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

Daly City regulates carports as accessory structures - any roofed structure on posts used to shelter vehicles. Under California Building Code §R105.2 as adopted in Daly City Municipal Code Title 12, a carport is not on the list of permit-exempt structures (which is limited to detached one-story sheds up to 120 sq ft, fences under 7 ft, certain retaining walls, etc.), so a building permit is required for new construction or substantial replacement. Zoning rules in Title 14 require carports to meet the side and rear setback for the district and prohibit them in the required front yard except where the district expressly allows a covered driveway. If a carport provides required off-street parking under Title 14, it must remain open on the required number of sides per zoning. Converting a carport into enclosed living area requires a building permit and triggers ADU review under California Gov. Code §66323 if the conversion creates an independent dwelling unit. Carports that are part of a multifamily project may be subject to additional design and parking-replacement standards in the zoning district.