Online Building Permit Service Expands in Marin

Online Building Permit Service Expands in Marin

Those working on minor kitchen or bathroom remodels can get instant results

Reprinted from the County of Marin website - September 26, 2023

San Rafael, CA – Obtaining a building permit from the County of Marin is getting easier. Instant online permitting is now available for minor non-structural remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms. The change streamlines approval for homeowners in unincorporated areas of Marin County.

The online building permit portal – www.marinbuildingpermits.org – is not new; it’s been assisting permit seekers since 2016 for minor residential improvements such as reroofing, window replacements, re-siding, rooftop solar arrays, energy storage systems, and limited maintenance upgrades on single-family homes. Online services from the Community Development Agency (CDA) Building and Safety Division have resulted in approximately 80% of the agency’s total annual permit volume, saving both time and money for homeowners and the County of Marin.

“We anticipate that percentage will increase since we added this self-serve instant option for minor non-structural kitchen and bathroom remodels,” said Deputy CDA Director Bill Kelley. “That is a popular home improvement for Marin property owners, and I imagine it will be well-received. It should be a nice time-saver.”

To qualify, the kitchen and bathroom permits must be for projects of 400 square feet or less. The total of a home’s remodeling projects within a 36-month span must also be 40% or less of the total floor area of the dwelling. Automated software is designed to help calculate those figures for the permit seeker.

The CDA Permit Center and Customer Service Counter remain open to the public for dropping-off or picking-up applications and permits for larger construction projects. Located at the Marin County Civic Center (3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael) in Suite 308 – on the third floor just above the south archway. It is open 8 AM to 4 PM Mondays through Thursdays and Fridays 8 AM to noon. Call (415) 473-6550 or email for assistance.