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1. How do I get a copy of my plans?

If you want a copy of plans on file with the Town you need to complete this affidavit, get it notarized, submit it to the Building Department and then they will reach out to the design professional to complete this form.

2. How do I know if I need a building permit?

View our understanding the permit process guide Understanding the Permit Process

3. What is required for my kitchen and/or bathroom remodel permit?

1. Existing and proposed floor plan with dimensions about the remodeled area. Partial floor plan is allowed, but plan must show adjacent rooms/areas. Show all the proposed work on the plan. Call out any appliances or fixtures to be removed or replaced. For new water fixtures, please complete the Town’s Water Conservation form, available on the Forms page

2. If walls are being demolished, then show the existing framing layout to determine if the wall is bearing or non-bearing. Engineering may be required if the walls are bearing.

3. The plans must meet 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), 2022 California Mechanical Code (CMC), 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC), 2022 California Plumbing Code (CPC), 2022 California Energy Code (CEnC), 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen), and the California Civil Code. Contact the Building inspector for any questions or additional information, including requirements for new/altered plumbing (water, sewer, or gas lines) or mechanical (exhaust hood).

4. What is required for my retaining wall permit?

If your proposed retaining wall is less than 4ft tall measured from the base of the footing to the top, usually a permit is not required, and may be built per the Marin County Uniform Construction Standards.

If your proposed retaining wall is greater than 4ft tall measured from the base of the footing to the top, please provide the following:

1. A Site Plan, fully dimensioned, showing the location, extent, and height of the retaining wall in relation to any building, structure, pool, property lines and public utility easements.
2. Detail(s) showing complete construction details with dimensions of the retaining wall. Detail(s) are to be wet stamped and signed by a California registered civil or structural engineer. For segmental gravity retaining walls, the detail(s) must clearly identify the block manufacturer, block type, drainage requirements, and maximum wall height.
3. Structural Calculations wet stamped and signed by a California registered civil or structural engineer (or standardized engineering calculations and ICC ES Evaluation Report for applicable segmental gravity retaining walls). 
4. A Soils Report and engineer’s conformance letter may be required.

5. What is required for my Deck, Stairs, Guardrail, and/or Landing permit?

1. Site Plan showing existing building footprint and the location of new/reconstructed deck/porch/stair with distances to property lines. The site plan shall also contain project information [i.e., title block, project address, owner’s information, scope of work statement).

2. Framing Plan showing size, spacing and span of floor joists and supporting beams/ girders.

3. Foundation Plan showing location, size and depth of supporting individual footings/ piers. Foundation and framing plans can be combined if clarity is maintained.

4. Construction Sections/Details of footings/piers, framing, connections, floor transitions, stairs, guardrails and handrails. Materials used must be provided.

5. If the structure is not designed per the California Residential Code, an engineer’s structural calculations are required. 

6. If the structure is in the WUI, the walking surface material of decks, porches, balconies and stairs shall be Ignition-resistant material, Non-combustible material, or Materials passing performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-4A.

6. What is the fence height limit?

See Planning Department FAQ for fences

It depends on the location of the property and the location of the fence on the site. See Zoning Code Minor Exceptions Table 4B. Please contact us with an address for more information:

• Most fences can be up to 6 feet tall with a 2 foot lattice top (for a total height of 8 feet). However, there are many exceptions to this height limit.
• All fences over 7 feet tall require a Building Permit from the Building Department.
• All fences in a public right-of-way require an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department.
• Fences located within 20 feet of a front property line or within 12 feet of a street side yard property line require a Fence Permit from the Public Works Department. These fences may be limited in height and/or required to be transparent.  
• Fences in the Bald Hill Area have special design requirements and may be required to be transparent or allow corridors for animal movement. 
• Properties with rear frontages on Center Blvd and Red Hill Avenue have special height limits and may be limited to 6 feet tall, or may be up to 10 feet tall with a 2 foot lattice top.

Fence height limits

7. What are the approved hours for construction in the town?

Construction, demolition and the operation of miscellaneous noise sources such as vehicle back-up alarms, power saws and other similar noise sources are allowed during the following times:                            

               Monday through Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;                            

               Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;                            

               Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.                            

               Work hours may be extended until 8:00 p.m. for homeowners or residents working alone on their own property

 California Municipal Code 

Bald Hill Construction Hours:

Construction, demolition and the operation of miscellaneous noise sources such as vehicle back-up alarms, power saws and other similar noise sources are allowed during the following times: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

See the Bald Hill page for more information.