Daly City Building Permits Guide for Homeowners

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team.

Daly City says a building permit is generally required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the use of a building or structure. This guide explains when Daly City homeowners need a permit, how to apply, how inspections work, and what unpermitted work can mean when you sell.

Daly City permits at a glance

Building Division	(650) 991-8061, BuildingDivision@dalycity.org
Apply for quick permits	Daly City Online Permit Portal (dalycity.org/apply)
Projects with plans	Follow the submission steps on the city’s Permits Involving Plans page
Schedule inspections	Call (650) 991-8061 at least two working days before the desired date, with your permit number
Owner-builder	Eligible owners sign a disclosure form before the permit is issued
Code Enforcement	(650) 991-8260

What work needs a Daly City permit?

The city’s Building FAQ lists common projects that require permits, and separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading or other permits may also apply:

• Additions and alterations, kitchen and bathroom remodels
• Garage conversions and accessory dwelling units
• New or altered walls, openings, stairs, guards and decks
• Re-roofing, window and exterior-door replacement, siding and stucco replacement
• Furnace, water-heater and electrical-service replacement
• Electric vehicle charger installation, and solar photovoltaic and battery-storage systems
• Gas piping and new plumbing, mechanical or electrical installations
• Certain accessory structures and retaining walls

Some minor work may be exempt from a building permit, but the city stresses that exempt work must still comply with building, planning, zoning, fire and public works requirements. If you are unsure, contact the Building and Planning Divisions before starting.

Quick permits versus permits that need plans

Daly City separates smaller jobs from projects that need drawings.

Plans are generally required for new buildings and additions, interior alterations that change walls, rooms or the floor plan, garage conversions and ADUs, decks, patio covers and porch enclosures, retaining walls that need permits, structural alterations, changes in use or occupancy, and projects that need structural calculations.

Certain equipment replacements and maintenance projects may qualify for a quick permit without full plan review.

Eligible quick permits can be applied for, paid and tracked through the Online Permit Portal, which also lets you search permit records and schedule eligible inspections. Projects that require plan review follow the instructions on the Permits Involving Plans page. For help, call the Building Division at (650) 991-8061.

Doing the work yourself as an owner-builder

A property owner may be eligible to pull a permit as an owner-builder. Before the permit is issued, the registered owner must complete and sign the city’s disclosure form, and the city has a separate Owner-Builder Permits page that explains the owner’s responsibilities. This matters at sale time, because owner-performed work still has to pass inspection to count as permitted.

Inspections and finalizing the permit

Getting a permit is not the end. The city says you must schedule inspections at certain stages and a final inspection when the work is finished, and that it is the responsibility of the person doing the work to call for the inspection, arrange access and obtain the final.

Construction must remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved. When the final inspection passes, the Building Inspector signs your permit job card, which the city describes as your record of permitted work completion.

To schedule, call (650) 991-8061 at least two working days before the date you want, with your permit number ready. Keep the signed job card with your closing documents, because buyers, lenders and title companies often ask for proof that work was finaled.

Unpermitted work and selling a Daly City home

Unpermitted work, such as a garage conversion, water heater swap, re-roof or addition done without a permit, does not automatically stop a sale, but it can complicate financing, appraisal and inspections. Sellers generally must disclose known issues, and our statewide guide to selling as-is with unpermitted work explains the options. The seller closing costs guide covers what comes out of proceeds at closing.

• Pull together permits, final inspection job cards and plans for past work.
• List any work you know was done without a permit.
• Ask the Building Division what it would take to permit or legalize the work, and compare that cost and time with selling as-is.
• Check whether any open permits were never finaled, and finish or close them out if you can.
• Disclose known issues on your transfer disclosures.

How to sell a house in Daly City

1. Gather permit records and note any unpermitted or unfinished work.
2. Request a no-obligation cash offer for the house as it stands.
3. Review the offer and choose your closing date.
4. Open escrow with title.
5. Close with no repairs, permits or showings required.

Our local pages cover Daly City sales, including we buy houses in Daly City, selling as-is, selling fast and our cash offer process.

Frequently asked questions

When is a building permit required in Daly City?

Generally to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the use or occupancy of a building or structure. Re-roofing, water heater replacement, garage conversions and EV chargers are among the listed projects.

How do I apply for a permit?

Eligible quick permits are applied for through the Online Permit Portal. Projects needing plan review follow the Permits Involving Plans instructions. Call (650) 991-8061 for help.

Can I do the work myself?

You may be eligible as an owner-builder, after signing the city’s disclosure form.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Call (650) 991-8061 at least two working days ahead with your permit number. The inspector signs your permit job card after a successful final.

Do I need a permit for work that is exempt?

Exempt work still has to meet building, planning, zoning, fire and public works rules. Contact the Building and Planning Divisions if unsure.

Can I sell a Daly City house with unpermitted work?

Yes. You can disclose it and sell as-is, including to a cash buyer.

More guides

• We Buy Houses in Daly City
• We Buy Houses in San Mateo County
• San Mateo County Property Tax Guide
• Daly City Zoning and ADU Guide
• All California Guides

Sources

• City of Daly City: Building FAQs
• City of Daly City: Permits
• City of Daly City: Building Project Inspections

This guide is general information from public sources, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the city.