About building permits

Unincorporated Marin?

Try this link to see if your property is in unincorporated Marin. If yes, keep reading here!

A building permit is a document we issue to allow you to make certain types of changes to your property.

We enforce building codes with permits because we want you to live in a safe space.

We have zoning guidelines that maintain the quality of your community too. These guidelines look at the size and location of your project.

Zoning and safe building practices maintain good home values for you and your neighbors.

Some minor repairs and some small projects do not need a permit.

Large parcels in rural areas can sometimes have fewer permit requirements.

Not sure? It’s smart to check with us.

See “Do I need a permit?” to learn about projects that don't need a permit.

Some permits are simpler to get than others. You start the process online.

Try some of the pages below to get a good start.

Do I need a building permit?
A listing of projects that do not need a building permit.
How to apply for a building permit
Understand which permit process applies to you. We have 2 processes depending on what you need.
Estimate your building permit costs
Costs associated with applying for a building permit in the County of Marin.
Complicated permit application? We can help.
Try our voluntary pre-submittal review process.
Unincorporated Marin
An explanation of the term "unincorporated Marin" and how to determine areas that fit this description.