Daly City, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Daly City, CA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- No-setback allowance
- 120 sq ft combined floor area
- Height cap
- 10 ft exempt; 15 ft with review
- Distance from dwellings
- 6 ft same lot; 3 ft adjacent
- Placement
- Rear yard only, except trellises
- Building permit threshold
- Over 120 sq ft
Summary
Daly City allows sheds, gazebos, pergolas, and similar accessory structures without setbacks only when combined floor area stays at or under 120 square feet; larger structures must meet zone setbacks, lot coverage limits, a 15-foot height cap, and administrative design review.
Structures conforming to the above shall be allowed without setbacks, shall not be subject to any lot coverage regulation, and shall not be subject to design review. Any structure otherwise conforming to the above, but exceeding one hundred twenty square feet, shall conform to the lot coverage and setback limitations imposed by the respective zone in which it is situated shall not be greater than fifteen feet at its highest point, and shall be subject to administrative design review.
Full Breakdown
Under Daly City Municipal Code Section 17.40.085, accessory structures on residential parcels may not exceed 120 square feet of combined floor area or 10 feet in height, and may not sit closer than six feet to a dwelling on the same property or three feet to a dwelling on an adjacent property. They may not contain plumbing, be used as dwellings, or be placed in front or side yards (trellises excepted), and electrical work is limited to one 110-volt receptacle plus overhead lighting with an electrical permit. Larger structures must meet zone setbacks and lot coverage, stay under 15 feet, and pass administrative design review. The Building Division requires building permits for accessory buildings over 120 square feet.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted accessory buildings over 120 square feet are building code violations; Daly City Code Enforcement issues violation letters with abatement deadlines and can refer unresolved cases to the Administrative Hearing Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small shed in Daly City?
Can I put a shed or gazebo in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
How Daly City compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle shed & carport rules.