Marin County Community Development

San Rafael's Planning and Building Departments are among the most efficient I've ever dealt with, and I deal with all them. The planning staff is always responsive. Whether the answer is yes or no, at least I feel extremely well served and that they've taken the time to get to answers. Every time, I feel that they are looking for ways to help, vs getting in the way. That's refreshing in today's climate. The building department has implemented processes to get permits approved faster than most municipalities around here. They have always been responsive when technical questions arise and don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Again, I feel that the public is being well served and treated more than fairly. I witness it every single time I go in there. So from the professional community, San Rafael gets 5 stars. I wish I could give them 10.

Talk to three different people, get three different answers!

There are some great people there, but I'd say 25% would not last long working for a private sector company that services the public.

They charge you $128 an hour when planning your project. If their instructions are lacking or ambiguous---not your fault---YOU get charged $28 for each 15 minute call, just to find out what you need to give them! This is just plain wrong, yet they get away with it.

They bury the spotted owl maps under the Williamson Act, which refers to acreage with ten cows! Then they hassle you because you didn't know about it!

I could go on for days, and not repeat myself.

If possible do not buy a lot that requires planning department review. The Building Dept. is not the greatest either, but the head guy, Bill Kelley, is cleaning it up, efficiency-wise.

Good luck thinking the office for building permits will be reasonable in their processing time. Just remember, this is a government office and they have no incentive to help you with your progress. I highly advise you to pull what permits you can online. If not, be prepared for delays and a lack of knowledge. They will let you know it’s part of protocol.
Sorry your project isn’t in local jurisdiction.