Building Permits
| Over the Counter Permit Hours for Residential Only: |
| Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (check in by 11:30 am) Please note: For general permit questions, call (415)485-3367. |
You can apply for limited building permits online! It is important to make sure the permit you are applying for is eligible for online purchase. Check out the list below for the types of permits which are eligible; before creating an account and purchasing your permit:
Please Note: With the exception of Commercial Re-roofs; Online permits are intended for Residential Properties only. Items cited on a Residential Resale Report MUST be applied for in person and CANNOT be done online.
Limited Items Include:
Residential Water Heater Replacements (Note: Tank to Tank-less cannot be done online)
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be “tank type” and 50-gallon capacity and under
- Must be installed in existing location
Residential Furnace and A/C Replacements only (Note: New A/C units cannot be done online)
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be installed in existing location
Residential Electrical Service Upgrade (Note: New outlets, rewires, hot tubs, car charges or temporary power cannot be done online)
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be 200 amp maximum
- Must be installed in (or adjacent to) existing location
Residential Resale Reports
- For Single family homes, duplexes, condos. No apartments!
- You must leave a contact name and number
Residential Re-roofs
- For Single family homes, duplexes, condos and apartments
- No rooftop equipment to be removed and replaced
- Only one overlay is allowed
- Roof drains (if applicable) must meet minimum code requirements
- Attic ventilation must be addressed if inadequate
- You must provide a credible valuation for the work
Residential Window Replacements
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Retrofit windows & doors only (does not disturb framing or waterproofing)
- Must meet current energy requirements
- Must meet all other code requirements (Egress tempered where needed, minimum light and ventilation ratios)
- You must provide a credible valuation for the work
Renewable Energy Permits: Solar, Thermal Solar, Energy Storage system (power walls) & Electrical Vehicle (EV) Chargers
Please Note: All Renewable Energy Permits will require plans for submittal. Those documents will need to be attached to your application. Once your application is received it will be reviewed for compliance. This may take up to 7 working days.
Your Solar Panels and thermal plans should include:
- Site plan (including panel locations, Layout and clearances)
- Electrical details
- Manufacture specs
Electrical Vehicle and Energy Storage Systems plans should include:
- Floor plan with device location
- Electrical diagram
- Manufacture specs
Attn Contractors: To apply for these permits you will need to have an account. If you do not already have one please contact the department at 415-485-3096
If you are interested in purchasing a building permit that is not listed above, we offer Over the Counter Permit assistance on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (check in by 11:30 am) for the following types of permits:
- Decks that do not require Planning Design Review
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Accessory structures (used for storage only)
- Hot tubs
- Car charging outlets
- Solar panels
- Thermal heating
- Adding electrical (including temporary power)
- Seismic retrofitting
- Lighting/outlets
Contractors
To purchase limited types of permits as a licensed contractor, login under your business name. If you have ever pulled a permit with our City; your business name should appear in our drop-down list on the login page. (Click here to look for your business name) If you do not find your business name in the drop-down; call (415)485-3367 and ask for login assistance.
Your initial password will be your Contractor’s license number. You will be required to change it when you first login. Check out our detailed contractor login instructions for more information.
Contractors working in our City should have a current City business license for the duration of their job. To apply for or renew a license, please visit www.sanrafaelbusinesslicenses.org.
Homeowner / Realtor / Representative
To purchase limited types of permits; including a Resale Inspection Permit; and you are a homeowner, realtor, or a representative of the homeowner; you will need to create a “public” account. This will be secured by a password that you create. Check out our detailed homeowner login instructions for more information!
Your credit card information is not stored in our system. All credit card purchases are subject to approval of the charges by the bank issuing the credit card. If charges are denied, additional fees may be assessed.