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Permit Application Process
**Please confirm the address is located in the City of Mill Valley and NOT in an Unincorporated area of Mill Valley, Check Address Here **
Licensed & Unlicensed Professionals
Contractors, Architects and other Designers must apply for permits online using a professional user account. To request a professional user account, please provide the following information to the Building Department at building@cityofmillvalley.org.
- Your State License Number
- Name of Company
- Your office mailing address (this is available to the public on our website)
- Phone number
- Email address
If you are an unlicensed design professional, please provide answers for items 2 through 5 and let us know you are unlicensed.
Please Note: New accounts may take up to 7 business days to create.
Permit application steps
- Request a user account (if you do not already have one).
- Apply for your permit online.
- Plans submittal - Most plans will be submitted via Dropbox transfer request. You will be sent a link once your application has been reviewed, usually within one week.
- Plans review - See the table below for review times.
- Approval/Issuance
Property Owners
To apply for a permit as the property owner, please complete the following forms and email them to the Building Department at building@cityofmillvalley.org.
- Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Owner/Builder Declaration Form (PDF)
- Owner/Builder Verification Form (PDF)
Permit application steps
- Submit your application and Owner-Builder documents.
- Prepare your submittal package - Most projects will require plans of some kind. You may receive specific directions for your submittal. Omissions or errors in compliance may cause delays.
- Plans submittal - Most plans will be submitted via Dropbox transfer request. You will be sent a link once your application has been reviewed, usually within one week.
- Plans review - See the table below for review times.
- Approval/Issuance - You may receive detailed instructions prior to issuance.
Review Time Frames by Permit Type
Please note, we will not provide status updates if your review is within the time frames listed below. We will communicate with the applicant until the permit is issued. If you are not the applicant and are interested in the status of the application, please contact the applicant for updates.
| Type / Classification of Permit | Review Times |
|---|---|
Minor Permits | 7-10 Business Days |
Non-Structural Residential Remodels | 3 Week Minimum |
Renewable Energy | 2 Weeks Minimum |
Generators | 2 Weeks Minimum |
Plan Check Residential & Commercial | 6 Week Minimum |
Revisions to Existing Permits | 3 Week Minimum |
Non-Structural Remodels
We require plans for review and approval. Please review our handouts, below, for additional information. You will apply for permit type, Plan Check Residential.
Permit application steps
- Submit your application.
- Prepare your submittal package - Please refer to the handouts below and ensure that your plans are prepared in compliance with all requirements and guidelines provided. Omissions or errors in compliance may cause delays.
- Plans submittal - Most plans will be submitted via Dropbox transfer request, usually sent within one week of receipt of application.
- Plans review - See the table above for review times.
- Corrections - Once you return any required changes, your plans will be reviewed. Please allow one week for second reviews.
- Approval/Issuance - Upon approval, please allow one week for your plans to be prepared for issuance. You may receive detailed instructions prior to issuance.
Additional Resources:
Kitchen and Bath Handout (PDF)
Egress Windows (PDF)
Shower Enclosures (PDF)
Curbless Shower Pans (PDF)
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (PDF)
Waste Management Form (PDF)
Apply Online Here
Renewable Energy
All Renewable Energy Permits require plans for submittal. You will receive a request for plans, usually within one week of application date.
All applications for renewable energy permits should include:
- Site plan (including EV charger or panel locations, layout, and clearances)
- Electrical details
- Manufacture's specifications
Additional Resources:
Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PDF)
Apply Online Here
Generators
Portable generators that operate with extension cords and are not permanently attached to a structure do not require a permit. You must apply for a permit for a permanently installed generator. All generators are subject to the City’s noise limits. Please reference the documents below to create a complete submittal package and ensure that your submittal conforms to all the following requirements.
Submittals Will Include:
Site Plan
- Show all property lines and structures
- Show distance of unit to property lines and neighboring bedroom windows
- See Zoning Information for setback requirement
Noise Calculations
- Please use this link to demonstrate decibal levels at the property lines. You will include a screenshot of your results with your submittal.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Must contain decibel ratings for unit and the distance at which the decibals are measured
- Must contain installation instructions, including details how the unit will be permanently installed
Electrical Information
- Show modifications to be made to existing electrical service and connection to the unit
- Provide electrical line diagram showing all conduits and conductors (number, size, and distance), transfer switches, panels, equipment, and loads
Gas Schematic, Where Applicable
- Required when connecting to your existing Natural Gas System
Additional Items if Applicable
- Product documentation for any noise reducing measures or products that may be added to the unit.
Resources
Apply Online Here
Plan Check Residential & Commercial
Once you have applied online, we will review your application and send you a Dropbox transfer request to upload your plans and any supporting documents required for review. If your plans receive corrections or additional information is needed you will receive a plan check review report upon the completion of the initial review.
Plan Check Residential application are used for the following types of projects:
- New Single-Family Dwellings
- New ADU Units (Accessory Dwelling Units)
- Remodels
- Additions
- Demolition Permit's (full and partial)
- Residential Repairs
- Decks
- Garage and Accessory Structures
- Retaining Walls
- Swimming Pools
- Fences
- Hot Tubs
Plan Check Commercial applications are used for the following types of projects:
- New Commercial Buildings
- Tenant Improvements
- Signs
- Commercial Pools
- Apartment Remodels/ Repairs
- Mixed Use Buildings Remodels/ Repairs
Resources
- Plan Review Checklist
- Residential & Commercial Submittal Requirements
- ADU Submittal Requirements
- Sample Plot Plan
- Demolition (Full & Partial)
- 1 Hour Fire Resistive Wall Assemblies
- Sample Gas Pipe Calculation
- Approved Special Inspectors List
- CALGreen Requirements & Resources:
Apply Online Here
Revisions to Existing Permits
To submit a revision to your permit, please email a revision transmittal to Athena Langdon, Permit Services Coordinator, at alangdon@cityofmillvalley.org, using the address and permit number as a subject.
Your transmittal will include the address, permit number of the project, and a description of the revisions, e.g. reduced/ expanded scope of work, exterior impacts, structural changes, etc.
Once we have have reviewed your transmittal, you will receive a Dropbox transfer request for your revised plans and accompanying documentation. Fees will be due upon approval of your revisions.
Minor Permits
Automatically Issued Permits:
Some minor permits are issued automatically upon application. Permit cards will be mailed after an administrative review, generally within a week.
- Furnace w/no outside equipment
- Water Heater
- Sewer lateral
- Electrical (electrical panel replacements, max 200 AMP, main electrical service, or subpanels)
- Re-Roof
- Window & Door Replacements
Permits Requiring Minor Review:
Some permits will require a minor review, in addition to the administrative review. You will need to submit plans.
- Mechanical - A/C, Heat Pump installations require a site plan, manufacturer’s specifications for the equipment to be installed and calculations for noise at property lines.
- Plumbing - Gas line installations/alterations require a gas line schematic and gas line calculations
Resources:
Furnace Replacement Handout (PDF)
Requirements for Residential Water Heater (PDF)
Reroofing Requirements (PDF)