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New construction · San Rafael

What permits are needed for new construction in San Rafael?

New construction in San Rafael requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division, plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. Plan check rigorous on Title 24, structural lateral, hillside grading, and fire-code (Chapter 7A + defensible space).

What changes the answer in San Rafael.

Hillside parcels require Design Review with the Design Review Board; flatland R-1 SFRs largely ministerial. City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division schedules inspections through its permit portal; foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, drywall, and final are the standard hold points for new SFRs in San Rafael.

  • San Rafael uses R-1, R-2, R-3 districts plus Hillside Residential overlays in the canyon and ridge areas; downtown is governed by the Downtown Precise Plan.
  • Slope, tree cover, and ridgeline rules dominate hillside lots; flatland R-1 governed by FAR, setbacks, and a 30-foot height limit.
  • PG&E electric/gas; Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) for water; sanitary districts for sewer.
  • Municipal sewer service in developed San Rafael parcels; verify lateral condition and any point-of-sale sewer compliance requirement before scoping.

Source-backed note

Official source: City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division. We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.

Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board

Local authority: City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division

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