Do I need a building permit?

Sheds, playhouses, and similar detached accessory structures, as long as they are:

• 1-story and detached 
• Non-habitable (no one lives in them)
• 120 square feet or less
• Comply with zoning regulations

Large tool sheds, workshops, or horse stalls, as long as they are:

• In a rural area located on property of 1 acre or more
• 300 square feet or less
• Comply with zoning regulations

Swings and other playground equipment, as long as they are:

• Part of (accessory to) detached 1- and 2-family homes
• 15 feet high or lower (if they are higher than that, you will need a permit from the Planning Division)

Small, shallow premade swimming pools that are:

• Less than 24 inches deep
• 5,000 gallons or less
• Installed entirely above ground
• Accessory to a single family dwelling (SFD)

Fences that are 7 feet high or lower

• Fences exceeding 6’-0” (6 feet) in height still require a Planning Division permit.
• Building a fence in a rural area located on property of 1 acre or more?  You may not need any permit for your fence if you meet all zoning regulations. 

Sidewalks and driveways:

• not subject to wheelchair mobility requirements
• not more than 30 inches above the surrounding ground
• not built over a basement or accessible space

Shade cloth structures for:

• gardens and nurseries
• agricultural purposes
• and not connected to a building or used as a carport

Retaining walls 4 feet high or lower and: 

• not supporting sloped earth
• not supporting earth with heavy loads (like cars)

Water tanks of 5,000 gallons or less and:

• on level ground
• the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1

Finish work

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting

cabinets, counter tops

Moveable fixtures

cases, racks

counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches tall

Window awnings

Attached to a single family dwelling (SFD) and utility occupancies (U) that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

If the project you want to build is not listed above, you probably do need to apply for a building permit. Contact us if you are unsure.

Title 22 Marin County Development Code

Title 19 Marin County Building Code