eTRAKiT 

is the new online permitting portal for all permit submissions.

If you have any issues with the eTRAKiT, please let us know! 

The most efficient way to contact Building Department staff is by building@cityoflarkspur.org  

• Please check the Building Department Forms and applications for other forms that may be needed but are not linked here.
• Payment may be made by credit card or e-check through eTRAKiT (there is a 3% credit card processing fee), there is now an e-check option with a $1 service fee. Or, checks can be mailed to 400 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA Attn: Building or dropped in the exterior box on the wall to the right of the front door of City Hall at 400 Magnolia Ave. Payment may also be made in person during open counter hours.
• Digital submission is required for every permit type, all permit materials must be pdf format and uploaded on eTRAKiT (no pictures or jpegs accepted), CD/DVD submissions are not accepted, thumb drives may not be returned. 
• There is no over-the-counter plan review/permit issuance at this time. All commercial projects are subject to large project submission requirements below.
• Fire permits are also submitted through eTRAKiT for the Central Marin Fire Department for addresses in the City of Larkspur and incorporated Greenbrae, and are administered by the Building Department and generally are handled like the small project permit requirements below. Fire permits issued through the Building Department are under separate permit include:  sprinklers, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, and firelines.   Fire protection contractors must have a valid City of Larkspur business license at time of permit issuance.

Simple Permit Requirements 

Reroof, water heater, furnace replacement, AC new and replacement with site plan, electrical service change, window replacement like-for-like, siding replacement like-for-like,  residential roof-mounted solar PV (with plans), battery back-up for existing solar arrays, simple mechanical/electric/plumbing.

Simple permits can generally be issued within 2-3 working days once the City determines the submission to be complete.

• If the property owner is going to pull the permit then the property owner-builder form is required. The City and California State License Board encourage property owners to check with their insurer to understand their coverage as it relates to "owner-builder" permits. Some Homeowner Associations require that a licensed contractor pull the permit, especially for condominiums, please check your Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR's).

 Payment is due at submission. See payment information above.  

Small Project Permit Requirements 

A small project is a project that requires plans such as: kitchen and bath remodels like-for-like without structural changes, interior residential remodels without structural changes or addition of square footage, permanent generator installation, residential and commercial fire sprinklers, fire alarm, replacement decks that are conforming to zoning regulations, etc.

Please keep in mind that any project with civil engineering or extensive site plan will likely require a submission under Large Project Requirements.

Small project permits review takes approximately 7-10 working days. Some small project permits may be categorized as large project after initial review.  

• If the property owner is going to pull the permit then the property owner-builder form is required. The City and California State License Board encourage property owners to check with their insurer to understand their coverage as it relates to "owner-builder" permits. Some Homeowner Associations require that a licensed contractor pull the permit, especially for condominiums, please check your Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR's).

Payment of plan check fee is required at submission. 

• Plan check fees are calculated based on the valuation-generated of base permit fee, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy analysis, CalGreen, and accessibility (commercial only).  Plan check fee is 65% of the summation of these fees. Contact the Building Department electronically with digital architectural plans, a very detailed scope of work, and the contract valuation of the work (includes design, material, and labor) and we will calculate the fees due at submission. The "fee estimator" feature is available on eTRAKiT.

Large Project Permit Requirements

Larger or more complicated projects, such as all commercial tenant improvements, residential additions and extensive remodels, any project that has been approved by the Planning Commission, etc. All permit materials, plans, and supporting documentation are required to be submitted digitally on eTRAKiT.

Please check the building submittal checklist and email specific questions to Building@cityoflarkspur.org 

• If the property owner is going to pull the permit then complete the property owner-builder form in addition to the building permit application. (This applies to residential only). Commercial projects require the owner's approval (see agent authorization-owners).

 Payment of plan check fee is required at submission. 

• Plan check fees are calculated based on the valuation-generated of base permit fee, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy analysis, CalGreen, and accessibility (commercial only).  Plan check fee is 65% of the summation of these fees. Contact the Building Department electronically with digital plans, completed application, and the contract valuation of the work (includes design, material, and labor) and we will calculate the fees due at submission.

NOTE: Plans will not be reviewed or processed until the plan check fees are paid.

Large Project Plan Review

Once a complete submittal package and fees due at submission are paid:

• The initial plan review is approximately 3-4 weeks once the City determines that the submission is complete.  Review statuses can be followed on eTRAKiT.
• The plan review on resubmittal (response to comments) is approximately 2-3 weeks. 
• The Planning Department reviews all projects for zoning compliance and/or conformance to any discretionary Planning approval. We encourage you to review your plans with a planner prior to submitting, in case discretionary review is required.
• Plan reviews are done by the Planning, Building, Public Works, and Central Marin Fire Departments. Some projects may require to make separate submissions to outside agencies such as: applicable school district, Marin County Health Department, Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD), Corte Madera Sanitary District No. 2, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Marin Water, PG&E, and others.
• Any work in the public right-of-way will require separate submission of encroachment permit via eTRAKiT. 
• Any project that involves work in, on, or near anyway waterway will have a special multi-jurisdictional review process, including multiple State, Federal, County, and District agency review.  Please ask about "Marin Project Coordination" about waterway, waterway-adjacent projects.
• Once all Departments have completed reviews a comment letter will be sent. Please do not respond to a single Department's comments as this will delay the process.

Permit/Plan Issuance will be on eTRAKiT

When your permit is ready you will be contacted with any outstanding requirements.  All permit requirements, documentation, including signatures on applications, construction, and demolition forms, contractor declarations, contractor business license, and etc., must be submitted digitally, prior to permit issuance.