ADU Regulations in Daly City, California
San Mateo County · CA · Pop. 105,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$210,000 – $420,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Daly City sits directly adjacent to San Francisco and hosts the BART Daly City terminal, making it the primary gateway for SF commuters seeking more affordable housing. SF spillover demand is the defining force in the local ADU rental market.
Source: City of Daly City — Accessory Dwelling Units · Daly City Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning)
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; hillside parcels may have additional slope coverage restrictions
Daly City has significant hillside terrain — many parcels require geotechnical review before ADU construction. The city's dense ticky-tacky neighborhoods (celebrated in the famous song) have tight lots; garage conversions and attached ADUs are often the most viable option.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Daly City Development Services Department — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$10,000 – $20,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Geotechnical/soils report (required for most hillside lots)
- ›Grading and drainage plan
SF Peninsula build costs and engineering requirements for hillside lots place Daly City permit costs at the higher end of the range. San Mateo County school fees may apply. BART proximity significantly enhances ADU rental value — factor into ROI calculations.
Visit City of Daly City Development Services Department — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Daly City
Typical Build Cost
$210,000 – $420,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$285 – $365
Monthly Rental
$2,100 – $3,400/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $300,000 – $550,000 to property value in SF Peninsula market
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 pre-development)
- ★San Mateo County Housing Department programs
- ★Bay Area Housing Finance Authority programs
Highest build costs and highest rental yields in this dataset, reflecting SF Peninsula market dynamics. BART Daly City station provides direct, car-free access to downtown SF in under 30 minutes — ADUs within walking distance of the station command a rent premium of $300–$500/mo.
Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →Free Service
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Daly City Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$210,000 – $420,000
- Rental income$2,100 – $3,400/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Daly City — Accessory Dwelling UnitsDaly City Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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