Remodeling: When Do You Need Permits?

🏡Thinking about tearing down that avocado-green tile in your bathroom? Or maybe opening up your kitchen to let in that sweet Marin sunshine? Before you start swinging the sledgehammer, there's one very important question to answer:

“Do I need a permit for this?”

We've all seen this tile before...but there are a few things to think about before going all-in on a remodel.

If you live in Marin County, you will most likely need permits, but not always. Let's break it down in style so you know when it’s full speed ahead and when it’s time to hit the brakes (and call me or the Building Department before you move ahead).

🔨 Permit? No Permit? Let’s Play a Game:

🚫 No Permit Needed (But use your good judgment!)

You’re safe to remodel without a permit if you’re doing:

• Painting, wallpapering, or replacing flooring

• Replacing cabinets or countertops (non-structural, no plumbing/electrical changes) Note: if changing the cabinet layout, or moving plumbing/electrical, permit is required.

• Installing bookshelves, or built-in cabinetry (be sure to add earthquake ties!)

• Minor finish upgrades like trim, door knobs, or light fixtures (as long as you don’t mess with the wiring)

• Sheds or play structures (less than 120sf, 1 story, detached with no permanent residents)

• Swings or play structures (less than 15 feet high)

• Fences less than 6' high (in most cases, but you may be restricted by front yard requirements, so check with the planning Department first).

• Driveways, not subject to wheelchair mobility requirements, i.e: commercial properties, not over a basement or built structure and not more than 30" above the surrounding ground.

• Shade Cloth structures not connected to a building, nor used as a carport.

• Retaining walls less than 4' high from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall (may still require planning approval if located within the front setback!)

Pro Tip: If you're moving, demolishing, or opening up any walls or windows—assume a permit is needed.

Adding windows or moving walls? Permits required!

✅ Permit Required

Pull a permit if you’re doing any of the following:

• Structural changes – Taking out a wall? Building a new one? Definitely.

• Window or door modifications – Making any window larger, or moving the location triggers permit requirements, and detailed drawings will be required. Why? Windows are on the exterior of your house, and usually exterior walls are load-bearing, so they want to make sure there are no structural implications by moving the window. Also, if you exceed 75sf of additional window space, a Title 24 energy compliance report is required.

• Electrical or plumbing – Adding outlets, moving pipes, installing recessed lights? That’s a yes.

• HVAC work – New furnace? Relocating ducts? Even installing A/C requires permitting.

• Roof work – New roof or structural repair? Yep.

🧱 Bonus Round: When Planning Approval is Also Required

Marin likes things orderly and scenic. If you're:

• Expanding more than 500 sq ft (over 750 sq ft may require Design Review)

• Working near creeks, steep slopes, or coastal zones

• Raising your roofline

• Building an ADU over 800sf

  
  

  …then it’s time to contact us before you even reach for a permit.

  
  

🎯 Bottom Line

If you’re doing more than cosmetic sprucing, chances are you’ll need a permit in Marin. And yes—it can feel like a maze of forms and fees, but it’s all about ensuring quality, safety, and value in your home.

Remodel smart. Remodel right. And when in doubt, contact us before you build.

Got questions or planning a remodel? I’m always happy to help navigate Marin’s permitting process with clarity and calm—no hard hats required.