• Permit Improvement Program (PIP)

  • MarinBuildersPIPlogo.jpg
  • What is the Permit Improvement Program (PIP)?

    The Marin Builders Association, in partnership with local Marin jurisdictions, and the Marin Economic Forum launched the first version of the PIP with our Permit Customer Satisfaction Assessment in 2017.  This multi-year program is designed to help improve the permit process for Marin building professionals and property owners. Our ultimate goal is to improve the customer experience and decrease the amount of non-permitted and potentially hazardous construction throughout the North Bay.

    Phase I of the PIP is a data driven measurement, review, and analysis of customers who have recently experienced the permit process. We do this by employing surveys, conducting focus groups and interviews, and researching best practices in other jurisdictions. The end product is a comprehensive report of findings which is then presented to the respective jurisdiction. The final report includes the results of the surveys, focus groups, and best practices. The report also includes recommendations on how to improve procedures, systems, and customer service.

    Phase II (and subsequent phases) includes the re-application of surveys and focus groups as in Phase I and extends to explore internal processes. Data and interview findings are utilized to identify ways to improve the flow of permits and further improve the customer experience.  In addition, there is an optional outreach component that includes the creation and implementation of a customized campaign to highlight the jurisdiction’s efforts and their successes.

    Who has Conducted the Permit Improvement Program (PIP)?

    The City of San Rafael was the first to sign-on to this multi-year program in 2018 and joined again in 2022. 

    The City of Novato and the Town of Tiburon joined the program in 2019.

    The County of Marin signed on in 2020 and again in 2022.

    Our goal is to support the efforts of every municipality in Marin willing to look at the true experience of their customers for potential improvements.

    Do you know a jurisdiction who should join the program?

    Contact us at 415.462.1220

    Reports:

    City of San Rafael : Phase II - Final Report

    City of San Rafael: Phase I - Final Report

     

    County of Marin: Phase II - Final Report

    County of Marin: Phase I - Final Report

     

    City of Novato: Phase I - Final Report (or) Executive Summary

     

    Town of Tiburon: Phase I - Final Report (or) Executive Summary

     

    News about our Permit Improvement (PIP) Program 

    Press:

    County of Marin Begins the PIP process

    San Rafael

    Marin IJ News - San Rafael

    Novato 1 and Novato 2

    Marin IJ News - Novato

    Marin IJ Editorial - Novato

    Tiburon