What we do
The Community Development Agency is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing healthy, safe, and equitable communities.
CDA Highlights
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Tam Junction
Content textTam Junction Placemaking Study for community and economic vitality.
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West Marin Visioning
Content textThe West Marin Visioning initiative is a community-driven effort to define a shared, long-term vision for the future of West Marin.
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Septic Regulations Update
Content textUpdating the County’s Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) plan for septic systems.
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DIRECTOR BULLETIN No. 1: ADU Legalization and Septic Review
Content textCDA is making it easier for homeowners to legalize existing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) safely and responsibly.
Popular services
- How to apply for a building permit
- Find zoning designations and basic property information
- Short Term Rentals
- See a restaurant’s inspection results
- Get information on housing and funding for projects
- Learn about accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Learn about home electrification
- Beach water quality information
- Latest beach samples map
- Create emergency temporary housing under Marin's Shelter Crisis
Building in Marin
- Get a planning permit New projects and businesses sometimes need more than a building permit or business license. Learn more about when you need a Planning Permit and how to apply.
- Learn about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) Learn about the benefits of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the design, building, and planning process.
- How to apply for a building permit Understand which permit process applies to you. We have 2 processes depending on what you need.
- Schedule an inspection for your building permit Building and Safety Division inspections are required by your permit.
- Active Planning Permit Applications Get information on discretionary Planning Permit applications currently under review. Search for an application by geographic location.
- Look up an existing building permit Want to know the permit status of a current building project in your neighborhood? Search by location, permit number, and more.
- Major Housing Projects Stay informed on major housing projects (5 units or more), from initial review to final construction.
- Self-service permits for properties with septic systems The Environmental Health Services (EHS) division of the Marin County Community Development agency is streamlining the building permit process for property owners with septic systems.
Information for residents
- Find zoning designations and basic property information Get zoning designations and basic information for properties in the unincorporated areas of Marin County.
- Jurisdiction Search Tool Use this tool to identify which jurisdiction a property is located within.
- Learn about Code Compliance and how to file code complaints. The Code Compliance Division investigates and resolves alleged violations related to zoning, construction, and environmental health codes.
- Search for records Search for permit history and other archived county documents.
- Housing help Find resources to help you locate or maintain housing.
- Helping with medical waste How to dispose of sharps, lancets, and unwanted or no longer needed medication.
- Beach water quality information Weekly testing results available April through October each year.
- Short Term Rentals Learn about Short Term Rentals (STR) in unincorporated Marin County.
- Septic Regulations Update (LAMP) Regulating and managing onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).
Funds for your project
Environment
- Green building requirements Get green building checklists for to improve your construction projects.
- Environmental Review Learn more about projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- How sea level rise affects you Learn about the impact of a shrinking coastline.
- Climate Action Plan Learn how we plan to address the challenges of climate to the year 2030.
Restaurants and food facilities
- Learn about mobile food facilities Permits, fees and operational requirements for a mobile food business.
- Understand the reusable foodware ordinance A new local ordinance for dine-in and take-out food facilities.
- Starting a food business in Marin County Learn about the types of permits available to sell food in Marin County