ADU permits in Daly City are processed ministerially (over-the-counter, no public hearing) through the Planning Division and Building Division. Under Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2(b)(1), the city must approve or deny a complete ADU permit application within 60 days. Applications are submitted digitally via the Daly City Permit Portal. The Planning Division (650-991-8033) reviews zoning compliance under DCMC 17.40.100; Building reviews compliance with the 2022 California Building Standards Code (Title 24).
Daly City does not accept paper ADU applications - the Planning Division accepts only digital material. Plans are submitted via the city's online Permit Portal (linked from dalycity.org/263/Permits). The submittal package typically includes a site plan, floor plans, elevations, a Title 24 energy compliance form (CF-1R), and structural drawings stamped by a licensed California design professional when required. Plan-review fees equal 65% of the building permit fee at intake and cover three plan-review cycles per the city's Master Fee Schedule. Once accepted as complete, the application must be approved or denied within 60 calendar days under Gov. Code 65852.2(b)(1); if the city misses the deadline, the permit is deemed approved. No discretionary review, design review, or public hearing is allowed for an ADU that meets the objective standards of DCMC 17.40.100 and Gov. Code 65852.2. Inspections are required at foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, and final stages, with a Certificate of Occupancy issued at completion.
Starting construction without a building permit is a violation of DCMC Title 12 (Buildings and Construction) and triggers a Stop Work Order plus investigation fees (typically double the standard permit fee). Continued work without correction can lead to misdemeanor citations under DCMC 1.16 (general penalty) and a recorded Notice of Violation that clouds title.
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