Daly City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Daly City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Political signs on public property
Resident Sylvia Alvarez Lynch asked the mayor to lead an ordinance penalizing posting political signs on public property with $300-$500 fines, noting SFPUC helped relocate improperly posted signs.
St. George Orthodox Church expansion at 1617 Southgate Avenue
A growing congregation wants to replace its old two-story rear wing with a three-story addition for storage, meeting rooms, and visiting clergy quarters. The Commission unanimously endorsed it; the City Council makes the final call on October 26.
Commercial Cannabis Equity Regulations
The city is changing one word in its cannabis equity rules — from requiring applicants to meet ALL eligibility criteria to meeting ANY — to match state guidance and widen access for those affected by past cannabis enforcement.
Zoning Ordinance Updates (Ordinance No. 1494)
A bundle of code fixes: clearer building-height measurement, longer permit lifespans, fewer permits for condos, and stricter front-yard paving rules. It makes it easier and faster for projects — from ADUs to condo buildings — to actually get built in Daly City.
ADU Regulation Repeal — Zone Change ZC-04-26-17042
The city wants to scrap its local ADU rules to align with state law, but Sacramento hasn't finished reviewing the changes, so the item was tabled.
Residential development standards review
New rules would require triangular landscaping wherever front-yard paving adds a parking space, and ban side-yard paving on corner lots. The goal is less stormwater runoff and cleaner-looking streetscapes.
Stormwater detention requirements for development projects
The city wants to write its stormwater detention rules into the zoning code so there's no more confusion about who has to build retention systems. Small home additions, ADUs, and small paving projects would be exempt, but new single-family homes on small lots would still have to comply. Residents who were previously forced to build expensive systems are asking why, and whether anyone gets reimbursed.
Repeal of outdated ADU/second-unit regulations
State housing officials told Daly City its old second-unit rules — parking requirements and a homeowner registration program — conflict with state ADU law and must go. The city will keep a few neighbor-friendly standards if the state allows them.
Construction hours on private property
A new ordinance would limit construction to 8 AM–6:30 PM in standard time and 8 AM–8:30 PM in daylight time, with 9 AM weekend starts and a ban on federal holidays — a compromise shaped by council concerns about evening construction lights and weekend home repairs.
Commercial Cannabis Non-Retail Combining District (-CCNR)
The council established a new zoning overlay that permits non-retail cannabis activities like distribution and light manufacturing in specified commercial areas along Mission Street and Geneva Avenue.
General Plan transparency and public consultation
The city's General Plan dates to 2013 with a 2035 sunset, and Commissioner Satorre wants the public consulted before any changes. A full update could cost around $1 million, and staff committed to a refresher presentation in May.
Permit expiration and condominium entitlement reform
The city wants to give approved projects three years instead of one to break ground, and to drop the redundant use permit for condominiums. Supporters say this removes red tape that stalls housing; the question is whether longer permit lives slow down projects that never move forward.