Instant Building Permit Program Expands In Marin

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Home improvement is getting a little simpler as Marin County rolls out an expanded instant online permitting system for minor remodeling projects in unincorporated areas.

The county's permit portal went online in 2016 to assist residents with maintenance projects, including reroofing, window replacement, solar panel installation, and other small upgrades. The new expansion extends instant permitting to other non-structural projects involving kitchens and bathrooms.

County officials said online permit services have proven popular, accounting for about 80 percent of the Building and Safety Division's total permit volume each year while saving users time and money.

"We anticipate that percentage will increase since we added this self-serve instant option for minor non-structural kitchen and bathroom remodels," said Bill Kelley, deputy director at the Community Development Agency. "That is a popular home improvement for Marin property owners, and I imagine it will be well-received."

The permits will apply to kitchen and bathroom projects covering 400 square feet or less, and a home's total projects cannot exceed 40 percent of the floor area within a three-year span. Online software helps homeowners calculate the figures.

Homeowners who prefer in-person service or need permits for larger projects can still visit the CDA Permit Center and customer service county at the Marin County Civic Center during normal business hours.

>> Learn more about the expanded online permit system here.