Thinking About Starting a Project at Your House or Business?
We have compiled a list of helpful resources to help you get started in the right place before you begin your project. The County of Marin has excellent resources online for any project. Below are links to county and state agencies that regulate land-use and development in coastal Marin County.
This page includes resources and information from the County of Marin at the top of the page and other state agencies at the bottom including the California Coastal Commission and Regional and State Water Board. The information below is applicable to the unincorporated areas of Marin County, as cities and towns have different policies, regulations, and permit processes. Check what jurisdiction you live in here.
County of Marin
COUNTY OF MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CDA) is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing healthy, safe, and equitable communities. The CDA includes multiple departments including; Planning, Building and Safety, Environmental Health Services, Sustainability, Environmental Review, Housing, Federal Grants, Mapping, and Code Compliance. Departments highlighted below focus on development, land use, and permitting.
COUNTY OF MARIN JURISDICTIONS: Knowing which local government agency’s jurisdiction you live helps to expedite any assistance you are seeking and provide direction for a wide range of questions. Marin County is comprised of 11 incorporated town and city jurisdictions, and 456.89 square miles of unincorporated area under the jurisdiction of the County of Marin.
PLANNING & building
PLANNING DIVISION
The Planning Division of the Community Development Agency (CDA) promotes sustainability by regulating land use and real estate development. The Planning Division is responsible for writing planning policies and codes, and reviewing applications for various development permits, use permits, and subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of Marin County, California.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Information on CDA including: long-range planning; zoning and property information; applications fees and resources; projects under review; boards, commissions and public hearings; and plans, policies, and regulations.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Information on permits, building requirements, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Forms and Applications, Inspections, Permits and Fees, Architectural Commission.
GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
New state and local green building requirements went into place on January 1, 2020. If you were issued a permit prior to this date, then you are using past building requirements. For current projects after January 1, 2020, please use the current guides and checklists to comply with Title 19 Marin County Building Code, Subchapter 2 – Green Building Requirements.
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS FOR CONTRACTORS
If you are a general, plumbing, HVAC, or insulation contractor, you can take advantage of training resources to expand your knowledge base and skill sets and participate in rebate programs to grow your business. If you have any questions about the programs and resources listed below, feel free to call the County at (415) 473-2698 or email energy@marincounty.org.
DEVELOPMENT AND PERMIT FACT SHEETS
A resource drafted by the County to respond to some of the most frequently asked questions.
TREE REMOVAL FACT SHEET
A Tree Removal Permit is required for the removal of trees in the following instances: • More than two (2) “Protected Trees” are being removed from a developed lot in a 12-month period; • The tree qualifies as a “Heritage Tree”; • The tree is a “Protected Tree” or “Heritage Tree” and is located in a Stream Conservation Area or a Wetland Conservation Area; • Any removal of “Protected Trees” on a vacant lot; and, • The trees proposed for removal do not qualify for an exemption under Section 22.62.040 of the Marin County Code. The Native Tree Protection and Preservation ordinance does not apply to properties located in the coastal zone, and a Coastal Permit may instead be required for the removal of trees and vegetation.
PERMIT SEARCH & MAPPING
Do you have questions about a property or wondering if development in your neighborhood is permitted?
Start Here! Use the Marin County GIS / Mapping tool to find the parcel number of the property. Use that parcel number to look up past and current permits.
MARIN COUNTY GIS / MAPPING
The County of Marin Geographic Information System (GIS) section creates and maintains a variety of applications, digital map databases and maps. GIS is a computer-based technology that digitizes, stores, organizes, analyzes and displays maps of anything that can be represented graphically. The mapped entities have “real world” coordinates directly tied to the earth’s surface, enabling easy viewing of the spatial relationship among mapped features.
MARIN COUNTY CURRENT PERMIT LOOK UP
Mapping platform for community members to view building permits and inspections by property or permit number. ** Note: This site indicates it is updated monthly. Some permits may not be listed. When in doubt, you can contact the County for assistance directly.
MARIN COUNTY RECORDS SEARCH
The CDA stores and makes available project information and permit history that may be helpful for property owners, business owners, and others doing research or considering a project. Includes Environmental Health Services, Building and Safety, and Planning.
** Note: Not all records have been scanned. When in doubt, contact the County and you can make an appointment to search records directly if needed.
PERMIT CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS
Most development projects within the coastal zone require a Coastal Permit. However, the Coastal Commission has granted “categorical exclusions” to the County of Marin allowing certain categories of development to not require a Coastal Permit. Qualifying categories are within select geographical areas and subject to specific criteria, which are further described in the panels below. If your project is eligible for an exclusion from CP requirements, you will need to obtain a Coastal Permit Exclusion from the County prior to issuance of building, septic, or well permits.
code compliance
The CDA code compliance program ensures adherence with the County's laws and regulations related to zoning, construction, and environmental health. Use this link to report problems or concerns you have with potentially unpermitted development in your neighborhood.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
WELLS AND WATER SYSTEMS
WELLS AND WATER SYSTEMS
Environmental Health Services strives to protect public health and safety by employing a preventive approach to assure that groundwater will not be contaminated with chemicals and/or bacteria. This approach includes the review and approval of permits for the drilling and construction of water wells, environmental monitoring wells, cathodic protection wells, and explorative soil borings.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
SEPTIC AND GRAYWATER SYSTEMS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) commonly referred to as septic systems should be managed to protect the public from disease and to protect ground and surface water resources from contamination. The primary function of an OWTS is to treat, reduce, or eliminate contaminants to reduce the threat to public health and the environment.
GRAYWATER SYSTEMS
Graywater is water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, and laundry tubs. Graywater does not include waste water from toilets, urinals, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, photo lab sinks, or water from soiled diapers. It is not reclaimed water distributed through “purple pipes.” Graywater can be diverted from the sewer or septic system and used for landscape irrigation and constructed wetlands.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING RESOURCES
SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainability Team works to support healthy, safe and sustainable communities while preserving Marin’s unique environmental heritage. The team has developed programs to promote renewable energy, address climate change, encourage green building, recognize green businesses and implement energy efficiency projects in County schools, special districts and cities and towns. These policies and programs will ensure that the County of Marin is healthy, vibrant and sustainable for many generations into the future.
GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
New State and local green building requirements went into place on January 1, 2020. If you were issued a permit prior to this date, then you are using past building requirements. For current projects after January 1, 2020, please use the current guides and checklists to comply with Title 19 Marin County Building Code, Subchapter 2 – Green Building Requirements.
LOW-CARBON CONCRETE REQUIREMENTS
Through a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and in partnership with stakeholders from across the region, the County of Marin has developed practical requirements for the composition of concrete that maintains adequate strength and durability for the intended application and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Marin Green Business Program is a voluntary partnership among business leaders, government agencies and non-profit organizations. We recognize and promote businesses that demonstrate continuous compliance with applicable environmental regulations, conserve energy, water, and other materials, implement sound environmental practices that prevent pollution and waste generation, and share environmentally responsible practices with other businesses in our community.
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS FOR CONTRACTORS
If you are a general, plumbing, HVAC, or insulation contractor, you can take advantage of training resources to expand your knowledge base and skill sets and participate in rebate programs to grow your business. If you have any questions about the programs and resources listed below, feel free to call our office at (415) 473-2698 or email energy@marincounty.org.
SUSTAINABLE incentive programs
SUSTAINABILITY
Residential and commercial programs and incentives for sustainable development.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS
Whether you have already started making home sustainability improvements or are just getting started, these programs can help you on your journey to a more efficient and comfortable home. This page features information on sustainability rebate, financing, direct-install, and technical assistance programs available in Marin County.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS
Small to medium sized businesses have access to project support and financial incentives for doing energy efficiency improvements through the Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the Marin County Energy Watch Partnership. Eligible projects include lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration energy efficiency improvements.
ELECTRIFY MARIN
The County of Marin is offering rebates to single family property owners for the replacement of natural gas appliances with efficient all-electric units, including water heaters, furnaces, ranges and cooktops. Replacing natural gas appliances with electric models will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality, and make your home a safer environment.
MARIN SOLAR PROGRAM
The Marin Solar Program can help you begin the process of evaluating whether the installation of a solar system is suitable for your home or business.
MARIN WATER REBATE PROGRAM
Marin Water offers free water-efficient fixtures including hose shutoff nozzles, faucet aerators, showerheads, shower timers and leak detection dye tablets. We also provide free phone consultations to help you find the conservation programs and rebates that work best for you. Call 415.945.1523 or email Conservation@MarinWater.org to request fixtures or schedule a consultation.
NORTH MARIN WATER DISTRICT
North Marin Water District has taken measures in both the Novato and West Marin Services Areas to preserve water supply during this drought by enacting Emergency Water Conservation Ordinances, with water use reduction goals based on water waste and non-essential water use prohibitions.
State of California
The State of California regulates development activities to protect habitat and ensure public health and safety. Below are some of state agencies and links to permits and application information.
COASTAL COMMISSION AND
LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination.
LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAMS (LCPS)
The basic planning tools used by local governments to guide development in the coastal zone, in partnership with the Coastal Commission. LCPs contain the ground rules for future development and protection of coastal resources in the 76 coastal cities and counties. The Commission’s coastal permitting authority over most new development is transferred to the local government, which applies the requirements of the LCP in reviewing proposed new developments. The Commission retains permanent coastal permit jurisdiction over development proposed on tidelands, submerged lands, and public trust lands, and the Commission also acts on appeals from certain local government coastal permit decisions.
MARIN COUNTY LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM
The LCP is a planning document that identifies the location, type, densities, and other ground rules for future development in the coastal zone. Each LCP includes a land use plan and its implementing measures. These programs govern decisions that determine the short and long term conservation and use of coastal land, water, and other resources.
COASTAL COMMISSION ENFORCEMENT
The Enforcement Program works to ensure that all non-exempt development along the California coast, including in certain coastal mountains, undergoes the Act’s independent permit review process and secures the required Coastal Development Permit (CDP). The Commission's Enforcement Program also works to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions of CDPs previously issued by the Commission. In certain cases, the enforcement program also helps to enforce compliance with the Local Coastal Programs of local coastal governments and the Coastal Act.
REPORT A VIOLATION:
North Central District: San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma County.
Jo Ginsberg, Enforcement Officer
Pat Veesart, Northern CA Supervisor (415) 904-5269
STATE AND REGIONAL WATER
CONTROL BOARD
STATE WATER BOARD
The Water Board works to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. The State Water Board works in coordination with the nine Regional Water Boards to preserve, protect, enhance, and restore water quality. The State Water Board sets statewide water quality standards, issues statewide general permits, conducts statewide surface and groundwater monitoring and assessment, and issues orders for cleaning up contaminated sites.
DISTRICT 2: SF REGIONAL WATER BOARD
The State and Regional Water Boards also work with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as other environmental agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to protecting human health and the environment.
REGIONAL WATERBOARD PERMIT INFORMATION
Permits issued by the Water Board put restrictions on discharges of wastes, such as concentrations of certain pollutants, or the amount of flow. Permits can also require dischargers to take certain kinds of actions; for example, installing certain technologies to treat or contain wastes, or implementing practices to manage stormwater.
401 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
This Program is responsible for regulating discharges of dredged or fill material to waters of the state. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) (collectively Water Boards) have the authority to regulate these discharges under section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne).
ARE WE MISSING SOMETHING? IS A LINK BROKEN?
Please use our issue reporting form to help us keep this community resource up to date. You will need to submit your contact information so we can follow up with you if we have questions. Thank you for your help to keep this resource up to date for our community!
