FILE · GENERAL CONTRACTING x DALY CITY x CALIFORNIAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
GENERAL CONTRACTING x DALY CITY x CALIFORNIA

General Contracting contractors in Daly City, California.

General contracting in Daly City requires adherence to both state-level licensing through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and local municipal requirements. Contractors must ensure their CSLB license is active and properly classified for the scope of work, while also securing a local business license to operate legally within city limits.

Project compliance hinges on obtaining the correct building permits from the Daly City Building Division before starting any construction. Failure to secure permits or pass mandatory inspections can result in significant legal and financial penalties, including stop-work orders and potential liability issues during future property transactions.

State License
STATE CSLB Class BRequired for >$500
Permit Issuer
Daly City Building Div.City Hall
Avg. Plan Review
2-4 WeeksVaries by scope
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $1k-$3kFees & Insurance
FILE · GENERAL CONTRACTING x DALY CITY x CALIFORNIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityContractors State License Board (CSLB)
CountySan Mateo County
City AuthorityDaly City Building Division
Statute / CodeCalifornia Building Standards Code
Federal Cert.EPA Lead-Safe (if applicable)
ReciprocityNone
FILE GENERAL CONTRACTINGLOCATION DALY CITY, CALIFORNIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to Daly CityWhat this leaf carries beyond the California state file.
Coastal Zone Considerations
Daly City projects near the coast may require additional environmental review or coastal development permits.
High-Density Urban Codes
Daly City enforces strict setbacks and fire-safety codes due to its dense residential layout.
San Mateo County Integration
While permits are local, certain environmental health permits may involve San Mateo County agencies.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern General Contracting work in Daly City.

Always verify local amendments to the California Building Code with the Daly City Building Division.

State — Floor
CSLB
Active LicenseContractor Bond
County — Overlay
San Mateo County
Environmental HealthWaste Management
City — Where you file
Daly City Building Division
Business LicenseBuilding Permits

Read it bottom-up.

Always verify local amendments to the California Building Code with the Daly City Building Division.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is General Contracting and the jurisdiction is Daly City, California.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
CSLB Class B LicenseRequired for general building
CSLB
Verify with CSLB
Varies
B&P Code 7000
REQUIRED
General LiabilityStandard industry requirement
Private Carrier
Verify with carrier
Immediate
N/A
REQUIRED
Workers' CompRequired if employees present
Private Carrier
Verify with carrier
Immediate
Labor Code 3700
REQUIRED
Building PermitFor structural/mechanical work
Daly City
Verify with City
2-4 weeks
Daly City Municipal Code
REQUIRED
Contractor Bond$25,000 minimum
Surety Company
Verify with agent
Immediate
B&P Code 7071.6
REQUIRED
EPA Lead-SafeFor pre-1978 structures
EPA
Verify with EPA
Varies
40 CFR Part 745
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start General Contracting in Daly City.

A practical floor for Daly City, California. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Daly City, California · General Contracting
CSLB Application FeeInitial license feeVerify with CSLB
Daly City Business LicenseAnnual fee based on revenueVerify with City
Building Permit FeeBased on project valuationVerify with City
Contractor Bond PremiumAnnual costVerify with agent
Workers' Comp InsuranceAnnual premiumVerify with carrier
Plan Check FeeFor complex projectsVerify with City
Year-one floorVaries by project scale
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Permit Fees

Permit fees are calculated based on the total valuation of the project including labor and materials.

Note
Business License

Daly City business license fees are generally calculated based on gross annual receipts.

Note
Insurance

Insurance premiums fluctuate based on your company's claims history and size.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for General Contracting contractors in Daly City.

1
Day 0
License Verification
CSLB
2
Day 1
Business Registration
Daly City
3
Day 5
Permit Application
Daly City Building Div.
4
Day 20
Permit Issuance
Daly City Building Div.
5
Day 21
Construction Start
N/A
6
Day 60
Final Inspection
Daly City Building Div.
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify CSLB Status
Check license expiration and classification.
CSLBComplianceCSLB.ca.gov
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Apply for Business License
Register with Daly City Finance Dept.
LocalTaxDaly City Finance
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Submit Plans
Provide detailed drawings for permit review.
PermitsPlanningDaly City Building Div.
Contractor/ArchitectIssuing authority
04
Obtain Insurance
Secure GL and WC policies.
InsuranceRiskCA Labor Code
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Post Permit
Display the permit card at the job site.
SiteEnforcementDaly City Building Code
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Request Inspection
Call for inspections at each milestone.
InspectionsCloseoutDaly City Building Div.
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Daly City.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unpermitted Work

Performing structural or electrical work without a valid permit.

PenaltyStop-work order and double permit fees
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Missing Safety Equipment

Failure to provide required job site safety gear or GFCI protection.

PenaltyFines and safety violations
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Expired License

Operating with an expired or suspended CSLB license.

PenaltyLegal action and license revocation
§ 07 · Daly City-specific FAQ

Questions General Contracting contractors ask about Daly City.

Q01Do I need a local business license in Daly City?+
Yes, all contractors performing work within city limits must obtain a Daly City Business License.
LicensingDaly CitySource · Daly City Municipal Code
Q02What is the threshold for requiring a contractor's license in California?+
Any project involving labor and materials totaling $500 or more requires a license from the CSLB.
CSLBState LawSource · California Business and Professions Code 7028
Q03How do I schedule an inspection in Daly City?+
Inspections can be scheduled through the Daly City Building Division online portal or by phone.
InspectionsPermitsSource · Daly City Building Division
Q04Are there specific energy codes for Daly City?+
Yes, all projects must adhere to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6).
EnergyComplianceSource · California Energy Commission
Q05Is a bond required for contractors?+
The CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor bond for all active licensees.
BondingCSLBSource · CSLB Licensing Requirements
Q06What happens if I work without a permit?+
Unpermitted work can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and difficulty selling the property later.
EnforcementPermitsSource · Daly City Building Division
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.