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1. Why do I need a permit?

Permits are required to ensure health and safety through adequate inspections of structures used and/or occupied by you, your family, and the general public.

2. How do I obtain a building permit?

Certain permits are considered "over the counter" if they can be issued at the counter with little review. These include but are not limited to water heater, furnace, or roof replacement permits. For work involving new construction or remodeling, several items are required to be submitted for plan checking. Items that may be required include, but are not limited to, plot plans, floor plans, framing details, electrical plans, plumbing plans, mechanical plans, soils reports, etc.

3. What are the restrictions on hours of construction and grading?

Construction can occur Monday through Friday (excluding legal holidays) from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday (excluding legal holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Permitted construction hours are contained in Chapter 9.54 of the Larkspur Municipal Code.

Grading is limited to Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm. No grading work is permitted on Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays. If a ditch or channel is being excavated for a sewer line or electrical underground service, this is considered part of construction work and can continue on the weekends and holidays. Permitted grading hours are contained in Chapter 15.20 of the Larkspur Municipal Code. Noise Regulations (Including Construction Noise)

4. What Building Code is the City of Larkspur using?

All construction and construction related activities shall be in conformance with the 2016 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building and Larkspur Municipal Codes. 

5. Do I need a building permit to replace my water heater?

Yes, a permit is required to ensure that the water heater is installed properly and has the necessary seismic strapping. The inspector will also make certain that the mandatory pressure relief valve is installed properly and that it is piped to grade level. The pressure relief valve ensures that the appliance will not suffer a catastrophic failure in the event of a malfunction. The pipe running to grade level ensures that if the relief valve is activated, it will not spray scalding hot water on somebody who might be nearby. If located in or near the garage, the water heater must be located on a platform 30 inches or higher. This is to help minimize the possibility of flammable vapors being ignited by the water heater pilot light. This too will be inspected to ensure compliance.

6. I live in Greenbrae. Where do I go to get a permit?

Greenbrae addresses can either be under Larkspur or the County of Marin’s jurisdiction. Click here for a List of City of Larkspur Streets