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Building

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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 Building Code is the City of Larkspur using?

Larkspur is using all 2010 California Codes

4. 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.

5. 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, Sunday and legal holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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.

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 streets that are under Larkspur’s jurisdiction.

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Fire

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1. How do I contact the Fire Marshal?

Doug Archer, the City's part-time fire marshal may be contacted by phone at 415-927-6717.

2. If I live in an apartment or condominium, can I use my barbeque?

The latest edition of the California Fire Code now restricts the use of a BBQ on an exterior deck of a multi-family dwelling. Only in certain cases is it permissible to use a BBQ. More information can be located in the News Flash Section on this page.

3. Can I recycle old batteries?

Yes. Don't throw dead batteries in the trash. The acid in the battery will eventually leak out of the decomposing battery into the landfill. There is a blue recycling bin outside of the side entrance to City Hall. Another blue recycling bin is located outside of the front door of the Greenbrae Fire Station. All fire agencies in Marin promote battery recycling. Look for the blue containers or ask any firefighter for assistance.

4. What is CEAC?

CEAC is an acronym for the Citizens Emergency Advisory Committee. This group of Larkspur residents focuses on pushing GET READY and CERT programs into the community. It is led by Larkspur Firefighter Tom Timmer. Everyone should be GET READY trained. It only takes two hours and it's fun! Look for more info on this website.

5. What is WUI?

WUI stands for Wildland Urban Interface. It pertains to structures built into the hillside areas that are prone to wildfire. There are more restrictive codes and standards for building construction in the WUI area. There are also parking restrictions on many streets in the WUI zone. A WUI map and other information on hillside fire related issues can be found at this website.

6. If I live in the WUI area, do all my home improvements need to meet the WUI building code?

No. Even though you reside in the high fire zone areas, known also as the WUI, only new construction needs to conform to the more restrictive WUI requirements. All roofs though, regardless of where you reside, need to be Class A minimum. No ordinary wood shingles or shakes are allowed anywhere.

7. Can I burn out my tree stump?

The short answer is NO! The August 2011 edition of POPULAR SCIENCE has an article about the various methods of removing a tree stump. The author of the article is recommending to readers that a preferred option is to burn it out by using a commercial stump remover of potassium nitrate along with a few impurities and stabilizers. Other home made recipes are offered as well that include salt peter and kerosene.

Burning the stump is not allowed by the Fire Code. Such an action during the fire season can lead to a catastrophic wildfire. No uncontrolled open burning of any kind is allowed within the City of Larkspur. Stumps are typically removed by grinding. Smaller stumps can be pulled from the ground with a chain using a winch.

8. Do you give CPR classes?

Yes. The Larkspur firefighters present periodic CPR class throughout the year. CPR classes are scheduled through Larkspur Recreation. Please check out the Recreation News Bulletin for up coming classes or call 415-927-6746. Upon successful completion of the class students will be sent an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and AED card.

9. What should I do if I see a downed or low hanging wire?

Call 9-1-1. Any low or downed wire should be treated as a live - energized electrical wire. In other words, STAY WELL AWAY and warn others to stay away as well! Call 9-1-1. Allow us to investigate and determine if it is an electrical wire or possibly a phone or cable TV wire. But, never make the determination yourself. This situation becomes more acute in stormy weather when overhead lines can come loose or break.

10. What is "Sidewalk CPR"?

Sidewalk CPR is a non-certified, easy to learn method of CPR, in which you can save a life by doing hard, fast chest compressions without providing mouth-to-mouth breathing. It was designed and is intended to enable almost anyone to be a first responder-life saver. No longer do you have to hesitate from getting involved for fear of doing mouth-to-mouth breathing. A firefighter can provide instruction in just a few minutes. More than 300,000 people will die from coronary heart disease this year before reaching the hospital. Victims that receive immediate CPR and a shock from an AED within three to five minutes have a 48 to 74 percent chance of survival. Currently, less than 8 percent of victims survive due to lack of CPR and AED use across the country. So, don't be a spectator to a heart attack. Learn Sidewalk CPR and you may possibly help save someone's life. Sidewalk CPR Marin County Event 2010

11. Why is my smoke detector chirping?

This is the function that advises you that the 9-volt battery needs replacement. Remove the unit from the wall or ceiling, usually by a 1/2 twist. The battery is located in the back of the unit. Replace the battery with a fresh 9-volt. Remember to change the battery in each unit, twice a year when we move the clocks for daylight savings and standard time. Call us if you have questions.

12. Does the Fire Department enforce No Burn-Spare the Air Day violations?

We do not. No Burn-Spare the Air Days are a Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) ordinance. This agency has an enforcement program. To report a violation, contact the BAAQMD at 1-877-4NO-BURN (466-2876) or on line at
www.baaqmd.gov/Divisions/Compliance-and-Enforcement/Air-Pollution-Complaints.aspx

13. Can I use an outdoor fire pit?

Yes, as long as it is an approved container and you are using it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. You may not dig a pit or have any sort of bon or camp fire. The outdoor fire pit is a device that contains the fire and has a screen installed to prevent flying embers.

If you do choose to use a fire pit during the summer fire season and it causes a wildfire, you could be held liable for any damages plus the cost to fight the fire. So use the fire pit with extreme caution, have a charged garden hose ready to use, and fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area. Do not deposit ashes in the trash can. Hours later, this can lead to a smoldering fire that eventually consumes the garbage can and anything nearby, such as the wall of your home or garage.

14. Ever consider the fact that you could be away from home when an earthquake strikes?

An earthquake is the most likely disaster scenario that could strike our area. Besides home preparedness, you should have supplies in your vehicle in the event that an earthquake strikes when you're away from home. Things to have in your vehicle: Walking shoes, a pair of sweats, a blanket, water, food such as energy bars, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Even if the quake is not severe, roads might be shut down while bridges and overpasses are inspected for damage. You might have to spend the night in your vehicle or walk to an emergency shelter until you can return home. Also, always make sure you have over a quarter tank of fuel in the tank. After a major quake, gas stations could be closed for several days. Get Ready Marin

15. How do I properly dispose of unwanted oil, paint, thinner or gasoline?

Take these materials to the Marin Resource and Recovery Center, located at 535 Jacoby Street in San Rafael. Call them at 415-456-2601 for hours of operation.

16. How do I get my fire extinguisher recharged or inspected?

Fire extinguisher servicing is performed by private companies. Check local listings for fire extinguisher firms that are located in our area.

17. Can I get my blood pressure checked?

The firefighters are happy to check your blood pressure. Stop by either of our stations between 7 am and 8 pm. If the crew is not in the station when you stop by, try back later. They are often out of the station answering emergency calls, on training assignments, or conducting fire inspections.

18. How do I obtain a copy of a incident report?

Call either of the two stations during regular business hours. A basic report can be obtained usually within 48 hours. Any report containing patient information cannot be provided without a legal consent release.

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Library

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1. How do I view my library account online?

To view your library account online, go to the MARINet Library Catalog, select "Log in to My MARINet" in the center column. On the next page, enter your name, library card number, and PIN number into the designated boxes, and press "submit." Then you may pay your fines, renew items, look at your reading history, manage your PIN, search the catalog and request items. MARINet Library Catalog

2. How do I set up a PIN number for my library account?

Go to the MARINet site for instructions and a tutorial on how to set up a PIN number. If you still need help, please call the library at 415-927-5005. MARINet tutorial on how to set up a PIN

3. What should I do if I have lost a library book?

If you have lost a library book, contact the Library at 415-927-5005, and speak to the Circulation Supervisor about extending your time to search for the book, or making payment for replacement costs. Please do not purchase a replacement copy yourself.

4. Does the Library have wireless Internet access?

Yes, the Library does provide wireless access. The service is called Midas, is available anywhere in the City Hall building, and is not password protected.

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Planning

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1. How do I determine the zoning for my property?

You can find zoning information by visiting MarinMap; a geographic information system (GIS) for Marin County, CA. Use the Map Viewer link and be sure to activate the Zoning field before entering the property address or Assessor's Parcel Number. After you have determined your zone district, visit the Larkspur Municipal online to review the applicable zoning regulations contained in Title 18 (Zoning). MarinMap

2. I want to put a small shed on my property. What do I need to know?

A shed is considered an accessory structure. Accessory structures that are less than 120 square feet in size with no electricity or plumbing typically do not require a building permit, however, there are zoning regulations that restrict the location, height and total amount of development that may be permitted on your property. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you contact the Planning Department to discuss your options before designing or constructing your shed. Contact the Planning Department

3. I'd like to construct a fence on my property. How high can it be?

Fences, hedges, or other screening plantings shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height if located within a front yard or on the street side of a corner lot. In all other locations (side or rear yards not abutting a street) fences and walls may not exceed six feet in height, solid, with an allowance for one additional foot of trellis if agreed to by abutting property owners. Fences and walls in excess of these height limits are subject to fence height exception approval by the Zoning Administrator. Fence Height Exception

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Police

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1. How do I get a copy of a police or traffic accident report?

Please call the Records Section at 415-927-5150 to confirm the report is available. Reports are usually read for pick up in about 7-10 business days. Reports cost: $10.00, Log Entry cost: $3.00, Certain offense reports may not be released if the case is active or under investigation. No juvenile information will be released.

2. I will be out of town for a week. Will the police watch my home?

Yes. This is what we call a "Vacation Watch." Please call, 415-927-5150 to request a Vacation Watch. Please have the following information available when you call: Trip dates and emergency contact numbers. When you call, we may ask additional questions about the vacancy of your home.

3. When does the police department do public fingerprinting?

We do not do public fingerprinting. You may contact the Marin County Sheriff's Office at 415-479-2311.

4. How can I check on the status of my criminal investigation?

Contact the specific investigative unit at 415-927-5150 or the Marin County District Attorney's Office at 415-499-6450.

5. How do I find out if someone has been arrested?

Please call CMPA Dispatch at 415-927-5150.

6. How do I get my car out of impound?

First, you will need to provide us with the vehicle license plate number or the vehicle identification number. If you are the owner, you must have a valid California Driver license. If the vehicle is currently registered, you need to call the Traffic Unit at 415-927-5150 for a Tow Hearing. You will be responsible for towing and storage fees to the tow company. You may also be responsible for administrative fees to CMPA. There are vehicle codes and municipal codes that allow CMPA to charge up to $314.00. If your vehicle was impounded for Driving Without a License and has been previously towed for the same violation, it may be held up to 30 days. You will have to contact the Traffic Unit at 415-927-5150. You will have to contact the Records Section to obtain a release at 415-927-5150.

7. How do I get a police employee to speak to my group?

You may call the Watch Commander at 415-927-5150.

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Public Works

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1. How do I report a street light that needs to be repaired?

Contact the Larkspur Public Works Department at (415) 927-5017 or submit your request online using our "report an issue" link. Please be prepared with the street light pole ID number, which is located approximately 10 feet from the base of the pole and usually ends in the letter F. If a street light pole ID number is not identifiable, please provide an adjacent address. Street lights are normally repaired within five business days (or less) of the time the request was submitted for repair

2. When is my street scheduled to be swept?

The City of Larkspur provides street sweeping to each city-maintained street on a monthly basis. The streets are swept twice a month from October through January Our street sweeping is contracted to Marin Sanitary Services (415) 456-2601.
Marin Sanitary Services

3. Who maintains the sewer system in the city?

The sewer system is the responsibility of the Ross Valley Sanitary District #1. They can be reached by calling (415) 461-1122. Ross Valley Sanitary District

4. Why can't I wash out my painting equipment in the storm drain?

As all of us become more aware of potential water pollution problems, we recognize that we can all do our part to eliminate water contamination. The storm drain system is designed for rainwater that falls from the clouds, not contaminated material. Remember, the stormwater flows into our creeks and rivers and eventually into the ocean. Further information can be found at the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program - www.mcstoppp.org.
MCSTOPPP

5. Does the City require a permit for a homeowner or business to remove a tree?

Yes. The City requires the owner of the property to obtain a permit prior to removing any tree located within the public right of way, or if it is of Heritage size. For permit application information, visit our website or contact the City of Larkspur Public Works office at (415) 927-5017 for information on permits to remove a tree. Permits and Fees