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San Rafael permit search: look up, apply and check a permit

San Rafael’s Building Division handles building permits, with current records searchable by address or record in OpenGov. The city publishes review ranges of 1-12 days or 2-12 weeks, depending on project type. Its general rule is: “Most projects require a building permit: exemptions are included here.” Work exempt from building permit Search permits on OpenGov

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Sources read: 2026-11-01Updated 2026-11-01

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San Rafael permit numbers at a glance

Published review ranges — San Rafael1-12 days; 2-12 weeks, varying by project typeApply for a building permit - San Rafael, CA, San Rafael, read 2026-11-01
Inspection scheduling — San RafaelAt least 1 business day in advance; no Friday or weekend inspectionsAbout the building permit process - San Rafael, CA, San Rafael, read 2026-11-01
Main building-permit categories — San Rafael2: plan review and minor permitsTypes of building permits - San Rafael, CA, San Rafael, read 2026-11-01

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Do I need a permit for a fence in San Rafael?

San Rafael’s exemption handout distinguishes residential fences from masonry walls and pool barriers. Item 2 sets separate height limits for fences and masonry walls outside the front or street yard. Front and street yards have a separate Title 14 condition. The exemption does not cover a fence used as a swimming pool barrier.

Residential fences not over seven (7) feet high or masonry fenced walls not over thirty-six (36) inches when outside the front yard or street yard and not used as swimming pools barriers. When in front yard or street yard must comply with requirements of Title 14.

Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMITS, read 2026-11-01

The handout also cautions that planning, fire, or public works restrictions may apply even where a building permit is not required. Read the fence conditions together with that caveat when describing the proposed fence.

Start my request for a fence in San Rafael

Do I need a permit to repair or replace a roof in San Rafael?

The city lists installing a new roof and repairing an existing roof under its Roofing permit type. Its separate exemption handout includes a limited roof-repair item: a roof under one hundred square feet or still under its one-year warranty. That is a repair exemption, rather than a statement exempting a complete replacement.

Roofing Installing a new roof Repairing an existing roof

Source: Types of building permits - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

For a reroof described as minor, the city lists conditions about rooftop equipment, an overlay, roof drains, attic ventilation, and the stated work value. Use those conditions to distinguish the city’s minor category from the broader Roofing listing.

Start my request for a roof in San Rafael

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in San Rafael?

San Rafael provides an owner-builder application path for property owners doing their own work. The city requires an Owner-Builder Acknowledgment Form with that building permit application. Its guidance places responsibility for the overall project on the owner-builder and discusses subcontracting, hiring workers, employment liabilities, and limits on owner-builder projects.

If you do work as an owner-builder, you need to submit an Owner-Builder Acknowledgment Form with your building permit application.

Source: Working with a contractor or doing work yourself as owner-builder - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

The city distinguishes employing people at an hourly wage from hiring them on a bid or lump-sum basis. Its guidance also identifies tax withholding, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and other possible legal responsibilities. Read those responsibilities before choosing the owner-builder application path.

What work does not need a permit in San Rafael?

The city’s building exemption list covers specific cases, including finish work, limited accessory structures, certain fences, and certain detached decks. Item 17 limits a detached deck by area, height, separation from the building, egress use, and Title 14 setbacks. A deck exemption depends on the combination of conditions in that item.

Decks not exceeding two hundred (200) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point and not more than 30 inches above grade extending 36 inches out from edge of deck and are not attached to a building, are not part of any path of egress and meets required setbacks as defined in Title 14.

Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMITS, read 2026-11-01

Note: although a Building Permit may not be required for work listed below, there may be conditions or restrictions on such work by the Planning Division, Fire Prevention Bureau or the Public Works Department.

Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMITS, read 2026-11-01

How much is a permit and how long does it take in San Rafael?

The city calculates applicable planning and building permit fees automatically during the online application.

Applicable planning and building permit fees are calculated automatically when you apply online.

Source: Planning and building permit fees and payments - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

San Rafael publishes review ranges by project type rather than a single completion date for a building permit. The application page gives the ranges below without assigning a specific range to a particular project in that summary. Use the city’s permit-type guidance to identify the application category.

Review time varies by project type (1-12 days; 2-12 weeks)

Source: Apply for a building permit - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

Inspection scheduling has a separate lead-time rule. The city asks for at least 1 business day of notice and does not perform inspections on Fridays or weekends. Its common inspection list includes footing, under-slab plumbing, framing, electrical rough-in, insulation, and final inspection; the project’s permit card determines which inspections it needs.

Schedule inspections at least 1 business day in advance. No inspections on Fridays or weekends.

Source: About the building permit process - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

Before you apply in San Rafael: checklist

Collect the plans, drawings, and supporting reports required for the project. The city asks applicants to make the upload files complete before starting. In the online application, select Building, choose the permit type that matches the work, follow the prompts, and upload the documents.

Login to our online permit system and start your building application. If you haven't used it before, you'll need to set up an account.

Source: Apply for a building permit - San Rafael, CA, read 2026-11-01

New applications follow the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which took effect January 1, 2026. For an owner-builder application, include the city’s acknowledgment form with the building permit materials.

Sources

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