Permit Requirements: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do permit requirements rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than South San Francisco.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City does not require a building permit to build a fence 6 feet tall or less. Permits come into play only for front-yard approval, encroachment permits in the right-of-way, and retaining walls over 48 inches or supporting a surcharge.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Standard residential fences within height limits in South San Francisco generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, masonry fences, or fences requiring footings may need a permit. Contact Building Division.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Fence 6 ft or under | No building permit required | - |
| Front-yard fences | City approval required for visibility/utility clearances | - |
| Right-of-way/easement | Encroachment permit may be required (Engineering, (650) 991-8064) | - |
| Retaining wall over 48 in. or surcharged | Building permit + licensed engineer design required | - |
| Building Division | (650) 991-8061 | - |
| Under 6 Ft | - | Generally no permit needed |
| Over 6 Ft | - | Building permit likely required |
| Masonry/Retaining Walls | - | Permit required |
| Contact | - | Building Division (650) 829-6670 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my backyard fence in Daly City?
No. The City's Fences and Retaining Walls handout states that constructing or installing a fence 6 feet high or less does not require a building permit.
Who do I call before building a fence near the street?
Contact the Engineering Division at (650) 991-8064 about clearances, encroachment permits, easements, and right-of-way issues, and the Planning Division at (650) 991-8033 for general fence questions.
Does a retaining wall need a permit?
Yes, if it is taller than 48 inches, or shorter but supporting a surcharge or excavated uphill slope. It must be designed by a licensed professional engineer and construction documents must be submitted for structural review.
South San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in South San Francisco?
Standard residential fences within height limits in South San Francisco generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, masonry fences, or fences requiring footings may need a permit. Contact Building Division.
How much does a fence permit cost in South San Francisco?
Under 6 Ft: Generally no permit needed. Over 6 Ft: Building permit likely required. Masonry/Retaining Walls: Permit required. Contact: Building Division (650) 829-6670.
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