Planning & Building

The Mission of the Planning and Building Department is to deliver professional and responsive services to enhance the quality of life in our community.

The Planning and Building Department provides community planning development review and inspection services for residents of Mill Valley and the development community, and facilitates the permitting process in a manner that is consistent with City, State and federal standards.

Planning and Buildng Fees 


Planning Fees, January 3, 2023 (PDF)

Buildng Fees, July 1, 2022 (PDF)     

Counter Hours

The Planning and Building Department are processing applications online to provide faster and more convenient access to the planning and permitting process.  However, we also under stand that sometimes a trip to City Hall to answer questions is easier than a phone call or e-mail so we are hosting counter hours for inquiries.

Hours:

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:00am -11:00 am

To get in line:

We are using a “Qless” system which is an automated queuing system to reduce wait times for Planning and Building Department customers.  This system allows customers to get in line for one of our counters without having to come in and then provides up dates via text messaging and on-screen monitoring in the City Hall lobby. Please note, this is not an appointment scheduling system, it is only designed to que our customers when the counter is open.

  • QLess App: On this page, you can download the “QLess” application.
  • Online: On this page, you can get in line
  • Text: (415) 634-2962; once prompted please enter: “mill valley building planning” for location.
  • In person: City Hall when the counter is open at the reception desk.

Building Services: 

Code interpretations, resolving plan check comments, requested materials only. All applications and revisions must be submitted online, information regarding the Permitting Process (PDF) can be found on our website.

Planning Services: 

Planning applications may be submitted during public counter times, via drop box at the back entrance to City Hall, US mail, UPS, FedEX etc. To access Planning application materials, submittal requirements and supporting documentation, refer to Planning Division web page (LINK).

Planning & Building News

  1. City of Mill Valley to Consider Mandatory Retrofit Program

    At their June 5, 2023* meeting, the Mill Valley City Council will consider a new, mandatory “Soft Story” Retrofit Program with an objective of protecting existing housing stock in the community. Read on...
  2. Feb. 28th Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss the Housing Element and DSEIR:

    On February 28, 2023 Planning Commission will host a public hearing to collect comments on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (DSEIR) Read on...
  3. Richardson Terrace Update - 575 E Blithedale Ave. 2023-01-11

    On January 10, 2023, the Planning Commission resumed the public hearing to consider a mixed-use project referred to as “Richardson Terrace”. Read on...
  4. Update on 1 Hamilton Drive Affordable Housing

    Update on 1 Hamilton Drive Affordable Housing: Council and Planning Commission Identify Building Concept to Further Evaluate Read on...
  5. Richardson Terrace Update – 575 East Blithedale Avenue

    The latest news on the "Richardson Terrace" project includes a recap of the November 17, 2022 meeting and announcement of the next upcoming meeting date. Read on...
  6. Housing Update: 1 Hamilton Drive and Housing Element Update

    Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting Scheduled for November 30, 2022 to Discuss Housing at 1 Hamilton and the Housing Element Read on...
  7. 1 Hamilton Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting Canceled/Postponed

    City officials have canceled the 1 Hamilton November 2, 2022 joint meeting to allow City planners and the Project Team additional time to gather information on preliminary design concepts. Read on...
  8. City Hosts 1 Hamilton Open House

    On October 13, 2022, the City of Mill Valley and EAH Housing hosted a community Open House to discuss building approximately 40-50 affordable rental apartments on the northern portion of the city-owned parcel at 1 Hamilton Drive. Read on...
  9. Toy wooden homes in a row

    1 Hamilton Update: Council Approves Relocation of Facilities, City Hosts Open House in October

    Join us on October 13 for an Open House to discuss preliminary design and building concepts. Read on...
  10. Housing Element Environmental Review: 30-day Public Comment Period

    30-day Public Comment Period on Scope of Environmental Analysis Initiated. Notice of Preparation (NOP) issued for preparing subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Mill Valley 2040 General Plan as part of the Housing Element Update. Read on...
  11. Green Building – Community Meeting June 22 (6pm)

    Virtual community meeting on the Green Building Code on June 22nd at 6pm. Help shape Marin County’s Proposed Green Building Model Ordinance, which will also shape Mill Valley’s Green Building update. Read on...
  12. Proposal to Renovate the Sequoia Theater

    The Sequoia Theater has submitted a proposal to fully renovate and convert the two-screen Sequoia Theater. Read on...
  13. Toy wooden homes in a row
  14. A woman stands in front of a large touch screen display in the City Hall Lobby
  15. City Council Scheduled to Update the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations

    City Council Scheduled to Update the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations and Establish New Regulations for Two-Unit Projects Allowed Under Senate Bill 9 Read on...
  16. Climate Action Plan Update - November 2021

    Climate Action Plan Update Wednesday, November 17, 2021 6:00 - 8:00 pm Read on...
  17. 1 Hamilton Drive - Join us for an Online Workshop on March 10

    Online Workshop to discuss affordable housing opportunities at 1 Hamilton Drive: March 10, 2022 (6:30-8:30pm) Read on...
  18. Housing Element Update - November 2021

    The Housing Advisory Committee will host the second Housing Element Workshop on November 10, 2021 (6:30-8:30pm). Read on...
  19. Zoning Code Updates - October 2021

    On October 12, 2021 Planning Commission will consider recommending that City Council adopt two resolutions to update the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and establish regulations for two-unit project that are now permitted in Single-Family zones Read on...
  20. 575_EBlithedale
  21. Trees

    City of Mill Valley's Tree Ordinance

    Did you know that a permit is required to cut down trees on your property? Read on...
  22. Housing Advisory Committee Meeting #9

    The City of Mill Valley's Housing Advisory Committee will meet on May 25, 2021 (5:00-6:30pm) to discuss two "House Mill Valley" programs that foster new affordable housing in Mill Valley. Read on...
  23. Richardson Terrace - 575 E Blithedale Update

    The City of Mill Valley Planning Division received a Design Review application for a mixed-use housing development project at 575 East Blithedale Avenue on December 17, 2020. Read on...
  24. 575 E. Blithedale / Richardson Terrace Preliminary Application

    On July 9, 2020, the City of Mill Valley Planning Division received a preliminary application for a mixed-use housing development project at 575 East Blithedale Avenue. Read on...
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