Local zoning · Daly City

Daly City — Historic Preservation

Q: Are registered historic sites treated differently for landscaping / water rules?

Yes — Chapter 17.41 exempts “registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes a historical landscape style” from some requirements. Confirm whether your site meets the registration/board determination standard in § 17.41.010.D.3 .

Q: If my property is in an S‑1 overlay, can I repaint or add a new door without permission?

No — the S‑1 combining district prohibits construction, alteration or painting of visible exteriors until plans are approved per § 17.26.030 ; you must follow the S‑1 application procedure and design review.

Historic Preservation under the Daly City local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Daly City’s Title 17 (Zoning) does not contain a standalone “Historic Preservation” chapter. Instead, historic- and design-related controls are folded into the city’s design review regime and various combining/specific-plan districts, with a few explicit references to “historical” resources in other rules (notably the accessory dwelling unit rules and the water‑conservation chapter). The controlling Zoning rules are adopted in Title 17 of the Daly City Municipal Code; general adoption language appears at § 17.02.010.

Key practical points: exterior changes in streets-visible areas are controlled by the city’s design review process; ADU rules include a specific parking exemption when a unit is inside an “architecturally and historically significant historic district”; and the water‑landscaping rules exempt “registered local, state or federal historical sites.” The text below synthesizes where historic‑resource considerations appear in Title 17 and what they mean for applicants.

(If you want the zoning map or a parcel‑specific determination of whether a property lies in any combining district, verify with the city; parcel-level historic district mapping or a local landmark register is Not found in retrieved materials.)

Note: where this page mentions procedures such as design review, link targets are provided for related topics: design review, parking, Daly City Development Standards, overlay districts, ADUs, Daly City Zoning, and California Building Standards Code.

What the zoning code actually says (topic-by-topic, district-by-district)

Citywide mechanism: Design Review (Chapter 17.45)

Purpose & scope: Design review exists to regulate the exterior appearance of buildings and structures visible from public streets to protect neighborhood character and property values. See § 17.45.010 for the findings and intent.
When required: Projects described in § 17.45.120 (and in combining districts that reference design review) must obtain design review approval and a design review plan/site plan before issuance of building permits; applicants must comply with the chapter’s procedures. See § 17.45.030 and § 17.45.050 for conformance and application rules. Practical effect: most visible exterior alterations in areas where design review is triggered will be reviewed for compatibility with context and “aesthetic and functional relationships.”

Relevant code citations: § 17.45.010, § 17.45.030, § 17.45.050.

Link: design review

Combining / Specific Plan districts that bring historic/design review rules into play

S-1 — DESIGN REVIEW COMBINING DISTRICT (Chapter 17.26)
- Purpose: “create, preserve and enhance areas of unusual civic significance requiring special design treatment” and supplement the underlying zone. § 17.26.010–020.
- Key rule: No building, structure, sign or other facility shall be constructed, altered, or painted a new color in this district until plans are approved pursuant to the S‑1 procedure. § 17.26.030 (design review requirement). Appeals are to the Planning Commission and City Council per § 17.26.060–070.
- Typical effect: any exterior change in an S‑1 area (a combining overlay) triggers design review and public notice/appeal rights.
-B — BART Station Area Combining District (Chapter 17.29)
- Purpose: implement the BART Station Area Specific Plan with special development standards and design guidelines; the district is a combining district (it supplements the underlying zone). § 17.29.010–020.
- Historic/design note: the chapter requires design review for new construction and exterior remodeling in the district (see Chapter 17.45 cross‑reference) and explicitly allows certain “landmark tower elements” with different height rules (maximums described in the district, e.g., a 45‑ft landmark tower element). § 17.29.060 and district tables.
-RP — RESOURCE PROTECTION COMBINING DISTRICT (Chapter 17.27)
- Purpose: protect sensitive open space and buffer areas; regulations are supplemental to the underlying zone. § 17.27.010–020.
- Note: RP regulates additions and sensitive site work (grading, landscaping) and requires extended application materials (e.g., geotechnical reports) where applicable; this matters when historic properties sit on sensitive bluffs or resource areas. § 17.27.030–040.
OS — OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (Chapter 17.23)
- Purpose: preserve and limit uses of open space lands; permitted uses are primarily recreational, educational and conservation—relevant where a historic landscape is part of an open‑space parcel. § 17.23.010–040.

Link: overlay districts

Residential districts and ADU rules (Chapter 17.40; e.g., R‑1, R‑1/A)

ADU (secondary unit) standards are codified in § 17.40.100 and supporting subsections (§ 17.40.090, § 17.40.110, etc.). The code treats an accessory dwelling unit as an accessory use and prescribes objective development standards (unit size limits, owner‑occupancy deed restriction, etc.). § 17.40.100(A–B).
Historic‑resource specific rule: ADU parking exemptions — no parking space is required for an ADU when the ADU “is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.” This is listed as one of the five parking exceptions in § 17.40.100.B.6.b (and related subsections). Practical effect: if a property is within a qualifying historic district, the usual ADU parking requirement may not apply.
Certificate of registration (owner‑occupancy deed restriction and required submittals) is in § 17.40.110.

Link: ADUs

Water‑landscaping exemption for registered historic sites (Chapter 17.41)

The water conservation chapter specifically exempts “registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes a historical landscape style,” as determined by the public board/commission responsible for architectural review or historic preservation. See § 17.41.010.D.3 (applicability/exemptions). Practical effect: recognized historic sites may be eligible for modified planting/watering rules under the landscape chapter.

Decision‑relevant standards / permitted‑use table (quick reference)

Topic / Issue	Code citation (short)	What the code says (one line)
Design review required before exterior alteration visible from street	§ 17.26.030, § 17.45.030	S‑1 combining district and design review chapter require approval before painting, altering, or constructing in designated areas.
ADU parking exemption for historic districts	§ 17.40.100.B.6.b	No parking required for ADU located within an “architecturally and historically significant historic district.”
ADU owner‑occupancy & deed restriction	§ 17.40.100.B.3 & § 17.40.110	One of the two units must be owner‑occupied; certificate of registration and recorded deed restriction required.
Exemption from landscape water chapter for registered sites	§ 17.41.010.D.3	Registered historical sites where landscaping establishes historical style are exempt from some landscape requirements.
Combining district landmark element height allowance	17.29 (tables)	BART Station Area allows “landmark tower elements” to a higher height (e.g., 45 ft) where specified.
Appeals & review process for design review	§ 17.26.060–070, § 17.45.130	Planning Commission hears appeals; Council is final decision maker within stated timeframes.

(For complete text and subclauses, read the cited sections in Title 17. The snippets above are a synthesis, not verbatim code.)

Link: Daly City Development Standards — for context on setbacks, lot coverage and other dimensional rules referenced by many districts.

Checklist — what an applicant must (typically) satisfy when working on a historic/older property or in a district that triggers design review

Confirm whether the property lies in a combining district (e.g., S‑1, -B) or within any area subject to design review. Verify map/contact with Planning staff (zoning map) — Title 17 is the controlling ordinance § 17.02.010.
If exterior work is proposed, prepare a design review submittal per § 17.45.050 (plans and materials) and obtain design review approval before building permits § 17.45.030.
For ADUs: confirm ADU standards in § 17.40.100 (size, entrances, parking exceptions), file certificate of registration per § 17.40.110, and record the required deed restriction. Link: ADUs
If the property is claimed to be a “registered historical site” or within a historic district, obtain documentation (local/state/federal listing or city board determination) to support any ADU parking exemption or landscape exemption § 17.40.100.B.6.b, § 17.41.010.D.3.
Where work impacts sensitive resource areas (RP or OS), include the supplemental application materials required (e.g., geotechnical report) per § 17.27.040.
If you anticipate an adverse recommendation, be prepared to appeal to the Planning Commission and City Council per § 17.26.060–070 and § 17.45.130.

Link: parking

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
No dedicated local historic preservation chapter found	City code excerpts in Title 17 reference historic resources only in scattered places (ADU, landscaping, design review). There is no clearly identified local landmark designation process in the retrieved materials.	Verify with Daly City Planning whether a separate historic ordinance, local landmark register, or historic‑preservation commission exists (city web pages or staff). "Not found in retrieved materials."
“Architecturally and historically significant historic district” — undefined in Title 17	The ADU parking exemption applies only if the ADU is inside such a district, but the code excerpt does not provide local criteria or a map.	Ask Planning for the city’s official historic‑district map or the criteria used to declare districts. Verify whether state or federal listing (or local board finding) suffices.
Design review triggers vary by district	Many combining/specific plan districts explicitly require design review; others defer to Chapter 17.45. If a parcel is in multiple overlays, rules stack.	Confirm your parcel’s combined zones and which chapter triggers review; request application checklist from Planning.
ADU parking exception documentation	The ADU rule references a historic district but the code does not list an administrative procedure for proving the district status.	Verify what documentation the city accepts for the parking exemption (map citation, staff letter, recorded designation).
Interaction with state historic code / building code	Title 17 defers to building codes for safety but references historic sites in exemptions; the California Historical Building Code may apply for repairs/rehabilitation.	For structural changes to historic properties, coordinate with Building Division regarding applicability of the California Historical Building Code. Link: California Building Standards Code.

Plain‑English summary

Daly City does not appear to operate a separate, full historic‑preservation chapter inside Title 17; instead, preservation‑sensitive review happens through the city’s design review process and through targeted rules (for ADUs and landscaping) that recognize historic districts or registered historic sites. If you own a property that may be considered historic or lies in a combining district, plan to submit design review materials and to confirm with Planning whether you qualify for ADU parking or landscaping exemptions under § 17.40.100 and § 17.41.010.D.3.

Source References

Title 17 — ZONING, adoption and general provisions: § 17.02.010.
Design Review chapter: § 17.45.010, § 17.45.030, § 17.45.050 (design review purpose, conformance, applications).
S‑1 Design Review Combining District: § 17.26.010–070 (purpose, combining rules, prohibition on alterations without approval).
BART Station Area Combining District: Chapter 17.29 (purpose, design review requirement; table allowing landmark tower elements).
Resource Protection Combining District: § 17.27.010–040 (RP combining district rules and application requirements).
ADU / Secondary Unit standards: § 17.40.090, § 17.40.100, § 17.40.110 (ADU standards, parking exceptions for historic districts, certificate of registration).
Water conservation landscaping exemptions (registered historical sites): § 17.41.010.D.3.
Code print/export source (Title 17 collection): Daly City, California — Title 17 print export.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Daly City Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 1.12.010) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.41) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 27) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 21.6) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 8) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.34.020) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.40.100) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.49) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.40.110) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance
Daly City Zoning Code (Section 17.38.040.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Daly City code library

Frequently asked questions

Does Daly City have a local historic‑preservation ordinance or local landmark register?

Not in the retrieved Title 17 materials: a discrete historic‑preservation chapter or local landmark‑designation procedure was Not found in retrieved materials. Title 17 uses existing tools (design review, combining districts, and targeted exemptions), so verify with Daly City Planning for any separate historic ordinance or register.

When do I need design review for exterior work in Daly City?

If the project falls under the triggers described in Chapter 17.45 or is inside a combining/specific‑plan district that references design review (for example, S‑1 or the BART area), you must submit a design review plan and obtain approval before exterior alteration or painting visible from the street — see § 17.45.030 and § 17.26.030.

Can I build an ADU on a property that is historically significant?

Yes, ADUs are allowed; Daly City’s ADU standards apply (size, entrance, owner‑occupancy deed restriction). If the property lies “within an architecturally and historically significant historic district,” the ADU parking requirement may be waived under § 17.40.100.B.6.b. You must provide whatever documentation the city requires to prove district status.

What paperwork accompanies an ADU when the property claims a historic‑district status?

The ADU certificate of registration and the deed‑restriction paperwork required by § 17.40.110 must be filed; for the parking exemption you will need evidence of historic‑district status (the code does not itself list the proof accepted). Verify with Planning what documentation is required.

Are registered historic sites treated differently for landscaping / water rules?

Yes — Chapter 17.41 exempts “registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes a historical landscape style” from some requirements. Confirm whether your site meets the registration/board determination standard in § 17.41.010.D.3.

If my property is in an S‑1 overlay, can I repaint or add a new door without permission?

No — the S‑1 combining district prohibits construction, alteration or painting of visible exteriors until plans are approved per § 17.26.030; you must follow the S‑1 application procedure and design review.

Where in the code are the appeals rules if I disagree with a design review decision?

Appeals of design review decisions to the Planning Commission and City Council are governed by the combining district and design review provisions (see § 17.26.060–070 and the design review appeals procedures in Chapter 17.45).

Do the Daly City zoning rules include criteria for declaring a “historic district”?

Not found in Title 17 excerpts retrieved. The ADU and landscape chapters reference historic districts or registered historic sites but Title 17 does not show the local declaration process or criteria in the provided materials. Verify with Planning for a local procedure or map.

If my work is on a State‑listed historic building, does Daly City treat it differently?

The code exempts registered historical sites in certain chapters (landscaping) and uses design review to manage exterior changes, but detailed application of the California Historical Building Code or state‑level rehabilitation standards is coordinated with the Building Division/State codes — check with Building and Planning staff for the interface.

Do combining districts like the BART or RP district change setbacks or heights for historic elements?

Yes—specific plan and combining district chapters set their own yard, height and special‑element rules (for example, the BART district allows “landmark tower elements” per its tables). Always consult the precise plan or combining district tables for numeric standards.

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