ADU rules in Daly City, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
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.
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applies state ADU law directly: effective January 1, 2020, any conflicting Daly City Municipal Code regulation is superseded until the city adopts a local ordinance.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.
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.
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