Frequently Asked Questions

How do I serve on the Design Review Board or Planning Commission?

The Design Review Board (DRB) and Planning Commission are both made up of 5 officials appointed to 4-year terms. When an existing member's term expires, or an existing member resigns early, the Town Council will announce the vacancy and invite new applicants. Tiburon residency is required for both the DRB and Planning Commission. Contact the Town Clerk for more information on upcoming vacancies or to apply.

Am I still allowed to add a new gas fireplace or firepit?

The Town of Tiburon is not currently enforcing the all-electric ordinance. In February 2024, the Building Division suspended its enforcement of the requirement that most new buildings in the Town be constructed using all-electric technology and the restrictions on additional gas use in existing residential buildings. While Ordinance 602 N.S. will remain in the Town’s Municipal Code, sections 13-4.3.1(9), 13-4.7.1(h), and 13-4.11(c) will not be enforced at this time. 

In January 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit invalidated a City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The Ninth Circuit decision held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting ordinances that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings. Town of Tiburon anticipates similar challenges to its all-electric ordinance because the Town's all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the installation of gas plumbing in new buildings. The Town is therefore suspending the ordinance. 

Do I need to obtain permit approval from the Sanitary District?

The Town of Tiburon is not a full-serve Town. This means that the Town utilizes outside jurisdictional authorities/districts to provide services to the community. Some of these authorities are: Marin County Sanitary District No. 5, Richardson Bay Sanitary District, and Corte Madera Sanitary District No. 2. These districts have statutory authority over the sewer laterals supplying residences within the Town of Tiburon. Additionally, there are codes and statutes approved by the Districts which must be adhered to and followed.  

Should the proposed construction project consist of the addition of plumbing fixtures or have a project valuation of $50,000 or greater, the proposed construction project shall be required to obtain Sanitary District approval and complete any and all work required by the District. 

How do I pay for my permit?

You may drop off payment at Town Hall (1505 Tiburon Boulevard) Monday through Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or mail a check to the Building Division payable to Town of Tiburon. The Town accepts credit cards in office with a 3% surcharge. The Town does not accept credit card information over the phone.

Does Tiburon allow short-term rentals?

No. All rentals must be 30+ days. 

When is a soil report required?

Generally a soils report is required if the work involves hillside construction of 10% or greater slope, if the structural engineer requires it for the foundation and drainage design (higher foundation load values may be allowed with a soils report), or sometimes if a non-licensed designer is producing the foundation design using the minimum building code standards. Without a soils report, foundation bearing load values are only 1,000 psf (pounds per square foot) maximum, 1,500psf maximum if designed by a structural engineer, and potentially much higher if a soils report is used for the design.

What are the climatic and geographic design criteria for Tiburon?

Review our Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria and Manual J Design criteria.

What is an Owner-Builder?

An owner-builder is what the term indicates: a person owns the property and acts as their own general contractor on the job, and either does the work themselves or has employees (or subcontractors) working on the project. The work site must be their principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months prior to completion of the work. The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period. You can learn more about the responsibilities of an owner-builder in this California State License Board pamphlet: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/OwnerBuildersPamphlet.pdf