Our most common complaints:

The Marin County Community Development Agency regulates junk and debris located on private property. Junkyards which use more than 200 square feet of land to store vehicles or junk are only allowed within industrial zoned properties within the unincorporated area of Marin County. The Marin County Zoning Ordinance prohibits the permanent storage of junk materials in the front yard of any lot located in any R-1 (Single-Family, Residential) zoning district. This restriction includes the storage of vehicles in areas other than improved parking areas.

Complaints regarding the accumulation of household garbage are handled by the Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services Division at (415) 473-6907.

Second units are allowed in many single-family zoned areas of the unincorporated parts of Marin County subject to certain conditions. A second unit is any dwelling unit in addition to a main residence that includes food preparation facilities.

Existing second units which were originally established in accordance with previous zoning may receive a certificate of registration to establish the legal non-conforming status of the unit.

Second units which were construction prior to 1987 in violation of zoning regulations may be legalized through a second unit use permit. A use permit may also be secured for a new second unit which is allowed by zoning provided that unit meets all parking, public safety, health standards, and owner-occupancy requirements.

To inquire further about permit requirements for second units, call the Community Development Agency Public Information Counter at (415) 473-6269, or stop by during our business hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are located in Room 308, Marin County Civic Center Administration Building.

Most fences six feet or under in height from natural grade do not require a permit from the Marin County Community Development Agency. Fences over six feet in height and some smaller fences in certain zoning district may require a permit.

To inquire further about permit requirements for fences, call the Community Development Agency Public Information Counter at (415) 473-6269, or stop by during our business hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are located in Room 308, Marin County Civic Center Administration Building.

The Community Development Agency, Building and Safety Division, requires a separate building permit for construction, remodel, relocation and demolition of most buildings and other structures. Building permits are required in addition to other permits from the Community Development Agency, Planning Division or Department of Public Works.

To inquire further about building permit requirements, call the Community Development Agency, Building Inspection, at (415) 473-6550, or stop by during our business hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are located in Room 308, Marin County Civic Center Administration Building.