Apply for a Planning Permit

We review Planning Permit applications in person at our public service counter before we accept them for processing. We need to confirm you are applying for the correct permits and that you have the right materials. So, getting your application package together is an important place to start.

If you’re still in the beginning stages of designing your project, make sure you:

1. Define your project goals. The type of permits you need depend on what your project is.
2. Check your zoning. Some projects don’t need Planning Permits if they conform to zoning standards.
3. Talk to your neighbors. This is optional. We recommend you reach out to your neighbors about your projects before submitting. Some permits involve public noticing and are appealable.

We also suggest that you contact other local agencies about related requirements early on. Planning is only one step of the development process. You may need permits from other agencies. For projects that need a Planning Permit, use the steps below to submit an application.

1. Fill out the Planning Application Form. 

Fill out the appropriate Permit Application Form depending on the Planning Permit or service you need. 

2. Prepare your application packet.

Double check the Planning Application Submittal Checklist for plans and other special studies or documents you will need to submit with your application.

For most Planning Permits, you need: 

• One hardcopy full-sized set of plans (24 inches by 36 inches)
• One hardcopy reduced-sized set of plans (11 inches by 36 inches).
• One hardcopy of related special studies or documents.

For Subdivisions, you need:

• Eight full-sized hardcopy sets of plans (26 inches by 36 inches)
• One hardcopy reduced-sized set of plans (11 inches by 36 inches).
• One hardcopy of related special studies or documents.

Include all plans and materials in an electronic format on a USB flash drive.

3. Estimate and pay your fees.

We will confirm the fee when we verify your permit type and that all application materials are included.  We collect the fee payment when we accept your application package. Use the Planning Division Fee Schedule to estimate your fees ahead of time. 

We accept the following payment types:

• Cash. Please note that we have limited cashiering in person and may not be able to provide change. 
• Check. This is the preferred payment method. Checks should be made payable to the Marin County Planning Division.
• Credit Card. Credit card payments incur at 2.35% credit card fee.

4. Submit your completed application package in person.

You must submit your application in person at our public service counter. We need to verify your permit type and that your package includes enough information. Once you’re ready, bring your materials to the public service counter 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.

We provide a paid "Pre-submittal Review" service that allows us to review your package virtually through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If we accept your package for intake, we will send you instructions to mail it in. This service is also helpful if you want to make sure you have everything you need to submit, even if you plan to submit in person.

Cost: $135.00

How to request a Pre-submittal Review:  Fill out the Planning Information Request Form and mail it in with your cash or check payment to:

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

If you mail the form in without payment, staff will call you to make a credit card payment over the phone. 

When we receive your form and payment, we assign a staff person who will schedule a meeting with you.

We assign your Planning Permit application to Planning staff. Your assigned Planner will review your application to make sure it has enough information to evaluate the project and make a decision. Once we deem your application is complete, we will issue a decision. Learn more about the Planning Permit review process.