Local zoning · Daly City

Daly City — Development Standards

Q: What can I build on an R-1 lot in Daly City?

In most R‑1 or R‑1/A areas you may build a single‑family home and allowed accessory structures subject to § 17.09.050 (minimum lot area 2,500 sq ft , max height 30 ft , front yard 15 ft , lot coverage 55% ) — check the zoning map to confirm the district and any overlays.

Q: What are Daly City setback requirements?

Setbacks depend on the zone. For example, R‑1/A lists a 15 ft minimum front yard and 10 ft rear yard in § 17.09.050 ; other districts show differing front/side/rear yards in their respective tables (see the table cells in each chapter). Building setback lines may also be established by § 17.38.010 (example Sullivan Ave. ten‑foot line).

Q: How tall can I build in the C‑MU district?

New structures in C‑MU may be up to 15 stories or 175 ft as measured by the ordinance; a minimum of 3 stories or 30 ft is also required for new structures in that district. Stair and elevator towers and rooftop equipment have limited exceptions; see § 17.58.040 for the controlling text.

Q: If my project abuts R‑1, do I face any special height transitions?

Yes. For example, C‑MU projects that are over 3 stories or 30 ft and abut R‑1 / R‑1/A must follow transitional height requirements and yard requirements in the C‑MU objective design standards; see § 17.58.040 . Verify the objective design standards that accompany the C‑MU chapter.

Q: Where are usable open space and common amenity standards stated?

Usable open space for multi‑family projects is 150 sq ft per dwelling unit under § 17.38.020 ; C‑MU allows flexibility in how private and shared spaces count toward that requirement in § 17.58.070 .

Development Standards under the Daly City local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes Daly City’s zoning development standards (building heights, setbacks, lot coverage, density/FAR and related rules) as codified in Title 17 — ZONING of the Daly City Municipal Code. It is focused on the standards that live in the zoning ordinance (not the California Building Standards Code or permitting procedures). For how zoning interacts with on‑site vehicle rules see the city’s parking rules; for when projects require design review or special standards in mapped combining or specific-plan areas see the overlay districts pages. The primary legal text is Daly City’s Title 17 (Zoning) (multiple sections cited below).

How to read this page

Every numeric requirement below is grounded in the Daly City zoning code and cites the controlling § plus the ordinance export used for this briefing.
Where the code text is silent or parcel-specific I note that you must "Verify with the jurisdiction".
This page does not substitute for the zoning map or a formal pre‑application meeting.

District-by-district development standards

Below are the most-used districts in Daly City with their statutory purpose, typical permitted uses and the key dimensional standards applicants check first. Bolded district names and numeric controls make quick scanning easier.

Note: Confirm which district applies to your parcel on the official Daly City zoning map; the ordinance repeatedly directs that the specific plan or combining district regulations govern where applied. See the general adoption language in Title 17 § 17.02.010 and definitions at § 17.04.010 .

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Purpose: Standard single-family residential district (see general provisions in Title 17). The ordinance treats many single-family rules within the R-1/A text; consult the zoning map for the exact parcel designation. See Title 17 for definitions and applicability (§ 17.04.010 and § 17.02.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings, permitted accessory structures and, where allowed, accessory dwelling units (subject to state ADU law and local ADU rules). For ADU interaction with zoning limits, consult Daly City’s ADU rules and state guidance; local ADU constraints must comply with state ADU law .
Key dimensional standards (where R-1 or R-1/A text applies): minimum lot area 2,500 sq ft, minimum frontage 25 ft, maximum building height 30 ft, minimum front yard 15 ft, minimum rear yard 10 ft, maximum lot coverage 55% — see § 17.09.050 for the R-1/A (single-family/duplex) baseline standards .
Where it applies: citywide where the zoning map shows R-1 or R-1/A; special plans or combining districts may supersede.

R-2 (Two-Family Residential)

Purpose: Allows duplexes/limited multi-unit forms and the uses permitted in R-1, subject to R-2 table rules.
Typical permitted uses: one- and two-family dwellings and other R-1 uses; duplexes with design/compliance requirements.
Key dimensional standards: see the R-2 table (Chapter 17.10). Example from the R-2 table: max height 36 ft, lot area for a two-family: 3,000–2,500 sq ft (see table footnotes) and max lot coverage 60% for many two-family layouts — see § 17.10.010 (table of uses/specs) .
Where it applies: city residential neighborhoods mapped R-2.

R-2/A (Two-Family / Design Residential)

Purpose: Protects single-family neighborhoods while allowing duplexes with additional design controls.
Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings that comply with the R-2/A design standards; secondary dwellings per § 17.40.100 where allowed.
Key dimensional and design standards: minimum lot area 2,500 sq ft, max height 30 ft, front yard 15 ft, rear yard 10 ft, max lot coverage 60%; detailed design standards require stepped-back upper stories, façade continuity, garage width limits and landscaping (see § 17.11.050 and § 17.11.060) .
Where it applies: mapped R-2/A parcels; design standards are enforced through design review and site plan review where applicable.

R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential)

Purpose: Allows multi-family development; includes objective design standards and density guidance.
Typical permitted uses: Multiple-family dwellings subject to objective design standards.
Key dimensional standards: maximum heights shown in the R-3 table (Chapter 17.12): allowable heights up to 120 ft in some situations (subject to airport overlay limits and footnotes), minimum lot area 43,560 sq ft for certain categories, lot coverage up to 100% in the table, front yard 15 ft unless objective design standards apply, and usable open space 150 sq ft per dwelling unit as required by § 17.38.020 .
Where it applies: larger multi-family sites; some housing on priority sites is eligible for by‑right approvals per local and state provisions (see table footnotes and Chapter 17.12) .

C-1 (Light Commercial)

Purpose: Neighborhood-serving retail and service businesses.
Typical permitted uses: small retail, offices, restaurants (subject to conditions), personal services.
Key dimensional standards: max height 36 ft, minimum lot area 2,500–3,000 sq ft, front yard often None (see table), and other yard/coverage standards in § 17.18.010 and related tables .
Where it applies: commercial corridors and neighborhood commercial parcels.

C-R/R (Residential Retail Commercial)

Purpose: Mixed-use neighborhood-scale commercial/residential activity.
Typical permitted uses: small retail, galleries, neighborhood grocery, low-density residential and live/work units.
Key dimensional standards: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 1.0:1 for some subareas; min lot area 2,500–3,000 sq ft, front yard 15 ft or other variants depending on block and footnotes (see the table) — see the C‑R/R table for the full list § 17.16.x (table text as published) .
Where it applies: mapped C‑R/R areas; consult the zoning map and table footnotes for block‑specific rules.

BOC (BART Office Commercial)

Purpose: Office/commercial development oriented to transit/BART-related employment and services.
Typical permitted uses: office, research & development, financial institutions, convenience retail as specified.
Key dimensional standards: Maximum height — six stories, not to exceed 90 ft; minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft, minimum lot width 50 ft, minimum yards — none except as stated in the specific plan, minimum lot coverage 75% per § 17.17.010 .
Where it applies: BOC district parcels (see zoning map).

C-MU (Commercial — Mixed Use)

Purpose: New mixed‑use commercial/residential district created to allow higher-density mixed use in defined corridors.
Typical permitted uses: mixed-use buildings, with conditional uses listed in the C-MU chapter; some auto or drive-through uses are explicitly prohibited.
Key dimensional standards: Maximum height — 15 stories or 175 ft; minimum height 3 stories or 30 ft; minimum lot area for subdivision 10,000 sq ft, minimum lot width 100 ft, lot coverage minimum 50% up to 100% allowed, usable open space per § 17.58.040–17.58.070; transitional yard/height rules apply where adjacent to R-1 or R-1/A (§ 17.58.040–17.58.060) .
Where it applies: parcels rezoned or designated C‑MU; consult the C‑MU chapter and objective design standards for transitions to lower-density residential zones.

SC (Sullivan Corridor Specific Plan District)

Purpose: Implements the Sullivan Corridor Specific Plan with its own land-use designations and supplemental development standards.
Typical permitted uses and controls: mixed residential and commercial uses with specific plan designations (e.g., C‑R/O with specified FARs). See § 17.21.010–.030 for purpose and tabled designations (e.g., FAR 5.0:1 shown for some subareas) .
Where it applies: the Sullivan corridor specific plan area; the specific plan provisions prevail over the base zoning where applied.

-B (BART Station Area Combining District)

Purpose: Implements the BART Station Area Specific Plan; supplements underlying district standards to encourage dense, pedestrian‑oriented mixed use.
Key points: the combining district modifies or supersedes underlying zoning rules where inconsistent; design review is required for new construction and exterior remodeling in the -B district per § 17.29.060; see § 17.29.010–.060 .
Where it applies: mapped BART station area combining boundary (map shown in the ordinance) — verify parcel applicability on the zoning map.

Quick table — decision-relevant standards (representative)

District	Height (typ.)	Front setback	Lot coverage / FAR	Typical uses	Code reference
R-1 / R-1/A	30 ft max	15 ft front	55% max lot coverage	Single-family, ADUs (subject to state ADU law)	§ 17.09.050
R-2 / R-2/A	36 ft (R-2); 30 ft (R-2/A)	15 ft front (R-2/A)	60% (R-2/A)	Duplexes, two‑unit residential	§ 17.10.010; § 17.11.050–060
R-3	Up to 120 ft (specific footnotes apply)	15 ft (typ.)	100% noted in table	Multi-family	§ 17.12.010; usable open space § 17.38.020
C-1	36 ft	Often None	See table	Neighborhood retail & services	§ 17.18.010
C-R/R	Varies	15 ft typical	FAR 1.0 in some areas	Mixed-use retail/residential	C-R/R table § 17.16.x
BOC	6 stories / 90 ft	None (specific plan may require)	75% min lot coverage	Offices, transit-oriented uses	§ 17.17.010
C-MU	15 stories / 175 ft max; min 3 stories/30 ft	Block-specific (see § 17.58.080)	50–100% coverage allowed	High-density mixed-use	§ 17.58.040–.070
SC / -B specific plan areas	Per specific plan (FARs, heights)	Per specific plan	Per specific plan (some FARs 5.0:1 shown)	Mixed-use, pedestrian/transit-oriented	§ 17.21.010–.030; § 17.29.010–.060

(These table entries are representative — footnotes and objective design standards in each chapter change applicability; always check the full section cited above.)

Key development rules that apply citywide

Building heights: measured from the curb at the centerline of the building to the highest point with specific exceptions for parapets and rooftop equipment; stair/elevator towers may exceed height by up to 10 feet in some rules — see the code definitions and height exceptions in § 17.04.010 and the district height subsections (example: C-MU height rules § 17.58.040) .
Building setback lines: formal building setback lines are established in the ordinance (example: Sullivan Ave. ten‑foot building setback) and minimum yard requirements are measured from those lines; see § 17.38.010 .
Usable open space for multi-family: 150 sq ft per dwelling unit for R‑3-related calculations; roof decks, balconies and terraces may count when improved and designed as amenity space — see § 17.38.020 and C‑MU usable open space rules § 17.58.070 .
Lot coverage and FAR: each district table spells out maximum coverage or FAR (e.g., C‑R/O and SC plan tables list FAR values; C‑MU specifies minimum and maximum coverage) — consult the specific district chapter for the controlling number, and see § 17.58.060 for the C‑MU lot coverage rules .
Objective design and site plan requirements: projects subject to design review or site plan review must submit the site plan, elevations, landscaping and other data listed in § 17.45.060; approvals require findings in § 17.45.080 and the design review procedure is described in Chapter 17.45 .
Density bonuses and concessions: the city implements state density bonus law and allows waivers or modifications to development standards in accordance with Government Code § 65915, including as codified locally in Chapter 17.52 and waiver rules § 17.52.050–.060 .
Nonconforming uses: the ordinance contains nonconforming use rules that affect alterations and rebuilding of existing uses; see Chapter 17.42 references in district texts (example: C‑MU nonconforming exceptions) .

Checklist

Confirm parcel zoning and any combining/specific-plan overlays on the city zoning map (Title 17 applies; verify mapping). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Confirm the district’s numeric controls (height, front/side/rear setbacks, lot coverage or FAR) in the district chapter (see your district’s § cited above). Example references: § 17.09.050, § 17.11.050, § 17.12.010, § 17.58.040–.070.
Determine whether the project needs design review/site plan review (see Chapter 17.45 — required plans and findings § 17.45.050–.080). Prepare required site plan, elevations, landscaping per § 17.45.060.
Check if your site is within a combining district (e.g., BART -B, S‑1, -RP) or specific plan (SC Sullivan Corridor); those rules may override base district controls (§ 17.29, § 17.21).
If proposing affordable units or seeking a density bonus, prepare the density‑bonus submittal and requests for waivers/modifications per Chapter 17.52 and § 17.52.050.
Verify landscaping and screening requirements (Chapter 17.41) and coordinate with site plan requirements § 17.45.060.C.
For ADUs: confirm local ADU ordinance and ensure compliance with state ADU law limits (local rules cannot unreasonably restrict minimum ADU size/setbacks required by state law) — see state ADU guidance and the local ADU chapter where applicable.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Overlay or specific plan controls (SC, -B)	These can supersede base district height/FAR/setbacks and add design rules (often more permissive or more restrictive)	Verify parcel overlay/specific-plan status on the zoning map and read the specific‑plan sections (e.g., § 17.21.030, § 17.29.040).
ADUs vs. local lot-coverage/FAR caps	State ADU law restricts local rules that would preclude an 800 sq ft ADU with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks; local ADU ordinance must comply with state rules. If the local zoning limit would block a compliant ADU, state law governs.	Consult Daly City’s ADU chapter and state ADU summaries; if not explicit in local code, "Verify with the jurisdiction".
Transitional height/yards adjacent to R-1 (C-MU)	C‑MU requires transitional height and yard rules where buildings exceed 3 stories/30 ft abutting R‑1 / R‑1/A — this can significantly constrain massing on edges.	For projects next to R‑1 check § 17.58.040 and the C‑MU objective design standards; request a formal interpretation if unclear.
Lot coverage vs. site-specific exceptions	Some districts (e.g., C‑MU) allow minimum AND full coverage ranges and exceptions for stormwater treatment/carports; table numbers may include footnotes.	Confirm which elements count toward lot coverage (roofed structures, carports, stormwater features) in the controlling district chapter.
Airport overlay/ALUCP height restrictions (R-3 and others)	R‑3 table flags SFO ALUCP height limits; a numeric district height cap may be reduced by airport safety overlays.	Check SFO ALUCP constraints and the local overlay mapping; county/local airport fees or limitations may apply.
Parcel‑specific legal nonconformities	Existing nonconforming buildings/uses may be treated differently (e.g., C‑MU made some single-family properties conforming at adoption). Nonconforming status affects what changes are allowed.	Review Chapter 17.42 and the district’s nonconforming-use text; verify status with planning staff.

Plain-English Summary

Daly City’s zoning (Title 17) sets district-specific numeric controls — height, setbacks, lot coverage/FAR and open‑space requirements — that vary by zone (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑MU, BOC, and mapped specific‑plan/combining districts). Projects frequently need design review/site plan submittal with the plans and findings listed in Chapter 17.45, and specific plans or combining districts (Sullivan Corridor, BART area) can change or override the base rules. Always check the exact code section cited for the district that actually covers your parcel and confirm overlay/specific-plan boundaries with the city planner.

Source References

Daly City Municipal Code — Title 17 Zoning (print export): general provisions and definitions. Title 17 § 17.02.010; § 17.04.010.
R-1/A standards and R-1 baseline rules: § 17.09.050 (lot area, height, yards, lot coverage).
R-2 table and uses: Chapter 17.10 (table of uses and dimensional cells).
R-2/A design standards and area/height: § 17.11.050–060.
R-3 multiple-family standards and usable open space: § 17.12.010; usable open space § 17.38.020.
C-1 light commercial, C-R/R mixed-use tables: § 17.18.010 and C‑R/R table (Chapter 17.16 table excerpt).
BOC district rules: § 17.17.010 (height, lot coverage, yards).
C‑MU district (height, lot area, lot coverage, usable open space, transitions): § 17.58.040–.080.
Sullivan Corridor specific plan: § 17.21.010–.030 (specific plan designations/tables).
BART Station Area Combining District: § 17.29.010–.060 (purpose, applicability, design review requirement).
Design review & required submission data, findings and procedures: Chapter 17.45, esp. § 17.45.050–.080 and required data § 17.45.060.
Density bonus and waivers/modifications of development standards: Chapter 17.52, including § 17.52.050–.060 for waivers and procedures.
Daly City enforcement & administrative permit rules (expiration/revocation): Chapter 17.49 and Chapter 17.50.
California ADU guidance (state constraints that limit local ADU rules): 2025 California ADU handbook; local ADU rules must conform to state ADU law.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.40.040) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.42.060) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 65915) High relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.41) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.09.030.) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code High relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.38.040.) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 15.3) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.41) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Daly City code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Daly City?

In most R‑1 or R‑1/A areas you may build a single‑family home and allowed accessory structures subject to § 17.09.050 (minimum lot area 2,500 sq ft, max height 30 ft, front yard 15 ft, lot coverage 55%) — check the zoning map to confirm the district and any overlays.

What are Daly City setback requirements?

Setbacks depend on the zone. For example, R‑1/A lists a 15 ft minimum front yard and 10 ft rear yard in § 17.09.050; other districts show differing front/side/rear yards in their respective tables (see the table cells in each chapter). Building setback lines may also be established by § 17.38.010 (example Sullivan Ave. ten‑foot line).

How tall can I build in the C‑MU district?

New structures in C‑MU may be up to 15 stories or 175 ft as measured by the ordinance; a minimum of 3 stories or 30 ft is also required for new structures in that district. Stair and elevator towers and rooftop equipment have limited exceptions; see § 17.58.040 for the controlling text.

Does Daly City regulate lot coverage and FAR?

Yes — each zoning district table (e.g., C‑R/R, C‑MU) specifies lot coverage or FAR. For example, some C‑R/O plan cells show FAR values (e.g., 5.0:1 in the Sullivan Corridor tables), while C‑MU has minimum and maximum lot coverage language in § 17.58.060. Always cite the district chapter for the precise number.

Do I need design review for my Daly City project?

Many projects require design review or site plan review under Chapter 17.45. Major design review is required for projects such as residential projects of four or more units or new commercial buildings exceeding 2,000 sq ft (see § 17.45.120 and the associated application/data rules § 17.45.050–.060).

Can Daly City deny an ADU based on lot coverage or setbacks?

Local ADU rules cannot be applied in a way that prevents construction of an ADU at least 800 sq ft with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks per state ADU law; local ADU rules must conform to state constraints (see state ADU guidance). Check the city’s ADU chapter and state law if you believe a local standard precludes an otherwise‑compliant ADU.

What is the process for getting a waiver of a development standard for a density bonus?

Requests for waivers or modifications to development standards tied to a density bonus must follow Chapter 17.52 and the local waiver rules (including § 17.52.050 — grounds for denial and required findings). The request must be submitted with the planning application.

If my project abuts R‑1, do I face any special height transitions?

Yes. For example, C‑MU projects that are over 3 stories or 30 ft and abut R‑1 / R‑1/A must follow transitional height requirements and yard requirements in the C‑MU objective design standards; see § 17.58.040. Verify the objective design standards that accompany the C‑MU chapter.

Where are usable open space and common amenity standards stated?

Usable open space for multi‑family projects is 150 sq ft per dwelling unit under § 17.38.020; C‑MU allows flexibility in how private and shared spaces count toward that requirement in § 17.58.070.

Who enforces zoning standards and what happens if I violate them?

Zoning enforcement and permit revocation are addressed in the zoning title’s enforcement chapters (e.g., Chapters 17.49 and 17.50) — administrative permits can be revoked after a hearing if conditions or standards are violated; see § 17.49.110 and enforcement provisions. ---

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