Choose the Right Daly City Permit Route Before You Upload Plans or Book an Inspection
Daly City now uses two different submission paths. Eligible maintenance and replacement projects can use the City’s Tyler EnerGov permit portal, while additions, structural alterations, decks, retaining walls and other plan-review projects are submitted to the Building Division by email.
This guide separates those paths, explains the current 2025 California codes, shows the FY 2027 fee formulas, identifies Planning, Engineering, Fire and sanitary-district dependencies, and helps you prove the permit is final.
What Do You Need to Do?
Daly City Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches your project.
Daly City Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Confirm Daly City Jurisdiction Before Paying a Fee
Use Daly City when
- The parcel lies inside incorporated Daly City.
- The City permit portal recognizes the address.
- Daly City Planning or Building confirms jurisdiction.
Use San Mateo County when
- The property is in an unincorporated County area.
- The mailing address says Daly City but the parcel is outside City limits.
- The City directs the project to the County Planning and Building Department.
Quick Permit Portal or Full Plan Review?
Project type |
Correct route |
What to do |
|---|---|---|
Residential bathroom remodel |
Quick permit portal |
Choose the matching online quick-permit service and upload required documents. |
Residential kitchen remodel |
Quick permit portal |
Use the portal when the scope fits the listed maintenance permit. |
Water heater or furnace replacement |
Quick permit portal |
Apply online and provide equipment and energy information when requested. |
Windows, garage door, siding or stucco replacement |
Quick permit portal |
Use the matching online record and retain product information. |
Re-roofing |
Quick permit or emailed application |
Use the City’s current roofing process and application; structural roof changes need plan review. |
Electrical service or EV charger |
Quick permit portal |
Select the electrical service and equipment record that matches the work. |
Addition or new habitable space |
Email plans for review |
Email the application, payment authorization, plans, calculations and related approvals. |
Moving walls or structural remodel |
Email plans for review |
Submit existing and proposed plans with structural information. |
Deck, patio cover or retaining wall |
Email plans for review |
Include site, setback, foundation and structural details. |
New building or commercial tenant improvement |
Multi-discipline plan review |
Coordinate Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering, utilities and outside-agency approvals. |
Which Permit and Review Fits the Work?
Project |
Main permit |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New house or major addition |
Building permit with plans |
Planning, school fees, AB 1600, C&D, Engineering, Fire, Title 24 and trade permits |
ADU or garage conversion |
Building permit with plans |
Zoning, address assignment, utilities, fire separation, energy and school-fee rules |
Deck or exterior elevated structure |
Building permit with plans |
Setbacks, slope, structural design, drainage and current alternate-means requirements |
Retaining wall or hillside work |
Building and Planning review |
Geotechnical, seismic, drainage, grading and Engineering review |
Roof replacement |
Re-roof permit |
More than 100 square feet, decking condition, layers, Class B covering and C&D deposit |
Windows or exterior doors |
Quick permit |
Energy forms, tempered glazing, egress, safety glass and structural opening changes |
Solar photovoltaic system |
SolarAPP+ or standard review |
System size, battery spacing, electrical clearances and active contractor business license |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Building and Fire plan review |
Occupancy, accessibility, seismic bracing, Title 24, Health and sprinkler/alarm review |
Restaurant remodel |
Multi-agency review |
San Mateo County Health, hood, grease duct, fire suppression, plumbing and accessibility |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utility disconnection, hazardous materials, recycling deposit and site protection |
Apply Through the Correct Daly City Process
Path A: Eligible quick permits
- Open the Tyler EnerGov Self Service portal.
- Register or sign into the correct user account.
- Choose the quick-permit service matching the work.
- Search and select the correct property address.
- Enter the complete scope, contractor and valuation information.
- Upload required documents and energy forms.
- Review and submit the application.
- Pay the issued invoice through the portal.
- Download and post the issued permit before work begins.
Path B: Permits involving plans
- Download the current Building Permit Application.
- Complete the City credit-card authorization or arrange payment.
- Prepare electronic PDF plans, calculations and supporting documents.
- Email the package to buildingdivision@dalycity.org.
- Use a downloadable cloud link when files are too large.
- Wait for confirmation that the package was routed.
- Respond to consolidated plan-check comments.
- Email resubmittals through the same Building Division route.
- After approval, print the digitally stamped plans and complete permit issuance.
Submit Revisions Without Creating Conflicting Plans
Read every correction before revising
Separate comments by Building, Planning, Engineering, Fire, utilities and outside agencies.
Cloud each new revision
Encircle the current change with a revision cloud and delta symbol. Add the date and revision number to the title block.
Update every affected sheet
A change shown on the floor plan must also be corrected on elevations, sections, structural plans and schedules when applicable.
Keep the original sheet size
Revision sheets should use the same size as the originally approved drawings.
Obtain the professional’s approval
Revisions to architect- or engineer-prepared plans must be signed and sealed by that professional.
Email the revised PDF package
Send the revisions to buildingdivision@dalycity.org with a short narrative identifying each changed sheet.
What to Prepare Before Submitting
Property and scope
- Exact street address
- Owner’s legal name
- Parcel number
- Existing legal use
- Complete scope of work
- Construction valuation
Core drawings
- Site or plot plan
- Existing floor plan
- Proposed floor plan
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Structural details
Technical documents
- Structural calculations
- Title 24 energy forms
- CALGreen checklist
- Product specifications
- Special-inspection forms
- Geotechnical information
Contractor or owner-builder
- California license number
- Daly City business license
- Workers’ compensation proof
- Owner authorization
- Owner-builder disclosure
- Professional seals
Site dependencies
- Zoning approval
- Engineering review
- Drainage information
- Fire Department review
- Sanitary-district approval
- School-fee documentation
Closeout planning
- Inspection sequence
- C&D recycling receipts
- Energy testing
- Special-inspection reports
- Trade permit numbers
- Certificate requirement
Building Approval Does Not Replace These Reviews
Planning and zoning
Confirm permitted use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, front-yard paving, design review and development conditions.
Hillside and geotechnical review
Slope, soil, retaining walls, foundations and seismic hazards can require geotechnical or structural documentation.
Engineering and right-of-way
Driveway, sidewalk, curb, drainage, sewer lateral and public right-of-way work can require separate Engineering review and inspections.
Fire review
New construction, tenant improvements, fire sprinklers, alarms, hazardous uses and occupancy changes may require North County Fire Authority review.
San Mateo County Health
Restaurants, medical uses and other regulated businesses can require County Health approval in addition to City permits.
School impact fees
School districts collect fees for covered new habitable residential space of 500 square feet or more and new commercial or industrial space.
The City states that ADUs under 750 square feet are not subject to school fees.
Current Daly City Building Codes Effective in 2026
2025 California Building Code
Applies to covered building projects with Daly City’s adopted local amendments.
2025 California Residential Code
Applies to covered one- and two-family dwelling work and townhouses.
2025 California Electrical Code
Controls electrical systems, services, equipment and required working clearances.
2025 Mechanical and Plumbing Codes
Apply to mechanical, fuel-gas, plumbing, water, drainage and related installations.
2025 Energy Code and CALGreen
Require project-specific energy documents, mandatory green measures and testing where applicable.
2025 Fire and Existing Building Codes
Fire and existing-building provisions can affect remodels, occupancy changes and fire-protection systems.
Plan for Recycling Deposits Before Permit Issuance
New construction
The FY 2027 fee schedule lists a refundable C&D security deposit of 3% of valuation for new residential or commercial construction over $25,000.
Alterations
The current schedule lists a 3% deposit for residential or commercial alterations over $15,000.
Roof and demolition
The current schedule lists $3,000 deposits for roof construction and for complete demolition categories.
Know the Daly City Re-Roof Permit Threshold
Permit threshold
The City’s roofing handout states that a permit is required for all re-roof installations and repairs covering more than 100 square feet.
Minimum roof classification
The City’s local roofing guidance identifies a minimum Class B roof covering or better.
Existing layers
Complete removal is required in listed conditions, including deteriorated or water-soaked roofing and roofs with two or more existing covering applications.
Request the Correct Inspection at Least Two Days Ahead
Give Building all five required details
- Correct permit number
- Jobsite address
- Jobsite contact name
- Contact phone number
- Exact inspection type
- Access or gate instructions
Common Building stages
- Foundation, footing or pier
- Foundation stem wall
- Slab or under-floor
- Framing and rough trades
- Blind wall
- Stucco wrap and wire
- Insulation and drywall
- Final inspection
Other agency inspections
- Engineering: 650-991-8064
- North County Fire: 650-800-6580
- Bayshore Sanitary: 415-467-1144
- Water/Wastewater sewer lateral: Confirm current City scheduling
What Counts as Permit Completion?
Final inspection
A final inspection is required after the work is complete and before the improvement is used or occupied.
Certificate of Occupancy
The City issues a CO for new construction and remodels that result in a change of occupancy.
Other projects
For projects not requiring a formal CO, the signed job card serves as the completion record.
Current Daly City Building Permit Fees
Fee item |
FY 2027 amount or formula |
Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
Valuation $1–$500 |
$140 flat |
Base building permit fee for this tier |
Valuation $2,001–$25,000 |
$140 for first $2,000 + $15.94 per additional $1,000 |
Each fraction of $1,000 counts as an additional increment |
Valuation $25,001–$50,000 |
$506 for first $25,000 + $33.85 per additional $1,000 |
Use this tier for a $40,000 project example below |
Valuation $50,001–$100,000 |
$1,353 for first $50,000 + $12.42 per additional $1,000 |
Higher tiers use their own base and increment |
Building plan review |
79% of building permit fee |
Applied to projects requiring Building plan review |
Planning plan review |
20% of building permit fee |
Applied when Planning review is required |
Engineering plan review |
39% of building permit fee |
Applied when Engineering review is required |
Fire plan-review base |
$920 |
Current base rate for covered occupancies |
Technology fee |
9% of building permit fee |
City technology surcharge |
General Plan maintenance |
1% of project valuation |
Calculated from declared or official project value |
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy |
$522 |
Processing fee per temporary certificate |
Residential Requirements Report |
$127 |
Current fee per 3R report |
Single-family photovoltaic permit |
$450 flat |
SolarAPP+ processing fee is separate |
Electrical, mechanical or plumbing issuance |
$101 |
Separate issuance fee for each applicable trade permit |
After-hours Building inspection |
$210 per hour, two-hour minimum |
Approval and scheduling must be arranged in advance |
Work without permit penalty |
Two times permit fee |
Added to required permit charges |
Permit extension or reactivation |
$187 hourly rate |
Applies to covered expiring or expired records |
Residential AB 1600 fee |
$16.10 per square foot |
Applies when the development impact fee is triggered |
Worked $40,000 plan-review example
Building permit:
$506 + (15 × $33.85) = $1,013.75
Building plan review at 79%:
$1,013.75 × 0.79 = $800.86
Technology fee at 9%:
$1,013.75 × 0.09 = $91.24
General Plan fee at 1% of valuation:
$40,000 × 0.01 = $400
Selected subtotal: $2,305.85
What the example does not include
- Planning or Engineering review
- Fire plan review
- Electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits
- C&D deposit and administrative fee
- State surcharges
- School impact fees
- AB 1600 development fees
- Special inspection or outside consultant costs
The official City invoice controls the final amount.
Use the Correct Person on the Permit
Licensed contractor
California law generally requires home-improvement work valued above $500 in combined labor and materials to be performed by a licensed contractor.
Daly City business license
Contractors performing work inside Daly City must hold the required City business license.
Owner-builder
The homeowner assumes responsibility for permits, workers, safety, code compliance, inspections, costs and final completion.
Make the Jobsite Ready for Inspectors and Emergency Responders
Address identification
- Visible from the street
- Contrasts with background
- Uses Arabic numerals or letters
- Permanently attached
- Illuminated when required
- Additional sign for private-road access when needed
Temporary construction address
- Placed at a prominent location
- Maintained throughout construction
- Minimum 12-inch number height
- Minimum one-inch stroke
- Readable from the approach
- Not hidden by equipment or materials
Search Permits, Open Records and the Required 3R Report
Public permit search
Open the Tyler portal and search using the permit number, address or available property fields.
Residential Requirements Report
Daly City requires the owner of residential property containing three units or fewer to obtain a 3R report before entering into an agreement of sale.
Plan-copy request
Use the City’s Plan Duplication Request Form when available records include plans that can legally be released.
Search the exact permit number
Use the number shown on an old permit card, invoice, inspection notice or plan set.
Search the base property address
Remove apartment, unit or directional variations when no result appears.
Open every related record
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire and Engineering work can have separate records.
Check inspections and fees
Look for failed, canceled or missing finals and unpaid balances.
Obtain written completion proof
Save the final inspection, signed job card, Certificate of Occupancy or other closure record.
What Common Permit Statuses Mean
Fix Common Daly City Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Old eTRAKiT link does not work |
The City now uses Tyler EnerGov Self Service |
Use the current portal linked from Daly City’s official Permits page. |
Portal does not show the permit type |
The project requires emailed plan review rather than a quick permit |
Open Permits Involving Plans and submit the package to Building. |
Address cannot be found |
Wrong jurisdiction or address formatting |
Confirm City limits and try the base property address. |
Plan review has not started |
Package has not been routed or is incomplete |
Confirm receipt, payment authorization and required documents. |
Corrections keep returning |
Plan sheets conflict or not every comment was answered |
Use revision clouds, a numbered response and one consistent plan set. |
Online inspection button is missing |
Only eligible quick permits are in the online inspection pilot |
Call or email Building at least two days before the desired inspection. |
Inspection failed |
Work was incomplete, concealed, inaccessible or inconsistent with plans |
Correct every item before requesting reinspection. |
Permit cannot be finalized |
Trade, Fire, Engineering, sanitary, C&D or fee requirement remains open |
Create a closeout list covering each department and permit number. |
Work began before permit issuance |
Contractor or owner started too early |
Stop work and contact Building; the current schedule lists a two-times-permit-fee penalty. |
Open permit delays a property sale |
A final inspection or related permit was never completed |
Order the 3R report and obtain a written list of remaining closeout items. |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I plan to [describe the exact work] at [address]. Does this qualify for the online quick-permit portal, or must I email plans for review?”
“The project will affect [setback, height, use, parking, front-yard paving or exterior design]. Which Planning approval must be completed before Building review?”
“I am requesting the [inspection type] for permit [number] at [address]. The jobsite contact is [name and phone], the work is ready and access instructions are [details].”
“Permit [number] does not appear final. Which Building, trade, Fire, Engineering, sanitary, recycling or fee item remains outstanding?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Daly City jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit route selected
- Planning approval complete
- Engineering approval complete
- Fire review complete
- Sanitary approval complete
- School fees resolved
- C&D requirements accepted
- Correct application submitted
- Plans and calculations accepted
- Permit formally issued
- Permit posted at the jobsite
- Approved plans available on site
- Address visible from the street
- Foundation inspections passed
- Rough inspections passed
- Energy and insulation inspections passed
- Building final passed
- Trade finals passed
- Fire and Engineering finals passed
- C&D receipts submitted
- CO or signed job card obtained
- Every related permit closed
- Completion proof saved
Daly City Building Division Map
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Open the Correct Daly City Resource
Daly City Building Permit FAQs
What is the current Daly City online permit portal?
Daly City currently uses the Tyler EnerGov Self Service portal for eligible quick permits, invoices, public permit searches, 3R requests and eligible online inspection scheduling. Old eTRAKiT bookmarks should not be used.
Where do I submit Daly City plans for review?
Projects requiring plans are submitted by email to buildingdivision@dalycity.org with the current Building Permit Application, payment authorization, PDF plans, calculations and supporting documents.
What is the Daly City Building Division phone number?
Call 650-991-8061 for building permits, plan review and inspection questions. The counter is at 333 90th Street, 2nd Floor, Daly City, California 94015.
How long does Daly City plan review take?
The City states that initial plans are generally reviewed within 15 working days after routing. The Building Division also warns that high application volume can make current initial review times longer than normal.
How do I schedule a Daly City building inspection?
Eligible quick permits may show an online Schedule Inspection option. For other permits, call 650-991-8061 or email the permit number, address, jobsite contact, phone number and inspection type at least two days before the requested inspection.
Which building codes does Daly City use in 2026?
Daly City adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments effective January 1, 2026. Covered applications deemed complete before that date may continue under the earlier code cycle.
Does a Daly City re-roof need a permit?
The City’s roofing guidance states that all re-roof installations and repairs covering more than 100 square feet require a permit.
Can a Daly City homeowner pull an owner-builder permit?
Yes. The homeowner must complete the permit application and Owner-Builder Disclosure Form and assumes responsibility for labor, safety, code compliance, inspections, costs and final completion.
What is a Daly City 3R report?
A Residential Requirements Report shows available residential building, use, occupancy and zoning history. Daly City requires an owner of residential property containing three units or fewer to obtain the report before entering into an agreement of sale.
How do I confirm a Daly City permit is closed?
Search the City portal and verify the final Building inspection, all electrical, plumbing and mechanical finals, required Fire, Engineering and sanitary approvals, paid fees and the Certificate of Occupancy or signed job card.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Daly City. Applications, payments, plan reviews, inspections, code decisions and final approvals must be handled by Daly City or the responsible agency.
This page was rebuilt using official Daly City Building, Planning, Tyler EnerGov, inspection, FY 2027 fee, adopted-code, owner-builder, 3R, roofing, C&D and approved-plan-revision resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Portals, forms, fees, staff, code requirements and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before submitting, paying or beginning construction.
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.