Thinking about opening up your kitchen, swapping windows, or adding livable space? The quickest way to keep your Daly City remodel on track is to understand permits before you swing a hammer. You want a simple, accurate plan that avoids surprise delays and extra costs. In this guide, you’ll learn when you need a permit, what you can file online, realistic plan check timelines, and the step‑by‑step path from idea to approved permit. Let’s dive in.
When your remodel needs a permit
Most Daly City remodels that touch structure, safety, or building systems require a permit. California’s Title 24 building codes and Daly City’s Municipal Code set the rules, and the city’s Building Division enforces them.
- Structural changes like removing a wall, adding beams, moving posts, or new footings need plans and often engineer‑stamped calculations.
- Additions or reconfiguring rooms that affect load paths require scaled plans and structural details.
- New or relocated plumbing, gas lines, electrical service changes, or HVAC replacements typically need trade permits and technical submittals.
- Exterior envelope work that changes openings, insulation, windows, or roofing beyond repair requires plans and energy compliance documentation under Title 24.
- Any changes that affect egress, fire‑rated assemblies, or accessibility need review.
- Homes on steep hillsides or in mapped geologic hazard areas often need a geotechnical report.
Tip: Planning and zoning rules sit alongside building codes. Setbacks, height, lot coverage, floor‑area ratio, and sometimes parking can affect design choices and approval pathways.
Projects often exempt from a permit
Some cosmetic work is commonly exempt if you do not change structure, systems, or egress. Examples include painting, flooring, and like‑for‑like cabinet refreshes. Minor fixture swaps in the same location are often exempt too. Always confirm exemptions with Daly City, since local interpretations vary. Replacement of water heaters, furnaces, or any change to gas or electrical service typically requires a permit.
Online permitting in Daly City
Daly City offers online submittal for many routine permits. The city’s portal and instructions are the final word, but here are common small projects that often qualify for online workflows in California cities and are likely in Daly City too:
- Water heater or furnace replacement in the same location
- HVAC equipment swaps with no structural changes
- Minor electrical permits such as small panel upgrades or branch circuits
- Minor plumbing permits for fixture replacements or small repipes
- Window or door replacements when the opening size stays the same
- Reroofing without structural reinforcement
- Simple interior alterations that do not change egress or structure
What you will need: a clear scope description, your property address, contractor license and insurance details if applicable, basic plans or manufacturer cut sheets, and permit fee payment. For energy‑related work or envelope changes, include Title 24 energy forms or prescriptive checklists.
Plan check timelines to expect
Timelines depend on scope, completeness, planning requirements, and city workload. Incomplete submittals cause most delays. Use these ranges to plan your schedule:
- Small trade permits such as water heaters, furnaces, minor electrical or plumbing, and non‑structural window swaps: about 1–3 business days to 2 weeks if your online submittal is complete.
- Interior non‑structural remodels like many kitchens without structural changes or reroofs: about 1–3 weeks.
- Structural work, additions, or projects needing engineering, energy forms, or geotechnical reports: about 4–8 weeks for the first review, with total plan check often 8–16 weeks after revisions.
- Planning review for exterior changes, additions, or zoning issues: about 2–8 weeks, and discretionary reviews can take longer.
- Inspections after permit issuance: usually available within 1–5 business days depending on workload.
Build a little float into your schedule, and respond quickly to plan check comments to avoid extra cycles.
Fees and valuation basics
Permit fees typically include:
- Plan check fees and building permit fees based on project valuation
- Separate trade fees for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Planning fees if Planning Division review is required
Fee schedules change and are property specific. Verify current amounts with the Daly City Building Division before finalizing your budget.
Step by step: from sketch to issued permit
A clear process helps you price, schedule, and build with fewer surprises. Use this checklist as your roadmap.
1) Pre‑check your scope
- Confirm zoning: setbacks, height, lot coverage, floor‑area ratio, and parking if applicable. Contact Planning early.
- If your site is on a steep hillside or mapped for geologic hazards, plan for a geotechnical report and possible site conditions.
2) Prepare submittal documents
- For small jobs: scope description, equipment cut sheets, address, and contractor info may suffice.
- For additions or structural work: scaled site plan with property lines and setbacks, existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, structural plans and engineer‑signed calculations, energy compliance forms under Title 24, and geotechnical report if required.
- Confirm required signatures and license details.
3) Consider a pre‑application check
- For complex projects, request a pre‑application or counter meeting with Building and Planning to surface issues early.
4) Submit your application
- File via the city’s online portal or in person. Include all forms, contractor license information, and fee payment method.
5) Plan check and revisions
- Expect a comment letter if changes are needed. Respond clearly and quickly. Each resubmittal restarts review time.
6) Permit issuance
- After approvals and fee payment, the city issues your permit electronically or as a printed card. Post it on site.
7) Construction and inspections
- Typical sequence: foundation or footing work, underground utilities, framing, rough plumbing and electrical and mechanical, insulation and energy inspection, then final.
- Schedule inspections through the same portal or the city’s inspection line.
8) Final approval
- Close out with final inspection. For some changes in use, a certificate of occupancy may apply.
Planning and zoning checks you should do first
Planning review can add time and shape your design. Early checks help you avoid redraws and delays.
- Verify setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage before you finalize plans.
- If you plan exterior changes or additions, confirm whether design review or other discretionary approvals apply.
- Know that variances or special approvals can add weeks to months depending on the calendar and public noticing.
Owner‑builder and contractor rules
In California, construction or repair work valued over 500 dollars requires a licensed contractor or you must qualify as an owner‑builder. Using a licensed professional who understands local submittals, Title 24 energy forms, and inspection standards reduces risk and review cycles. If you do act as an owner‑builder, be prepared to coordinate documentation and inspections at the same level a contractor would.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
A few preventable missteps cause most headaches. Keep these front and center.
- Incomplete submittals: use a detailed checklist so your first review is as complete as possible.
- Missing energy documentation: include Title 24 forms for envelope or equipment work.
- Skipping Planning: confirm zoning constraints before you spend on full construction drawings.
- Underestimating geotechnical needs: on hillside or variable soils, commission a soils report early.
- Gaps in contractor licensing or insurance: verify credentials before listing the contractor on the application.
- Poor coordination across trades: align electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural scopes so corrections do not cascade across disciplines.
What you need in your submittal packet
Use this quick list to organize your upload or counter package.
- Project application and clear scope of work
- Owner or contractor information and contractor license number
- Site plan with property lines, dimensions, north arrow, and setbacks
- Existing and proposed floor plans with square footage and use of spaces
- Exterior elevations for any facade or roof changes
- Structural plans and engineer‑signed calculations for structural work
- Soils or geotechnical report for hillside or foundation work
- Title 24 energy compliance documentation
- Manufacturer cut sheets for equipment such as HVAC, water heater, electrical panel, and windows
- Required fees or plan check deposit
- Planning approvals or design review documents if exterior changes affect zoning
How Perry helps you plan a smoother remodel
You want realistic budgets, timelines, and a clean path through approvals. With a construction and project management background, I help you translate scope into an achievable plan, flag zoning and geotechnical triggers early, and set expectations for plan check and inspections. Whether you are updating a home you just bought or preparing a property for sale, you will have a practical roadmap that supports your goals.
Ready to talk scope, budget, and a sensible permit timeline for your Daly City remodel? Call Perry.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Daly City?
- If you change structure or relocate plumbing, gas, electrical, windows, or doors, you will need permits and plan review; like‑for‑like cosmetic updates may be exempt but confirm with the city.
How long does Daly City plan check take for an addition?
- Initial review typically runs 4–8 weeks, and total plan check often takes 8–16 weeks when you include revisions.
Can I submit my Daly City permit online for small projects?
- Many routine trade permits such as water heaters, furnaces, minor electrical or plumbing, window swaps without size changes, and reroofs can often be submitted online if complete.
When is a geotechnical report required in Daly City?
- Projects on steep hillsides or mapped geologic hazard areas commonly require a soils or geotechnical report as part of plan review.
What inspections should I expect during construction in Daly City?
- Typical inspections include foundation or footing, underground utilities, framing, rough trades, insulation and energy, and a final inspection for sign‑off.
What fees should I budget for a Daly City remodel permit?
- Expect plan check and building permit fees based on valuation, separate trade permit fees, and Planning fees if planning review is required.
