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Daly City, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Daly City, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Detached ADU max size: 1,200 sq ft
Detached ADU height: 18 ft; 20 ft matching roof pitch
Side and rear setbacks: 4 feet minimum
JADU max size: 500 sq ft within the dwelling
Owner occupancy: Not required for ADUs; JADUs yes

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in California under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Daly City, CA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Daly City follows state ADU law, which supersedes conflicting city code provisions. Single-family lots may add one attached or conversion ADU, one JADU, and one detached ADU; detached ADUs may reach 1,200 square feet with 4-foot rear and side setbacks.

Recent amendments to state laws (Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22) have made it easier for homeowners to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit on their properties. Effective January 1, 2020, any conflicting regulation within the Daly City Municipal Code is superseded by state law until the City adopts a local ordinance. ... Lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, or minimum lot size cannot preclude the construction of a statewide exemption ADU, an ADU (attached or detached) up to 800 sq. ft. in size and 16 ft. in height with 4-foot side and rear yard setbacks. ... [Detached ADUs:] Height: 18 feet in height and up to 20 feet in height if matching roof pitch of main house. Total floor area of the ADU does not exceed 1,200 sq. ft. Minimum 4-foot rear and side yard setbacks. ... [Attached ADUs or ADUs Within the Primary Dwelling:] Total floor area of ADU does not exceed 50% of the floor area of the primary dwelling, or is no more than 850 sq. ft. for up to one bedroom or 1,000 sq. ft. for more than one bedroom, whichever is greater. ... Complies with design review standards in Daly City Municipal Code Chapter 17.45 (Design Review).

Source: Daly City ADU RegulationsView official code

Full Breakdown

Daly City's Planning Division applies state ADU law directly: effective January 1, 2020, any conflicting Daly City Municipal Code regulation is superseded until the city adopts a local ordinance. Attached ADUs may reach 25 feet and two stories, with floor area up to 50 percent of the primary dwelling or 850 square feet for one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for more than one bedroom, whichever is greater. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet and 18 feet in height (20 feet if matching the main house roof pitch) with 4-foot rear and side setbacks. Designs must comply with Municipal Code Chapter 17.45 design review; JADUs up to 500 square feet require a recorded deed restriction under Section 17.40.110.

Violations & Fines

Unpermitted ADUs are building code violations; Code Enforcement mails violation letters with abatement deadlines and refers unresolved cases to the Administrative Hearing Board. Renting an ADU or JADU for 30 consecutive days or less is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my Daly City ADU on Airbnb?

No. The city's ADU Guide states ADUs and JADUs may not be rented as short-term rentals, defined as rentals for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.

Does my lot coverage limit block an ADU?

No. Lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, or minimum lot size cannot preclude an ADU up to 800 square feet and 16 feet tall with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.

Do detached ADUs near the coast need extra approval?

Possibly. Properties west of Skyline Boulevard and west of Eastgate Drive north of John Daly Boulevard are in the Coastal Zone, where detached ADUs may require a Coastal Development Permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Daly City

Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions

All Daly City rules

How Daly City compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California accessory structures overview

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