Daly City ADU & Elevator Permit Guide

Housing and Building Standards California 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

In Daly City, California, creating or altering accessory dwelling units (ADUs), managing apartment elevator inspections, and securing building permits require compliance with local permit rules and the municipal code. This guide explains when permits are required, which departments enforce requirements, inspection pathways, common violations, and practical steps to apply, schedule inspections, and appeal decisions. It draws on official Daly City resources and the city code so property owners, landlords, architects, and contractors can follow clear, compliant procedures.

Start permit planning early to avoid delays and extra fees.

Permits & When You Need Them

Most ADU construction, significant repairs to apartment common systems, and installation or major alteration of elevators in Daly City require permits and plan review by the city’s Building Division and Planning Division. Check zoning, lot coverage, setback, and parking rules before applying. For official ADU program details, see the city ADU guidance page: Daly City ADU information[1]. For building permits and inspections, use the Building Division permit portal: Daly City Building Division[2].

Plan Review, Permits & Inspections Workflow

  • Prepare architectural and structural plans per city checklist and Title 24 (energy) requirements.
  • Submit permit applications, plans, and fee payment through the Building Division portal.[2]
  • Plan review period varies; request status updates from the Building Division.
  • Schedule inspections for foundations, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and final occupancy.
  • Elevator work often requires specialized permits and certified inspector sign-off; follow city directives during plan review.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of building, zoning, and safety violations in Daly City is carried out by the Building Division and Code Enforcement under the municipal code. Specific fines, civil penalties, and procedures are set by the city code and administrative regulations; consult the municipal code for controlling provisions: Daly City Municipal Code[3]. Where the municipal page does not list exact penalty figures, the text below notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for all specific amounts; see the municipal code for particular sections and fee schedules.[3]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations are addressed by progressive enforcement; exact ranges and per-day charges are not specified on the cited page.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, abatement orders, administrative citations, withholding of permits, and referral to court are authorized remedies per city enforcement practice; check the municipal code for procedural detail.[3]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Building Division and Code Enforcement handle complaints and inspections; contact the Building Division via the city permit portal for inspection requests and to report unsafe conditions.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically include administrative review or appeal to the appropriate city hearing body; time limits and procedures for appeals are set in the municipal code or appeal ordinance and may be referenced on the code pages.[3]
  • Defenses and discretion: permits, variances, or building official discretion may apply where work is authorized retroactively or when strict compliance is impractical; see permit and variance rules in the municipal code and Planning Division guidance.[1]
Unpermitted work can result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory corrections.

Applications & Forms

The Building Division publishes permit application procedures and submittal checklists on its permit portal. Specific form names and fee schedules, if not posted, are described in the Building Division permit pages.[2]

  • Common forms: building permit application, mechanical/electrical/plumbing supplements, and plan check checklists — see the Building Division portal for current versions.[2]
  • Fees: plan check and permit fees vary by scope; exact fees or schedules may be posted on the Building Division page or municipal fee schedule and are not fully enumerated on the cited overview pages.[2]

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Unpermitted ADU construction — outcome: stop-work order, requirement to apply for permit or remove work, possible fines.
  • Failure to schedule required inspections during construction — outcome: withheld final permit and potential re-inspection fees.
  • Unsafe elevator conditions or missing certifications — outcome: immediate notice, possible closure of elevator until remedied.

Action Steps

  • Confirm zoning and ADU eligibility with the Planning Division before design.[1]
  • Submit complete plans and permit application to the Building Division portal.[2]
  • Schedule and pass required inspections; request re-inspection promptly if needed.[2]
  • If cited, review municipal code sections referenced in the notice and file any appeal within the time limits shown on the notice or the municipal code.[3]

FAQ

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Daly City?
Yes. ADUs typically require Planning review for zoning and a Building permit for construction; check the city ADU guidance and submit required plans via the Building Division portal.[1][2]
Who inspects apartment elevators?
Elevator inspections and approvals are coordinated through the Building Division as part of permits for elevator installation, modernization, or major repair; the Building Division provides guidance and inspection scheduling.[2]
What are typical penalties for unpermitted work?
Penalty amounts and escalation schedules are set in the municipal code or fee schedules; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited overview pages and should be checked in the municipal code or fee resolution.[3]

How-To

  1. Verify zoning and ADU eligibility with Daly City Planning and review local ADU guidance.[1]
  2. Engage a design professional to prepare plans that meet California Title 24 and city checklist requirements.
  3. Submit plans and complete permit applications via the Building Division portal and pay fees.[2]
  4. Respond to plan-check comments, revise as needed, and obtain plan approval.
  5. Schedule and pass inspections (including any specialized elevator inspections) and obtain final certificate of occupancy or completion.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm ADU and elevator requirements with Daly City Planning and the Building Division before construction.
  • Submit complete plans to avoid review delays and potential stop-work orders.
  • Use official city permit portals and contact the Building Division for inspections and enforcement questions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Daly City - Accessory Dwelling Units
  2. [2] City of Daly City - Building Division
  3. [3] City of Daly City - Municipal Code

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