Please note the time change of San Rafael Regular City Council Meetings to commence at 6:00 p.m. 

**ATTN CUSTOMERS** Effective 1/1/2023 all Building Permits issued after this date will be valid for 2 years.  Minor permits such as water heater & furnaces, etc. will be valid for 180 days only.    If your permit is not Finaled by the expiration date you will need to pay a renewal fee.  

Please note:  these permits generally do not need plan review, with a few exceptions and are considered minor permits.  If your project is larger in scope than what is listed here you will need to proceed to Permits Requiring Plan Review.

Anyone can apply for a permit online, but if this is your first time applying, you will need to create a user account.
Property owners, Architects, Agents, etc:  You can create an account in the permitting portal  Here
Contractors:  To apply for permits you will need to be logged into your account.  To request an account click here if you do not already have one.

Minor Permits include the following:

          Permit Type Plumbing Online

  • C/O water heater 100-gallon capacity and under
  • C/O tank-less water heater
  • New tank-less water heater
    New Tankless Water Heater installation requires a gas schematic to be submitted with your permit for review.  This permit will not be issued until a review of your plans has been completed. 
  • Replace water line
  • Replace sewer/drain line
    Sewer/Drain Line permits will  only include sewer/drain line work in or under the structure and up to 3ft outside the structure wall.  All work outside of the 3ft boundary will need an additional permit with the local sanitation district .   This permit will also NOT include any change to plumbing fixture or remodel work. 

Furnace and A/C Replacements, New A/C units,  Ducting  & Exhaust Fans

            Permit Type Mechanical Online (Residential & Commercial)

  • C/O of Furnace, A/C units and Ducting.  (must be in same location)
  • New A/C units.
    A Site Plan will be required for all new A/C Units showing location of unit and distance from property line and neighbors windows and Decibel Ratings for the unit to be installed.  This permit will not be issued until a review of your plans has been completed. 
  • Exhaust fan installation  (Residential Only)
    All Commercial Mechanical work will require plans to be submitted with your application.  This permit will not be issued until a review of your plans has been completed. 

Residential Electrical Service Upgrade & Minor Electrical Up Grades

(Note:   All other electrical work  refer to Permits Requiring Plan Review    Renewable Energy  or Generators )

            Permit Type Electrical Online

  • Main service panel
  • Sub-panels (New & change outs)
  • Minor Electrical Work  (lighting, outlets and misc. wiring  ONLY).
    A plan will be required for Minor Electrical work.  This work is also not part of a larger remodel project, electrical vehicle charger,  solar or a commercial project.  This permit will not be issued until a review  of your plans has been completed.

            Re-roofs 

            Permit Type Re-roof Online

  • 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
  • For Condo’s use the common area address when applying.  If you have questions call the division at 415-485-3367

Window Replacements Only   (Windows requiring a new opening to be cut will refer to Permits Requiring Plan Review

            Permit Type Window and Door Change Out Online

  • 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

Residing Permits

          Permit Type Residing Online

  • For Condo’s use the common area address when applying.  If you have questions call the division at 415-485-3367
  • If structural repairs are needed and there are plans to review please see Permits Requiring Plan Review for permitting.
  • You must provide a credible valuation for the work

Encroachment Permits are needed for the following: 

  • Driveway Repair
  • Landscaping near sidewalk
  • Debris Boxes placed on the right of way.
  • Storage containers (i.e. PODS) placed on the right of way.
  • And many more. For additional information click HERE.
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