Daly City's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Daly City, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Garage Conversions
Daly City requires a building permit for any garage conversion or construction of rooms in a garage, including secondary units; for garage-to-ADU conversions, state law bars the city from requiring replacement off-street parking.
Key details: Building permit: Required for any garage conversion. Replacement parking for ADU conversions: Not required (Gov. Code 66314(d)(11)). Curb cut review: Engineering Division consultation required. Non-ADU downstairs rooms: Cannot displace required parking.
Converting a garage without permits is a building code violation; Code Enforcement investigates complaints, mails violation letters with abatement deadlines, and refers unresolved cases to the Administrative Hearing Board.
ADU Rules
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.
Key details: 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.
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.
Shed & Carport Rules
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.
Key details: 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.
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.
The Bottom Line
Daly City's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Daly City is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Daly City's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.