5 months). Total time from application to move-in: 5–9 months. Expedited applications for pre-approved ADU plans (per SB 9) may process in 30–45 days, reducing total timeline by 4–6 weeks.

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Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit requirements with the City of Daly City Building Department before starting your project.

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