Reroof, minor electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits can be issued over the counter but make sure you comply with all new energy codes. See boxed information above. All other permits are processed as follows:

1. A completed building permit application is submitted. This consists of a completed application and may include the following: 3 sets of construction plans, 2 sets of structural calculations, 2 sets of Title 24 calculations, and 2 sets of any other reports. Plans or reports prepared by an Architect or Engineer must be wet stamped by the Architect or Engineer. Projects with plans require a plan check deposit to be paid when the application is submitted. This fee is based on the valuation of the project. If the application is withdrawn or expires, the fee is kept by the city. Other fees are paid when the permit is issued.

2. Completed applications are placed on the Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting agenda for the next Monday. This is a staff meeting with the Building Dept., Planning Dept., Engineering/Public Works, the Fire Department. All new building permit submittals are reviewed at this weekly meeting.

3. Applications are either sent to the various departments for approval or placed on hold. If there are comments on the application from the DRC meeting (questions or requests for additional information) the Permit Technician will contact the applicant after the meeting with the comments. Building permit applications are placed on hold until all comments have been addressed.

   Permit applications go on to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Dept., the City Engineer (if there is any site work), the Fire Department (commercial buildings and new houses) and the Building Dept., in that order. Applications may be sent to outside plan check consultants.

4. The building permit is approved. When the permit is approved, the applicant will be contacted by the Permit Technician. The applicant has six months from the date of approval to pick up the permit. Issued permits are active for six months. Every time there is an inspection, it is active for six more months. Permits expire if there is no inspection for more than six months.

5. Building permits cannot be issued until the following items have been addressed: All fees and charges related to the building permit must be paid when the permit is issued.

   All contractors on the project need a Contractors Business License with the City of Larkspur. If the contractor picks up the permit, their State Contractors License number and their workers compensation insurance policy information should be written on the building permit. The city does not keep workers comp. certificates or information on file.

   Residential additions of more than 500 sq. ft. require developer fees paid to the school district. Forms are available at City Hall. Applicants pay the school district and return the form to City Hall.

   Any related encroachment, grading/hauling, or heritage tree removal permits must be approved prior to issuance of the building permit.

   If a planning permit was issued for the project, conditions to be met prior to the issuance of the building permit must be completed.

   Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD, 771-6000) requires a notification form to be submitted to them prior to issuance of a building permit for any building demolition, or for any remodel project where the amount of Regulated Asbestos Containing Material is greater than or equal to 100 sq. ft./linear or 35 cubic feet.