ADU Design Resource · Daly City, CA
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Daly City, CA
Everything Daly City homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Daly City, CA ADUs
Market Context
Daly City has a median home value of $960,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 30% — approximately $288,000 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Daly City rents for approximately $2,627/month in the San Mateo County rental market , yielding a 4.5% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 96% in this market.
Top Daly City neighborhoods for ADU investment include Westlake, Coastal, St. Francis Heights, Southern Hills, Bayshore. Known for relatively larger lot sizes compared to other Daly City neighborhoods, offering more space for detached ADUs. High median home value suggests a desirable area with strong rental demand due to coastal proximity.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Building Division , with a plan check timeline of approximately 10 weeks. Permit fees in Daly City range from $19,613 to $34,351 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - citywide
Daly City properties within the Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. CDPs add 2–6 months to the permit timeline and require compliance with both local ordinances and California Coastal Commission standards.
Many Daly City lots sit on old fill soil from the mid-1900s bay-area development boom, so the Building Division often requires a deeper geotechnical and liquefaction study before they'll even look at your foundation plans — this is separate from the standard structural review and can add weeks on its own. Because the whole city falls under the Coastal Zone overlay, most ADU projects also need a Coastal Development Permit on top of the regular building permit, which usually tacks on another 6-8 weeks for review and can trigger extra scrutiny if your property has any view corridor toward the ocean. On top of that, older homes in the Bayshore or Vista Grande areas often have undersized sewer laterals, and Daly City's Public Works will require a lateral inspection and possible upsizing before they sign off on final utility connection — a cost many homeowners don't budget for until it shows up mid-project.
"In my experience with Daly City projects, that 10-week plan check window and $350/sqft figure are state-level estimates, not local gospel—I'd get a couple of current contractor bids and call the Building Division directly before penciling in a budget or start date. What the data also doesn't show is that with the coastal overlay in play here, the CDP review can tack on several months beyond that permit timeline, so plan your financing and lease-up expectations accordingly. —Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant"
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Daly City's building department records and current 2026 California ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Daly City, CA Property Eligible for an ADU?
Daly City homeowners are governed by California state ADU law (AB 2221 and SB 897). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Daly City under California state ADU law (AB 2221 and SB 897). No owner-occupancy requirement in Daly City — you can rent both units as investment properties. The state mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) permit approval within 60 days — no neighbor input or design review in most cases.
Multi-Family Property
Up to 2 detached ADUs plus JADUs (Junior ADUs) within the existing main structure are permitted under California state law. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 5% of Daly City homes are in an HOA. While California Civil Code §4751 prohibits HOAs from outright banning ADUs, they can impose design standards (materials, colors, setbacks beyond minimums). Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Coastal Zone Properties
Properties within Daly City's Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. This adds 2–6 months to the timeline. Our drawings flag coastal requirements and meet both local and California Coastal Commission standards.
Always verify eligibility with Building Division before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Daly City Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Daly City’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Daly City code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
Free Tool · No Email Required
Daly City ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Daly City construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 30% uplift (California ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Building Division (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Daly City Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Westlake
Known for relatively larger lot sizes compared to other Daly City neighborhoods, offering more space for detached ADUs.
Coastal
High median home value suggests a desirable area with strong rental demand due to coastal proximity.
St. Francis Heights
Features lot sizes up to 7,405 sq ft and excellent access to the Daly City BART station for commuters.
Southern Hills
High median home value indicates a desirable area with potential for strong rental demand and conducive lot sizes.
Bayshore
Premium location with strong rental potential due to its proximity to San Francisco job centers.
Crocker
A well-established neighborhood with consistent housing demand and potential for ADU rentals.
Hillside
Offers a good balance of affordability and desirability with a central location within the city.
Serramonte
More affordable entry point for homeowners with rental demand driven by nearby commercial centers.
Top of the Hill
Central location and proximity to transportation hubs suggest strong rental demand for ADUs.
Crown Colony
Lowest median home value listed, offering an affordable entry point for budget-conscious ADU development.
Daly City ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Daly City ADU Rules
Daly City's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,200 sq ft and 18 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run 4 ft side and 4 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Because of Daly City's Seismic Design Category D classification, structural drawings for a detached ADU here need a licensed engineer's stamp — architectural sheets for a code-compliant unit under the size cap generally don't.
Permit fees run $19,613–$34,351 — among the higher permit costs we track, and plan check takes about 10 weeks at Building Division. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Daly City Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Height | 18 ft |
| Side Setback | 4 ft |
| Rear Setback | 4 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Required for structural — Daly City's Seismic Design Category D classification |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted |
| Coastal Overlay | Yes — CDP may be required |
| Design Review | Yes - citywide |
| HOA Prevalence | 5% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $19,613–$34,351 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-07-12T23:00:00.000Z. Always confirm with the Building Division before designing.
Daly City Permit Process
Daly City ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Daly City
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in San Mateo County. Compare terms before committing.
ADU-specific HELOC program; typical credit line $10,000–$500,000, variable-rate, 22-year term disclosure available.
Visit Lender ↗Home equity loans and lines for renovations and ADUs; advertised sample HELOC rate shown around 6.75% APR (rates vary).
Visit Lender ↗Offers home equity loans and HELOCs usable for home renovations/ADUs; local SF credit union serving Daly City residents.
Visit Lender ↗Fintech that arranges ADU construction/renovation financing through partner credit unions and lenders operating in California.
Visit Lender ↗Provides construction loan products that can be applied to ADU construction projects (offers local CA construction lending).
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Daly City
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Daly City ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Building Division.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Building Division. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Daly City ADU Package
Engineered for CA Permit Approvals
What You Get
Daly City ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Daly City:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓Coastal Zone supplement
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Daly City ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $2,627/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Daly City's building department requirements and CA code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Building Division. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in California cities with similar market conditions to Daly City.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Daly City. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"Permit approved on the first submittal. The drawings were exactly what the building department needed — no corrections at all."
"We converted our two-car garage in under 6 months. Drawings were ready in 10 days — faster than any local firm we contacted."
"The JADU drawings included everything the city required. Submitted day 11, approved six weeks later. Tenant moved in two months after that."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Daly City construction data (city-verified data) and Building Division. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Daly City Climate Zone & Energy Code
ADUs in California must comply with Title 24, Part 6; newly constructed detached ADUs are treated as newly constructed single-family buildings (and may require newly installed solar PV sized per Equation 150.1-C/Section 150.1(c)14), while attached ADUs/conversions are treated as additions/alterations and follow the corresponding Title 24 rules.
Compare Cities
Daly City vs. Nearby California Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City ← you | $350 | $19,613+ | $2,627/mo | 4.5% | Free check → |
| San Mateo | $525 | $3,500+ | $3,052/mo | 5% | View → |
| Redwood City | — | $7,000+ | $3,495/mo | 3.2% | View → |
| South San Francisco | — | $8,000+ | $3,313/mo | 4.2% | View → |
| Los Angeles | $300 | $3,500+ | $2,100/mo | 5% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Daly City ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Daly City? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Daly City? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Daly City? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Daly City? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Daly City? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Daly City? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Daly City? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Daly City? +
Does Daly City have a coastal overlay for ADUs? +
What neighborhoods in Daly City are best for ADU investment? +
Is Daly City ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Daly City? +
Can I use my Daly City ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Daly City's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Daly City? +
More Services in Daly City
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Not Sure If Your Daly City Lot Qualifies?
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