Skip to main content

Get Planning Division Help

Contact us! We provide a variety of complimentary and fee-based informational services to help you with Planning-related questions.

Considering an addition to your home? Wondering if you need a Planning Permit for a new building on your property? Have a quick question about your planning permit application? 

Our Planning Customer Service Team consists of rotating Planning Division staff. We can help!

Complimentary Informational Services

Are you in the beginning stages of your project? Do you have a quick or general question?

Walk-in Service. You can get help right away at our public service counter during business hours – no appointment needed. Walk-in service is on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s important to note that you need to submit your Planning Permit Application in person. You can do this during walk-in service.

Phone Service. We also provide general information over the phone. When you call during regular business hours, your call is assigned to the team member on duty. The Team Member will return your call within 24 to 48 hours.

Call Us at: 415-473-6269. Dial 711 for CA Relay.

Visit Us at:

Community Development Agency
Planning Division
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308
San Rafael, CA 94903

Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

If you are not able to contact the Planning Division by phone or in person due to a disability, you may request an accommodation by calling 415-473-4381 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by emailing the Disability Access program. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.

 

Fee-Based Informational Services

Do you have lots of questions that need a deeper dive with our team? We provide additional services for your needs that go beyond a walk-in session. Here are the different services and when you might want to use one. 

Planning Division Information Services
Service Type Cost Service Provided
Planning Information Packet $316

Use this service to get a summary of a property's permit history and copies of final Planning Permit decisions.

Anyone can apply.
Planning Consultation $372

This service pays for:

  • a one-hour meeting with staff to answer Planning-related questions only.
  • one-hour of time for staff to prepare for your meeting.

Use this service to:

  • get help understanding zoning rules and site constraints for potential projects
  • get a "substantial conformance" determination for changes you want to make to an approved Planning Permit.

Anyone can apply.
Pre-application starting at $3,006

Use this service for larger projects like subdivisions or housing projects. It provides:

  • More in-depth research on our rules as it relates to your  project. 
  • Comments from other agencies to include in the report.
  • A written report on our rules, permit requirements, and environmental review needs.
     

This service requires property owner authorization.
Pre-submittal Plan Review $135

Use this service to:

  • Get a zoom meeting with staff to review your Planning Permit application package for submittal instead of in-person. 
  • Refine your submittal package, even if you plan on submitting in person. We review your package before you submit and give you a list on what your package is missing.

Anyone can apply.
 
General Planning Services Account starting at $1,212

Use this service to:

  • Open an account for help that goes beyond the limited scope of our public service counter.
  • Ask your assigned staff questions on a retainer basis.

Anyone can apply.
 

How to submit a Planning Information Request

To request a fee-based service like a Planning Consultation, submit a Planning Information Request Form.

  1. Download and fill out the form.

  2. Mail it or bring it in person to:
    Community Development Agency
    Planning Division
    3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308
    San Rafael, CA 94903

    Hours
    Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  3. Pay the fee by cash, check, or credit card when you submit the form. Credit card payments incur a 2.35% credit card fee. If you mail the form in without payment, staff will call you to make a credit card payment over the phone.

Related

Page updated May 16, 2024