On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Larkspur
Larkspur Municipal Code states a permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, and for plumbing, sanitary drainage, wiring, or fixed electrical equipment work. The Permit Process page also lists common permit categories including reroofs, water heaters, furnace or AC replacement, electrical service changes, like-for-like window or siding replacement, residential roof-mounted solar PV, battery backup for existing arrays, kitchen and bath remodels, interior remodels, generators, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, replacement decks, additions, extensive remodels, and commercial tenant improvements.
Larkspur does not appear to publish a standalone local handout listing all building-permit exemptions; exempt work generally follows the adopted California codes, subject to zoning, fire, stormwater, and other local requirements
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are identified in California's residential-code permit-exemption provisions
Ordinary minor repairs that do not affect structural, life-safety, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, or accessibility requirements may be exempt under the adopted California codes, but Larkspur's own permit pages treat many common replacements as permit-required
Hand-dug excavations under 25 cubic yards are specifically called out in Larkspur's building submittal checklist as not requiring a grading permit, though related building, drainage, right-of-way, creek, or erosion-control approvals may still apply
- Exempt Larkspur does not appear to publish a standalone local handout listing all building-permit exemptions; exempt work generally follows the adopted California codes, subject to zoning, fire, stormwater, and other local requirements
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are identified in California's residential-code permit-exemption provisions
- Exempt Ordinary minor repairs that do not affect structural, life-safety, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, or accessibility requirements may be exempt under the adopted California codes, but Larkspur's own permit pages treat many common replacements as permit-required
- Exempt Hand-dug excavations under 25 cubic yards are specifically called out in Larkspur's building submittal checklist as not requiring a grading permit, though related building, drainage, right-of-way, creek, or erosion-control approvals may still apply
Note: Even when work is exempt from a building permit, Larkspur zoning/design review, heritage, right-of-way, stormwater, WUI, or utility/agency approvals may still apply. Because Larkspur's permit pages expressly require permits for many items that are sometimes assumed to be minor, applicants should confirm exemptions with the Building Division before starting work.
Required documents
- Depending on scope, Larkspur requires a completed permit application, digital plans, detailed scope of work, valuation, and may require site plan, foundation/framing/electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, CalGreen checklist, Title 24 energy documentation, structural calculations, soils report, flood elevation certificate, C&D debris form, construction management plan, erosion control materials, grading/drainage plans, owner-builder package, HOA approval, tree permit, encroachment permit, and agency approvals
- Building code
- The Building Division states the City applies the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, and Fire Codes as amended by the Larkspur Municipal Code.
- Permit validity
- A permit must receive a verifiable inspection within 180 days of issuance and every 180 days thereafter. Larkspur also limits total active duration by valuation: up to $100,000 for 12 months, $100,001 to $1,000,000 for 18 months, and over $1,000,000 for 24 months.
- Owner-builder
- If the property owner pulls the permit, Larkspur requires the property owner-builder form/package. The City notes owners should check insurance implications, and some HOAs may require a licensed contractor to pull the permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors picking up the permit must provide their California state contractor license number and workers' compensation policy information on the permit. Larkspur also requires all contractors on the project to hold a City of Larkspur contractor business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Simple permits generally 2-3 working days after a complete submission; small projects about 7-10 working days; large-project initial review about 3-4 weeks and resubmittal review about 2-3 weeks.
- 01 Create or log into an eTRAKiT account, choose the appropriate permit type, and upload all materials digitally in PDF format. Larkspur requires digital submission for every permit type and does not offer over-the-counter plan review or permit issuance.
- 02 Submit the application with the required fee at intake. Simple permits require payment at submission; small and large projects require plan check fees at submission, and plans are not reviewed until those fees are paid.
- 03 City staff screens the application for completeness. For large projects, a complete package is routed for coordinated review by Building, Planning, Public Works/Engineering, and Central Marin Fire; some projects also require outside-agency approvals.
- 04 Respond to correction comments and resubmit through eTRAKiT if needed. Review status can be tracked in the portal.
- 05 After approval, pay any remaining issuance fees and satisfy any prerequisite approvals such as encroachment, grading/hauling, tree, school district, or outside-agency signoffs if applicable.
- 06 Download or receive the issued permit, keep the approved plans and job card on site, and schedule inspections online through eTRAKiT.
Typical processing time: Simple permits generally 2-3 working days after a complete submission; small projects about 7-10 working days; large-project initial review about 3-4 weeks and resubmittal review about 2-3 weeks.
Source: City of Larkspur Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Larkspur building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$135 minimum building permit fee for FY 2025/26; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and Title 24 compliance permits also show $135 minimums where applicable.
02
Plan check fee
65% of total permit fees, or actual cost plus 5% where applicable; pre-approved ADU review has separate actual-cost rules.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based under the City fee schedule. The building permit fee is 100% of the valuation fee, with additional category fees as applicable. The fee schedule also includes a 0.75% road impact fee for projects over $10,000 valuation, a 0.25% general plan maintenance fee, a 25% green building fee based on building permit valuation fee, and records-retention/scanning charges.
04
Penalty (no permit)
The published FY 2025/26 building fee schedule includes a fee for inspections not associated with a permit at the greater of $134.64 or actual cost, and a building penalty fee for work without a permit or work beyond scope of 200% of the total permit fee or staff time, whichever is greater. The schedule notes that this penalty is not charged on permits to legalize ADUs or JADUs built before January 1, 2020.
The Permit Process page states payment can be made by credit card or e-check through eTRAKiT, with a 3% credit-card processing fee and a $1 e-check service fee. Checks can also be mailed or dropped off at City Hall, and in-person payment is available during counter hours. The fee schedule separately lists a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (415) 927-5026 (phone)
- Building inspections must be scheduled through eTRAKiT (online)
- Inspection hours
- Building inspections are Monday through Friday mornings beginning at 7:00 a.m. and no later than noon. The City's inspection guide shows early morning (7:00-9:00 a.m.) and morning (9:00 a.m.-noon) windows, with no afternoon inspections. Requests should be made at least one to two working days in advance; same-day requests are not accommodated.
- Time windows
- Building inspections are Monday through Friday mornings beginning at 7:00 a.m. and no later than noon. The City's inspection guide shows early morning (7:00-9:00 a.m.) and morning (9:00 a.m.-noon) windows, with no afternoon inspections. Requests should be made at least one to two working days in advance; same-day requests are not accommodated.
Typical sequence: After permit issuance, request the needed inspection in eTRAKiT, post the site card, and keep the job card and approved plans on site. Inspections then proceed as work reaches the required stages. Final inspection is needed to close out the permit and keep records current. Reinspection note: Reinspection fees apply under the fee schedule. Permit activity must continue through inspections every 180 days to avoid expiration.
Source: City of Larkspur Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Larkspur permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Larkspur, CA? ▸
Larkspur Municipal Code states a permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, and for plumbing, sanitary drainage, wiring, or fixed electrical equipment work. The Permit Process page also lists common permit categories including reroofs, water heaters, furnace or AC replacement, electrical service changes, like-for-like window or siding replacement, residential roof-mounted solar PV, battery backup for existing arrays, kitchen and bath remodels, interior remodels, generators, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, replacement decks, additions, extensive remodels, and commercial tenant improvements.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Larkspur, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Larkspur, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $135 minimum building permit fee for FY 2025/26; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and Title 24 compliance permits also show $135 minimums where applicable.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based under the City fee schedule. The building permit fee is 100% of the valuation fee, with additional category fees as applicable. The fee schedule also includes a 0.75% road impact fee for projects over $10,000 valuation, a 0.25% general plan maintenance fee, a 25% green building fee based on building permit valuation fee, and records-retention/scanning charges.. Plan check fee: 65% of total permit fees, or actual cost plus 5% where applicable; pre-approved ADU review has separate actual-cost rules..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Larkspur, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Larkspur, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create or log into an eTRAKiT account, choose the appropriate permit type, and upload all materials digitally in PDF format. Larkspur requires digital submission for every permit type and does not offer over-the-counter plan review or permit issuance. 2. Submit the application with the required fee at intake. Simple permits require payment at submission; small and large projects require plan check fees at submission, and plans are not reviewed until those fees are paid. 3. City staff screens the application for completeness. For large projects, a complete package is routed for coordinated review by Building, Planning, Public Works/Engineering, and Central Marin Fire; some projects also require outside-agency approvals. 4. Respond to correction comments and resubmit through eTRAKiT if needed. Review status can be tracked in the portal. 5. After approval, pay any remaining issuance fees and satisfy any prerequisite approvals such as encroachment, grading/hauling, tree, school district, or outside-agency signoffs if applicable. 6. Download or receive the issued permit, keep the approved plans and job card on site, and schedule inspections online through eTRAKiT.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Larkspur, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Larkspur, CA typically run Simple permits generally 2-3 working days after a complete submission; small projects about 7-10 working days; large-project initial review about 3-4 weeks and resubmittal review about 2-3 weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Larkspur, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Larkspur, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Larkspur does not appear to publish a standalone local handout listing all building-permit exemptions; exempt work generally follows the adopted California codes, subject to zoning, fire, stormwater, and other local requirements; One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are identified in California's residential-code permit-exemption provisions; Ordinary minor repairs that do not affect structural, life-safety, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, or accessibility requirements may be exempt under the adopted California codes, but Larkspur's own permit pages treat many common replacements as permit-required; Hand-dug excavations under 25 cubic yards are specifically called out in Larkspur's building submittal checklist as not requiring a grading permit, though related building, drainage, right-of-way, creek, or erosion-control approvals may still apply. Note: Even when work is exempt from a building permit, Larkspur zoning/design review, heritage, right-of-way, stormwater, WUI, or utility/agency approvals may still apply. Because Larkspur's permit pages expressly require permits for many items that are sometimes assumed to be minor, applicants should confirm exemptions with the Building Division before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Larkspur, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Larkspur, CA via: (415) 927-5026, Building inspections must be scheduled through eTRAKiT.
last verified April 2026
source City of Larkspur Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/marin/larkspur
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Larkspur Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.