** New Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling/Composting
Confirm with landlord and/or Planning Department that your business is a permitted use. Note: “like for like” uses (e.g. a new retail business replacing existing retail) in commercial space less than 1,500 square feet typically does not require planning approval. New use of space may require a conditional use permit and is based on the Mill Valley Municipal Code requirements for a Zoning District and parking ratios associated with types of use. See Municipal Code Title 20 for permitted uses by Zoning District and Section 20.60.090 for parking ratios. Go to Marin Map to view the City's Zoning Districts.
Confirm with the City Planning Department to see if your physical alternations to the interior or exterior will require planning review or a building permit.
Most new exterior signage requires a permit through the City Planning Department.
Please note: Internally illuminated signs are not allowed in the Lytton Square/Town Center area and the portion of the East Blithedale/Alto Center area east of Lomita Drive. Neon signs and A-frame or “sandwich board” signs are also prohibited. Temporary signs are allowed for a period of 4 weeks per calendar year and shall not exceed a total of 12 square feet in size nor obscure more than 15 percent of an individual window, whichever is less.
A business license is required for all businesses in Mill Valley. To learn more about Business Licenses click here.
Requires a permit processed through the Planning Department.
Home Occupation Permit is required if a business is conducted in a residence, processed through business licenses.
If you are planning to operate a business under a name other than your own, file a “fictitious business name” with the County Clerk http://www.marincounty.org/depts/ar/divisions/county-clerk/fbn
Events that exceed the scope of the business and/or typical hours of operation require a special event permit issued by the Mill Valley Police Department.
Marin County Sustainability Program
Zero Waste Initiative/Waste Management
Enjoy Mill Valley - Business Support and News
Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce
Marin County: Business Directories, List of Associations