City Guide · Verified 2026
Deck Construction Permits in Daly City
Local Rule
City of Daly City Building Division
The citys own permit FAQ lists patio enclosures and decks among the examples of work that requires a permit, alongside accessory buildings over 120 square feet. Californias statewide Residential Code still carries the freestanding-deck exemption at 200 square feet, 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling and not serving a required exit, but Daly Citys published guidance does not carve that exemption out for decks the way it does for small accessory buildings, so a deck project should be treated as needing a permit unless the applicant confirms otherwise with the Building Division. Plan-review projects such as decks are routed to the Building Division by email rather than through the citys quick-permit online portal, which is reserved for simpler maintenance and replacement work. New residential or commercial construction valued over $25,000 carries a refundable construction and demolition debris security deposit equal to 3 percent of the project valuation.
Source · Verified September 2026
Daly City Building Department
Office: Daly City Building Division
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to San Mateo County
Daly City's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
San Mateo County Planning & Building Department
The County adopts the CRC, so a deck is exempt only if it is 200 sq ft or less, 30 inches or less above grade, detached and not serving a required exit door. Distinctively, a deck in a designated State scenic corridor (segments of Skyline Blvd/SR-35, Cabrillo Hwy/SR-1 and I-280) needs an Architectural Review Permit unless it is not visible from the roadway, and the County requires an Erosion Control and Tree Protection pre-site inspection for construction on certain site types; coastal-zone parcels also fall under the Local Coastal Program.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Daly City with a confirmed deck construction rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Deck Construction permits in Daly City?
City of Daly City Building Division handles Deck Construction permits in Daly City.
Is Daly City different from San Mateo County on Deck Construction?
No. Daly City's rule (Depends on project scope) matches the general pattern in San Mateo County.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:
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