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1. What do I need an encroachment permit for?

For all construction activities that take place within the public right of way (i.e., the streets and sidewalks). In addition, encroachment permits are required for non-construction activities within the public right of way including:

• Construction-related storage on the street including placement of temporary toilet facilities


• Placement of a debris box on the street


• Temporary street closures


• Temporary no parking postings

2. When do I need a fence permit?

A separate permit (click here to apply) review by Public Works is required for the installation of any fence, privacy wall and/or solid opaque screen planting located within 20 feet of the front property line or within 12 feet of a street side yard property line fronting a street and if it is 6 feet or higher. 

San Anselmo Municipal Code link here (10-3.402 table 4B footnote 3). 

See Fence Permit Diagram for more info.

See the Public Works - Forms and Permit page for more information and updates: HERE

3. How does the Town decide which streets are going to be paved?

The Town contracts every three years with an independent engineer to do a rating of every street in town. The resulting rating is called the PCI or Pavement Condition Index and is required by state law. A low rating means a street's pavement is in very bad condition, while a high number indicates the street is in good condition. The ratings go from 1 to 100. Streets are selected by the Public Works Director for treatment based upon their PCI rating, and reviewed by the Capital Program Monitoring Committee each year. The Committee then makes recommendations to the Town Council regarding the capital plan for the upcoming year.

Click HERE to apply for all permits

4. Do I need a permit to cut a tree?

A permit is required to remove or significantly prune any heritage tree, any tree on undeveloped property and any street tree.  A heritage tree is defined as a tree with a diameter at breast height (dbh = 4.5 feet above grade) of 22 inches. A permit is required to remove any tree on undeveloped property with a dbh of 7 inches. Pruning is defined as, and limited to, removal of less than 25% of the tree's foliage. An arborist’s report and photograph of the tree(s) are required prior to this application being complete. Application must include at least one photo showing the context of the tree or application may be deemed incomplete. NOTE: Acacia, Eucalyptus, Plum, Privet and Monterey Pine trees are considered nuisance trees and do not require a permit to remove. (S.A.M.C. Sections 4-9 & 4-13) Tree Supplemental Questionnaire required.

Tree Supplemental Questionnaire

Tree Replacement Criteria

Click HERE to apply for a permit

5. Am I responsible for the trees & sidewalks in front of my house?

Yes!

6. When can I use my leaf blower?

Leaf Blower & Landscape Equipment Information
As of June 1, 2023, the use of electric (either battery- operated or corded) landscape equipment will be required for residents, Town staff and Town contractors.
(adoption of Ordinance # 1173)

Starting January 1, 2024, the use of electric landscape equipment will be required for commercial landscapers as well.

Covered equipment includes, but is not limited to: leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers, pole saws, chainsaws, and mowers.
Chainsaws with blades or blade attachments 18 inches or longer and brush cutters are exempted.

Allowed Hours of Operation
The hours of operation have been updated to be in line with other Marin County cities and towns. The new hours of operation are:
•    Monday through Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (7:00 am to 5:00 pm for multi-unit and non-residential properties)
•    Saturday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
•    Sundays and Holidays - no leaf blower use allowed

Enforcement
Starting on June 1, 2023 and through December 1, 2023, any resident using gas-powered leaf blowers and other gas powered landscape equipment will be issued a warning letter explaining the new regulations per Ordinance 1173.
After December 1, 2023, if a warning letter was already issued, a $100 citation will be issued. If additional violations are reported and confirmed, increasing citations of $200 - $500 may be issued.  
Starting January 1, 2024, the use of electric landscape equipment will be required and enforced for commercial landscapers as well.

More information is available on our Landscape Equipment webpage.