Permit Application Process

Contractors & Other Professionals ONLY

All businesses operating within the City of Mill Valley are required to obtain a Mill Valley Business License. New accounts and renewals must file online at www.bizlicenseonline.com. If you are filing online for the first time, complete the Sign-Up as a Business Account. Once your license is paid for the current fiscal year, you can apply for your permit through our online permitting system.

Apply Online Here (eTRAKit)

New Professional Account:
Contractors email your CSLB number and primary business email address to building@cityofmillvalley.org.
Other professionals such as Realtors, Architects and Engineers, email your business name, phone number, and company address to building@cityofmillvalley.org.

Plan Submittal – Once your online application is complete, you will upload the required submittal documents through your account on eTRAKiT HERE. See Permit Submittal Instructions HERE

**Please confirm the address is located in the City of Mill Valley and NOT in an Unincorporated area of Mill Valley,  Check Address Here **

Owner Builders

Property Owners cannot apply online. Follow the instructions below to apply for a Building Permit:

  1. There is a $185 additional processing fee for Owner-Builder applications. View all other fees here: Permit Fee Schedule (PDF).
  2. Submit ALL 3 below documents to building@cityofmillvalley.org:
  1. Prepare your submittal package – Most projects will require plans of some kind. You may receive specific directions for your submittal. 
     Omissions or errors in compliance will cause delays.
  2. Plan Submittal – Most plans will be submitted via Dropbox transfer request. You will be sent a link once your application has been reviewed, 
     usually within one week.
  3. Plan review – See the below table for review times.
  4. Approval/Issuance – You may receive detailed instructions prior to issuance.
Type / Classification of Permit

Review Times

Minor Permits

7-10 Business Days

Non-Structural Residential Remodels

3 Week Minimum

Renewable Energy

2 Weeks Minimum

Generators

2 Weeks Minimum

Plan Check Residential & Commercial

6 Week Minimum

Revisions to Existing Permits

3 Week Minimum


  1. Minor Permits

Minor Permits

Automatically Issued Permits:

Some minor permits are issued automatically to licensed contractors upon application. Permit cards will be mailed after an administrative review, generally within a week. 

  • Furnace w/no outside equipment
  • Water Heater
  • Sewer lateral
  • Electrical (electrical panel replacements, max 200 AMP, main electrical service, or subpanels)
  • Re-Roof
  • Window & Door Replacements

Permits Requiring Minor Review:

Some permits will require a minor review, in addition to the administrative review. You will need to submit plans.

  • Mechanical - A/C, Heat Pump installations require a site plan, manufacturer’s specifications for the equipment to be installed and calculations for noise at property lines.
  • Plumbing - Gas line installations/alterations require a gas line schematic and gas line calculations

 

Resources:

Furnace Replacement Handout (PDF)
Requirements for Residential Water Heater (PDF)
Reroofing Requirements (PDF)

Apply Online Here

  1. Non-Structural Remodels
  1. Renewable Energy
  1. Generators
  1. Plan check residential & Commercial
  1. Revisions to Existing permits