HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS DURING SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER:
Most Construction and Landscaping Projects Now Prohibited (April 1, 2020)
A “Shelter at Home” Order is in place from Marin County now through May 3, 2020. This is a legal order that limits activity, travel and business functions only to the most essential needs of the community. The purpose of this Order is to keep people at home to reduce the exposure and transmission of COVID-19.
While it is tempting, please note that sheltering at home should NOT be considered an opportunity to undertake voluntary home improvement projects that will create undue exposure to other individuals, such as contractors or landscapers. Stop work orders will be issued for construction on a property and may result in fines. Please note that the Building Department staff will be working with homeowners that have active, permitted home improvement project to safely shut down construction on site until May 3, 2020, as stipulated by the Shelter in Place Order.
Let’s all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19—postpone your home improvement project if it involves hiring others to do the work.
Shelter in Place Order:
Click here to go to the Marin County Health page for more information on the Shelter at Home Order, which includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Please also note that this situation is fluid, and may change based on guidance received from the County of Marin.
What Home Improvement Projects are Allowed?
Plumbers, electricians and other service providers who provide emergency services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of a residence is allowed. Such work is subject to typical planning and building permits, as needed, based on the scope of work of the project. And, at this time, any work conducted shall abide with the general health and safety standards established by the Order.
What Home Improvement Projects are Not Allowed?
Any commercial and residential construction that is not considered an emergency or part of maintaining the general health or safety of a household.
What About Larger Construction Projects with a Valid Building Permit?
Based on the new March 31, 2020 Shelter in Place Order, those projects that have an active permit are being contacted to work on safely shutting down construction until May 3, 2020, as directed by the Shelter in Place Order.
Are Permits Still being Issued for Home Improvement Projects?
At this time, permits are only being issued for those construction projects that fall under the definition of “essential” services, mainly for safety and/or the operation of a residence, including the following:
- Projects that restore your home to a safe, sanitary, and habitable space.
- Projects that create new deed restricted affordable housing units.
- Projects that maintain or upgrade essential business, government or health care infrastructure.
Other Permitted Activities & Work Considered “Essential”:
- Projects necessary to the maintenance, operation or repair of essential infrastructure.
- Construction projects that include 10% affordable housing units, such as the Simmon's Way project (aka 542 Miller Avenue).
- Other services or work necessary to operate or maintain “essential infrastructure” including utilities (water, sewer, gas and electrical), roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste facilities, mortuaries and telecommunications systems.
- All first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatches, law enforcement personnel, and others who need to perform essential services.
For more Information on Current Planning and Building Services
Click here for more information about the status of operations, including building inspections; building permit plan checks; and new planning and building applications.