FAQs • Larkspur, CA • CivicEngage

Do I need a building permit to replace my water heater?: Yes, a permit is required. Please apply online at eTRAKiT. Contact us at 415-927-5038 or building@cityoflarkspur.org if you need assistance with your application. After your permit is issued and the water heater is installed, our building inspector will check that the water heater is installed properly with a mandatory pressure relief valve piped to grade level, and has the necessary seismic strapping. 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 reduces the possibility of flammable vapors being ignited by the water heater pilot light.

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Building

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?: All permit applications are accepted online at eTRAKiT. "Simple Permits" are 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. Please contact us at 415-927-5038 or building@cityoflarkspur.org if you need assistance with your application.

3. What are the restrictions on hours of construction and grading?: Construction can occur Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding City observed holidays. Permitted construction hours are contained in Chapter 9.54 of the Larkspur Municipal Code. 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. Permitted grading hours are listed in Chapter 15.20 of the Larkspur Municipal Code.
Noise Regulations (Including Construction Noise)

4. What Building Code is the City of Larkspur using?: All construction and construction related activities shall be in conformance with the currently adopted 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building and Larkspur Municipal Codes. Please contact us at 415-927-5038 or building@cityoflarkspur.org if you have any technical building code questions.

5. Do I need a building permit to replace my water heater?: Yes, a permit is required. Please apply online at eTRAKiT. Contact us at 415-927-5038 or building@cityoflarkspur.org if you need assistance with your application. After your permit is issued and the water heater is installed, our building inspector will check that the water heater is installed properly with a mandatory pressure relief valve piped to grade level, and has the necessary seismic strapping. 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 reduces the possibility of flammable vapors being ignited by the water heater pilot light.

6. I live in Greenbrae. Where do I go to get a permit?: Greenbrae addresses are either under the City of Larkspur's or the County of Marin’s jurisdiction.
Please click HERE for a full list of Larkspur streets, including those with Greenbrae addresses.