If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, solar installation, or other building work in the City of Daly City, California, you will need a building permit from the Daly City Building Division.
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Daly City, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly.
This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.
Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.
Daly City Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 6700 Mission Street, Daly City, CA 94014 (City Hall)
- Phone: (650) 991-8127
- Email: building@dalycity.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Official Page: Daly City Building Division
Daly City Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: Daly City eTRAKiT Online Permitting Portal
- Go to the eTRAKiT portal (public search available).
- Search by property address or permit number.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Daly City Building Permits 2026
Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.
- Go to the Daly City eTRAKiT online permitting portal and create or log into your account.
- Start a new application and choose the right permit type for your project.
- Enter the full project address and estimated construction valuation.
- Upload all required drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents (including Title 24 energy calculations where required).
- Pay the required fees online and submit the complete application.
- Check your account regularly and reply quickly if the department asks for more information or corrections.
- Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule your inspections through the eTRAKiT portal.
Daly City Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule FY 2025-26: Download Current Development Services Fee Schedule
- Fees are based on the estimated valuation of the project using a minimum valuation of $576.97 per square foot for new residential and commercial construction.
- Building permit fees follow a tiered structure (e.g., $1–$3,000 = $245.73; higher tiers add per-$1,000 charges).
- Plan review fees are typically 135% of the building permit fee; energy (Title 24) plan check is 25%.
- Separate fees apply for electrical, mechanical, plumbing permits, solar, ADUs, re-inspections, and after-hours inspections.
- Work started without a permit can result in double fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed building permit application
- Detailed architectural and structural drawings
- Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
- Title 24 energy calculations and green building documentation
- Proof of contractor license and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
- Any required trade permit applications
How to Schedule Inspections in Daly City
Schedule inspections through the eTRAKiT portal or by calling the Building Division. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must hold valid California licenses. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety. Contractor accounts in eTRAKiT require registration with the Building Division.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- Use the eTRAKiT portal for faster submission and real-time tracking of your permit.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review.
- Email submissions to building@dalycity.org are processed within 2–4 business days for many simple projects.
- Check the latest FY 2025-26 fee schedule before submitting to avoid unexpected costs.
- Review the 2025 California Building Codes, as the city follows the current state-adopted codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in Daly City?
Use the public search function in the eTRAKiT online permitting portal by property address or permit number.
How to apply for a Daly City building permit?
Create an account on the eTRAKiT portal, select the right permit type, upload your drawings and documents, pay the fees, and submit everything online.
What are the Daly City building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are based on the estimated valuation of the project (minimum $576.97 per sq ft for new construction). Tiered rates apply plus plan review (135%), energy checks, and trade permits.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Daly City?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Daly City?
Simple online permits can be issued quickly. Electronic plan submittals are processed in 2–4 business days, with full review times depending on project complexity.
Official Resources
- Daly City eTRAKiT Online Permitting Portal
- Building Division Homepage
- FY 2025-26 Development Services Fee Schedule
- Permit Submittal Process
Updated April 2026 using only official City of Daly City sources. Use the eTRAKiT portal for simple residential permits and electronic submittals.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.