FAQs

Complaints should be filed as quickly as possible when alleged deviations are discovered so that they can be investigated and promptly resolved prior to completion of the construction work if possible.

After receiving a complaint, the Building Official or his/her designee will investigate all allegations within fourteen (14) days of receiving the complaint. The investigation will include interviews with: (a) the complainant; (b) the business owner, if a Private Project, or the responsible City Department or other public agency, if a Public Project; and (c) any other person the Building Official believes to have relevant knowledge concerning the complaint.

The Building Official also will consider any written or photographic evidence that is provided. After completing the investigation, the Building Official will review the factual information gathered through the investigation to determine whether the allegation is in fact a deviation from the Law. For Public Projects undertaken by the City, the City shall then take all actions necessary to correct any deviation from the Law which it confirms as a result of any investigation within ninety (90) days ofthe confirmation of such deviation, unless the deviation or deviations are so substantial that that they cannot be corrected within ninety (90) days of confirmation. In such circumstances, a specific timetable shall be prepared to assure that the deviations will be corrected within a reasonable period of time.

For Public Projects of other public entities, the City will forward the complaint to the appropriate state or federal agency. These agencies will process the complaint in accordance with their own regulations and procedures.

For Private Projects, the City shall send the responsible party and/or owner a written notice of violation demanding that the deviation be corrected within ninety (90) days of the confirmation of such deviation, unless the deviation or deviations are so substantial that that they cannot be corrected within ninety (90) days of confirmation. In such circumstances, a specific timetable will be prepared to assure that the deviations will be corrected within a reasonable period of time. If the responsible party and/or owner does not correct the deviation within ninety (90) days, commence to correct it if it is of such magnitude that it cannot be corrected within ninety (90) days, or comply with the timetable prepared by the City for correcting the deviation, the City shall refer the matter to the City Attorney for appropriate legal action.

Within seven (7) days of receipt of each complaint, the City shall send a letter to the complainant confirming receipt of the complaint, along with a timetable and a description of the process that will be used by the City in investigating the complaint and preparing a response.

After completion of the investigation, the City shall provide the complainant with another letter advising the complainant of the resolution of the complaint, including informing the complainant about his or her right of appeal. Where the City determines that any or all of the violations alleged in a complaint are unfounded, the City's letter shall include the factual and legal basis for such determination. In addition, upon completion of the corrections of the deviations where required, the Compliance Officer will then notify the complainant in writing of the completion of the remedial work. Also, the complainant will be notified if the matter is referred to the City Attorney for appropriate legal action.

If you own a septic system and need assistance with your system, contact Marin County Environmental Health Services: 415-499-6907.  Or visit their website.

Click here to download the Sewer Connection Permit

The connection referred to here is not the physical connection of sewer pipe. It refers to allowing a dwelling unit to have its sewage transported by the City system and processed by the SASM treatment plant. The connection charge for second units is $1250 for dwelling units less than 700 Square feet and $4000 for units greater than 700 square feet. In addition, an annual Sewer Service Charge of $297 is levied on the second unit. The physical connecting of a second unit may also require a Plumbing Permit from the Building Department for work on private property and an Encroachment Permit for that portion of the work in the right-of-way.

There are several methods to submit a complaint:

Fill out the Complaint for Disabled Access Investigation online form.
Download and print a copy of the Complaint for Disabled Access Investigation. It is provided here in a Word and PDF format:
- Word version - Complaint for Disabled Access Investigation
- PDF version - Complaint for Disabled Access Investigation 
Persons may also use the 711 Relay System to request complaint forms. When describing the alleged violation, additional documentation such as photographs also would be very helpful. Complaints must be filed with the ADA Coordinator:

Kathy Toohey
Building Official
Mill Valley Building Department, City Hall
26 Corte Madera Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941 Phone: (415) 388-4033 (TTY 711)
Fax: (415) 381-1736
Email: ktoohey@cityofmillvalley.org

The purpose of this procedure is to provide individuals with a convenient method to report disability access law violations in Mill Valley, and to establish a process for resolving as promptly as possible alleged violations of state disabled access regulations in either (i) buildings, -structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities that are owned or leased by the City of Mill Valley or that are constructed or altered with city funds ("public projects"), or (ii) privately owned public accommodations (i.e., businesses that are open to the public) that are not publicly funded ("private projects").

State law requires all public and private projects to be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. See Cal. Government Code 4450 et seq. for public projects and Cal. Health and Safety Code 19955 et seq. for private projects. The State Architect has issued specifications for the construction or alteration of buildings and structures in the State Building Code, which is published as part of the California Building Code and which is often referred to as "Title 24" reflecting where it was formerly located in the California Code of Regulations, Under state law, the City is responsible for complying with Title 24 in its public projects and for enforcing the Title 24 requirements in private projects that are subject to the City's jurisdiction through the City's building permit and building inspection programs. For certain projects built before the first version of Title 24 was adopted in 1981, the applicable standards are the 1961 American Standards Association Standard (the "ASA Standards"). In addition, California Civil Code Sections 54 and 54.1 require that persons with disabilities have equal access to accommodations available to the public, and make a violation of the federal Americans with Disability Act also a violation of state law. For a detailed description of these state laws and regulations, please see Exhibit A. For the purposes of this Procedure, all of the above-referenced laws and regulations shall be referred to as the "Law."

Anyone who believes that a public or private project does not comply with the law because it contains deviations from the specifications set forth in the law may file a complaint under this procedure. An authorized representative of such a person may also file a complaint on the complainant's behalf. To the extent authorized by law, the identity of the complainant will be kept confidential.

Persons with disabilities or others needing assistance should contact the following to request an appointment:

Kathy Toohey, Building Official
Mill Valley Building Department
City of Mill Valley
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Telephone (415) 388-4033 (TTY 771)
Fax (415) 381-1736
Email: ktoohey@cityofmillvalley.org

Before requesting the Residential Building Report, please click here to verify that the property is located in our jurisdiction. A listing of streets within Mill Valley’s city limits can be found here. You may then schedule the inspection with the Building Administrative Assistant at Mill Valley City Hall located at 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley. Our hours are 8:00am-noon and 1:00-5:00pm, Monday – Thursday please check our website for days that City Hall will be closed.

The primary purpose of the inspection is to provide a cursory review of the property and will identify any life safety or sanitation issues having the potential to cause injury. We also look to identify any illegal construction and unpermitted second units.

Generally, completed reports are not revised, and re-inspections are not required. The information contained in the report is to be used as a disclosure.  If a life safety issue is discovered or a mandatory correction is required, a permit or re-inspection may be required. 

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) or an owner/occupant doing your own construction on a site with an active building permit:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – Light noise associated with preparing the jobsite is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm – Light noise associated with disassembling the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays, Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted. This includes painting and landscaping.

If you are an owner/occupant and are doing home maintenance NOT associated with a site with an active building permit:

Certain types of activities and noise sources associated with residential living are permitted under the City’s municipal code. With the exception of gas-powered leaf blowers, low-noise generating power garden equipment (such as hedge clippers, weed-eaters, lawn mowers) is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays - Construction allowed 9:00am to 5:00pm
• Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

Please note: Unless expressly permitted by the City of Mill Valley, commercial landscape maintenance work on residential properties is not permitted on weekends and holidays. 

No-Work Holidays:
New Years Day
MLK Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day

Complaints:

Need to file a complaint?

Submit a Complaint Form to our Code Enforcement Officer. Weekends - call the Police Department at 415-389-4100. Please be prepared to provide the address, date, and time you witnessed the violation. If the violator is a contractor or gardener, please note the company name and vehicle license number.

Before you make improvements on your property or convert or remodel a structure, check with our Building Department to obtain information and required building permits. The City of Mill Valley requires a permit for replacing a water heater, and state regulations require seismic strapping of all water heaters when a building is sold.

Mold and mildew can cause serious health risks. For tips on removing and preventing mold, contact your local health department or visit the California Department of Public Health's Web site.

This is true… and most of what is exempt is work that is of a cosmetic nature only. However, this must be considered in light of how and why building codes have evolved over time. (Actually, a very long time; the earliest building codes can be traced back to the Code of Hammurabi, circa 1760 B.C.) The enactment of, and revisions to building codes are generally a direct result of failures from existing building techniques, and the disasters that often were a result of those failures.
Although the complexity of the codes have increased since the days of Hammurabi, what was true then remains true today; the intent of the building codes is to protect lives in the buildings and facilities we occupy and use.

If the steps outlined in previous FAQ’s have been completed, and the information contained in your plans is compatible with the Building Permits -- Plan Submittal Requirements handout, as well as the Residential Design Guidelines and /or the Residential Design Review Handbook, you should be ready to submit. 89

Certain circumstances exist when the submittal may be incomplete, but the incomplete items may become what is referred to as, a deferred submittal. A deferred submittal is an element, or elements, that need to be part of the submittal at some juncture, but not necessarily critical information as far as getting the project started. In other words, Building staff may be able to issue the permit, but the missing information will need to be provided at some pre-determined point; usually contingent on how the information could impact the approval process on the project.

For example: plans for a major renovation are submitted, but the calculations and structural design for the truss roof may not be complete. The calculations and structural design will not affect the aesthetic design of the roof, so the calculations and structural design become a deferred submittal. However, the submittal is only deferred until the roof sheathing is to be installed. If the calculations and structural design have not been submitted to and approved by Building Department staff prior to this juncture, work on the roof cannot progress, and there is a chance the project could be stopped altogether.

There may be many variations on deferred submittals, but the caveat is that the missing information cannot change the nature of the project as originally submitted. If it does, it becomes a revision, and is subject to separate criteria.

If you are unsure if your project contains all the necessary information for submittal, a conversation with the appropriate Building Department staff member should provide the clarity necessary to get your submittal complete.

A number of variables play into this. Often, it depends on what the scope of your project is, and the number of departments and agencies involved in the approval process. Structural complexity, unusual design, and unorthodox construction methodology are among the many other issues that can impact the approval process. Due to the aforementioned variables, it is extremely difficult to provide an accurate timetable of the approval process. To avoid potential delays, contact us while the project is still in a conceptual phase. An open line of communication is often the most valuable tool in the approval process. Often we can provide information that may save a great deal of trial and error (and consequently, time) in the process. Working with designers who are familiar with the approval process in Mill Valley is often advantageous.

Nearly everyone wants to know “how long until my permit is ready to issue?” We understand how important your project is to you; it is not unreasonable expect some kind of timeframe. On medium to large projects the standard processing time is four to six weeks, with the understanding that it will be approved as quickly as reasonably possible. However, a great deal of the responsibility for an expeditious approval is dependent on the initial level of relevant detail provided by the applicant. When plan check comments are generated, a timely and clear, complete response is the most efficient practice to keep the process moving. It may also be advantageous, if getting the project started is a priority, to wait until the permit is issued before submitting revisions. Revisions, except of a minor nature, must be processed in the same manner as a new submittal, and considered on the basis of how they impact the entire project.

It is also important to note that Building is only one of the departments and/or agencies that may be involved in the approval process. One of the reasons why we state a long time frame is that approval by other departments or agencies may take much longer than the actual Building approval. Generally, the more approvals required, the longer it might take before your permit is ready to issue.

As with the building inspection process, there are time limits in the plan review process. If comments are not responded to within 180 days, or there is otherwise no activity on the applicant’s part of the process, the permit application will expire, and may have to be completely resubmitted. An extension may be granted for an additional 180 days, if circumstances occur that would preclude the applicant completing the process in a timely manner. The request for an extension must be in writing, prior to expiration, and signed by the applicant. It must be addressed to the Building Official and the reason for the request must be stated.

In general, a project must be approved and the permit issued before the actual work can begin. The California Building Code does allow an exception for emergency work, if City Hall is closed when the event occurs. This is applicable only if the emergency is of such a nature that repairs must be initiated or life and/or property would be threatened. A permit for such work shall be applied for on the next business day.

We will issue a demolition permit in certain cases. Usually it is issued for specific structural exploratory work, where certain elements need to be exposed to determine the level of repair or reconstruction necessary, for inclusion into the submitted plans. Another situation is the demolition of an entire structure, which is often allowed before the permit for the replacement structure is approved and ready to issue.

If you have a particular situation where you feel demolition might be appropriate before the project is actually approved, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please be advised, however, that these cases are the exception rather that the rule. The multitude of factors and departments that are often involved in an alteration often preclude anything but specific, monitored areas of demolition.

A Road Impact Fee is assessed on any permit issued with a valuation of $10,000 or more, as per the Mill Valley Municipal Code. This fee has been in effect since 2004. The fee is equal to one percent of the valuation of the permit. The fees collected are not specific to the street in which the work is being performed, but are deposited into a fund that helps the Department of Public Works maintain all roadways in Mill Valley.

The Drainage Fee is a one-time fee assessed to every parcel within the City, as per the Mill Valley Municipal Code. This fee has been in effect since the 1960s. Any permit with a valuation of $5000+ will trigger the assessment of this fee; with parcels over one acre in size charged a double fee. Once the fee is paid, it is entered into a spreadsheet that tracks the collection activity so the property is not charged twice. This money is deposited in a fund that is used by the Department of Public Works to improve the City's drainage systems.

Please contact the Building Counter for information on a specific parcel.

Due to the potentially disruptive effects construction projects may have on a neighborhood, and sometimes the community in general, the Mill Valley Municipal Code has set specific time limits on project completion based on the project’s valuation. This information can be found in Section 14.05.032 (G) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code.

We understand circumstances may prevent a project from being completed in a timely manner. Please contact us as soon as you are aware that your project may not be completed within the allotted time frame, and we will explore what options may be available to grant an extension.

When considering opening a business in Mill Valley, it is wise to contact the Planning and Building Department regarding zoning ordinances, use permits, etc. as part of planning your business model. It is highly recommended this consultation take place before entering into any sort of lease or purchase agreement. Once it is determined that the endeavor is feasible, the next stop should be Building if any sort of alteration to the interior or exterior of the structure that houses the business is being considered. At this juncture, we can advise you as to other departments or agencies that may be involved in the approval process, as well as which building codes and ordinances may be applicable.

A major consideration on the Building Department side is accessibility. Accessibility is defined in the California Building Code as: “the combination of various elements in a building, facility, site, or area, or portion thereof which allows access, circulation and the full use of the building and facilities by persons with disabilities.” Almost any type of alteration will trigger the requirement for some degree of accessibility upgrade to the building or site.

Accessibility is an extremely complicated and potentially litigious subject. The importance of retaining experienced and competent accessibility consultants and/or design professionals as an integral part of your potential alterations and how they impact your overall business model cannot be overstated. While Building staff can advise on applicable code interpretations, we cannot act in the role of a consultant. Competent professionals may be worth their weight in gold in this arena.

Story poles need to go up a minimum of 10-days prior to the public hearing before the Planning Commission (the same time the public notice is sent out to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed project). This is intended to allow ample time for the public and Planning Commissioners to view the project dimensions.

Although obtaining a building permit is not a guarantee that your project will be problem-free, it does provide many benefits over non-permitted projects. Perhaps the most important benefit is that it provides an independent evaluation of the code-related aspects of your project. This process often actually begins when the project is still in a conceptual phase. Many times the information the Planning and Building Department can provide at this juncture greatly benefits an applicant in regards to the manner in which the project is ultimately structured and submitted. From initial inquiry through final approval, this “independent evaluation” is ongoing, to ensure that your project is compliant with all applicable building and municipal codes.

In addition to the above some of the more obvious advantages to obtaining a building permit are:

It “raises the bar” for all the individuals involved in the project.

This includes designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers, as well as the individuals actually performing the work. Although limited to ensuring code compliance rather than overall quality control, the Planning and Building Department acts as a project “watchdog.”

Having a structured, time sensitive approval process can help keep the project moving (and hopefully completed!) in a timely manner.

The general requirement that any code-required element of the project be inspected before it is allowed to be covered often leads to the discovery of problems that could be infinitely more egregious and expensive to mitigate if discovered later in the building process.

It provides an accurate record of work that has been done to the property over the years.

This is particularly important in terms of transfer of ownership, and to a lesser degree, refinancing the property. The City of Mill Valley maintains a “Building History File” on each property within the city limits. In addition to applicable supporting documentation, the file contains all building permit activity since the City began documentation on the property. As per Municipal Code, when a property changes ownership the seller is obligated to schedule an inspection with the City. One of the intended purposes of these inspections, or ”RBR” (Residential Building Report) is to determine if work without permits has occurred. The results of this inspection go into the Building History File. As the contents of this file are public information, a common scenario is: a potential homebuyer, doing their due diligence, notices in the report that work has been done without benefit of permits. This can raise a red flag that often impacts the entire transaction, raising questions about the condition of the property and possibly the seller’s willingness to disclose information. Regardless of how the situation arises, it is a laborious, time consuming, and usually expensive process to submit for and receive final approval on a retroactive permit. Generally finishes need to be removed, often to both ascertain how the project was constructed for plan review purposes, as well as to determine the construction was compliant with the code in effect at the time the work was completed. In addition, the permit fees are at a minimum doubled, and may be assessed even higher.

The City of Mill Valley is committed to promoting a safe built environment. When we issue a permit, the applicant is required to display a copy of the permit in a location that is reasonably visible from the public way. If it comes to our attention that work that was subject to permits is in progress with no evidence of a permit, enforcement action is a possibility. In the big picture, the cost of permitting is often negligible, compared to the potential value and benefits received.

Yes. Building plans are protected by copyright laws, therefore approval of the architect, designer, or other design professional who prepared the plans is required, in writing, before the plans can be copied. Plans, however, can be viewed on the computer in the lobby at City Hall. Click here to visit the Building Department web pages.

Maintain your swimming pool with proper chemical treatments and cleaning or drain the water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and potentially spreading West Nile Virus. Report abandoned and unclean pools to the Code Enforcement Officer or to Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control, 800-231-3236 (toll free) & 707-285-2200 (office). 

Yes a sign permit is required since it is considered a new sign.

No-work holidays:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

4th of July

Labor Day

Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Observed holidays: The general rule is if the banks are open, you may do construction.

Click here to see what type of work requires a permit.

You can also come down and see us at the Planning and Building Department at Mill Valley City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Ave. (next to Mill Valley Market), or you can phone us at (415) 388-4033. A planner is available during regular business hours, and an inspector is available from 8-9:00 am or 4-5:00 pm every business day (we are closed every Wednesday morning and every other Friday). An inspector may be available during other regular business hours for consultation, but it is a good idea to call first and check.

Oftentimes, a quick conversation with a planner may validate whether or not a project is viable, and an inspector can provide information on the permitting process, code requirements, and other building-related subjects. They may also be able to determine if consultation with other departments and/or agencies prior to the design process is appropriate, depending on the scope of your project.

There are a number of permits that may be relatively quick and simple to obtain. Water heaters, HVAC systems, sewer repair, electrical service change-outs are examples of permits that generally may be obtained anytime during regular counter hours. Other types of small projects may be appropriate for our Over-the-Counter (OTC) permitting service. This is generally available every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am until 11:30am. (Although we continue reviewing plans until 12:00 noon, we do not take any applications after 11:30) We have a sign-up list available at 8:00 am on OTC mornings and our policy is first-come, first served. The service is generally geared towards residential projects that are of a minor nature; such as projects that do not alter the footprint of the structure; does not contain structural detail that requires engineering; alterations to the exterior that require Planning or Department of Public Works review beyond staff level, etc. Examples of projects that might be appropriate would be: bathroom and kitchen alterations, a small deck on relatively flat terrain, changing out a window, termite work, etc. If you feel your project might be appropriate for this service we strongly recommend you bring the plans and/or description of the project in during the building inspectors regular counter hours (8-9am and 4-5pm, excepting Wednesday mornings) to confirm that the project will be appropriate for the OTC service. This will save you the inconvenience of signing up and waiting your turn only to discover we cannot plan check and/or approve your project in this venue.

There are few projects that do not require plans. If you feel this may be the case, contact us to discuss your particular situation. As with all projects, we will try to advise you on the most expeditious manner to get your project approved and the work started.

Vacant structures can become targets for vandals, criminal activities and a general nuisance for adjacent property owners. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or Building Department for the proper procedures to secure the property and keep it secured.

Vacant structures can become targets for vandals, criminal activities and a general nuisance for adjacent property owners. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or Building Department for the proper procedures to secure the property and keep it secured.

Section 14.05.032 (G) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code requires that your first inspection must be scheduled within 180 days of the date the permit was issued, and "successive approvals” must occur every 180 days thereafter. “Successive approval” means the work is inspected and approved within the 180-day period. A typical scenario would be an inspection is requested and performed, a correction list is generated, and the corrections are completed, another inspection is scheduled to verify the corrections, and the next 180-day period begins from the date the corrections were “signed off”, and the work in question allowed to be covered.

Upon request, a permit may receive one-180 day extension. The request for an extension must be in writing and signed by the applicant, addressed to the Building Official, and the reason for the request must be stated.

It’s important to note at this juncture that “successive approvals” must be based on “valid” inspection. A valid inspection generally involves completing all possible elements in a phase of the project before applying finishes, or otherwise covering the work. An example of this could be a bathroom remodel. We would not inspect the plumbing, electrical, framing, and mechanical elements separately; we would request that once all these elements were completed, the applicant would call for a “rough all” inspection. This means that all of the work involved is completed and ready to cover with sheetrock or other finishes.

With every permit that is issued, a copy of “BUILDING INSPECTION FAQ’S” is included with the permit hard copy. The majority of information necessary for understanding the inspection process is included in this document. The inspection process for larger projects is covered in detail in the “PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING” handout. This is usually distributed as part of a project that requires a pre-construction meeting, but a great deal of the information is relevant to the inspection process in general.

To report a code violation regarding building, zoning or Municipal code violations, call Ann Ivan at (415) 389-4203, or email aivan@cityofmillvalley.org.

Generally speaking, the benefits of hiring a licensed contractor far outweigh the perceived benefit of acting as your own contractor and managing the project yourself. Acting as your own contractor (especially if you are not experienced in construction techniques and procedures) has cost many an unwitting applicant more in the long run than what the cost would have been had they hired a competent contractor.

On the Building Permit Application there are two spaces to check if you are obtaining the permit as an owner-builder. One is applicable if you are acting as an employer; the other, if you are exclusively contracting with licensed contractors. The link to the forms required by California law are Property Owner-Builder Declaration and Verification Forms. 

The California State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) is an excellent source of information regarding the legal aspects of being an owner-builder, as well as the pitfalls of hiring unlicensed contractors. We strongly recommend that a potential owner-builder take the time to peruse the requirements and information included in these links.

Residential Building Reports cost $310 per single family home and $80 per additional unit. If you need to cancel your inspection please provide at least 24 hour notice. If you miss your inspection there is a $155 re-inspection fee that must be paid prior to re-scheduling the inspection. 

A Residential Building Report (RBR) is required when any residential property changes ownership and should be obtained before the close of escrow. This includes single family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums and mixed-use buildings. It is important to obtain a report as early in the process as possible to ensure a completed report will be available in a timely manner. This will also allow sufficient time to resolve any identified issues. Please see the Mill Valley Municipal Code § 20.70.020.

The City does not have the authority to hold up the sale of a property. However, if the property is sold, any required outstanding actions, permits required will be the legal responsibility of the new owner.

The property owner will have the ability to pull emergency permits to address safety concerns, identified by the building inspector. Permits will not be granted until the unpermitted work is addressed.

Please see section 20.70.070 and 20.70.040 of the Mill Valley Muni Code
20.70.40: The report of residential building record shall be delivered by the owner or the authorized agent of the owner to the buyer or transferee of the residential building prior to the consummation of the sale or exchange. (Ord. 789 § 1, March 5, 1973)
20.70.070: Except as provided herein, it is unlawful for the owner of a residential building in the City of Mill Valley to sell or exchange the same without first having obtained and delivered to the buyer a report of residential building record. (Ord. 789 § 1, March 5, 1973; Ord. 1261 § 8, November 4, 2013)

If you need to cancel your inspection please provide at least 24 hour notice. If you miss your inspection there is a $155 re-inspection fee that must be paid prior to re-scheduling the inspection.

The owner or their authorized representative must legalize any violation(s) the inspector identifies as mandatory in the report. A building permit must be obtained to address the unpermitted work. Depending on the extent of the unpermitted work, the process may involve other departments as needed.

Under each section of the report there is a department and staff member listed. Please contact the department and staff memver for the section you have questions about. For general questions, please discuss the report with your licensed real estate agent.

Permit fees are based upon the valuation of the project. Building staff will assist you in determining your cost. For a simplified version of our Building Department Fee Schedule please click here.

Hoarding occurs when the clutter in people's homes impair their basic living activities. Compulsive hoarding can cause fires, pest infestations and other health and safety hazards. To evaluate a hoarding situation and develop an effective plan to address those involved, contact the Code Enforcement Officer.

The City of Mill Valley urges residents to work with pool service providers that commit to flushing pool water into the sewer system instead of into the ground or down the storm drain.

Because many of us swim in chlorinated water at relatively high concentrations, we often don’t fully understand the toxicity of chlorine on the natural habitat that surrounds us. It’s quite simple: the concentration of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) in pool water is high enough to pollute a body of water 10 to 100 times its size if sent to the storm drain.

Because every storm drain in the City of Mill Valley empties into a sensitive natural body of water, such as a creek or wetland, introducing chlorine into those creeks and wetlands kills fish and frogs and the aquatic bugs they feed on.

City officials urge residents not to hire a pool service company that is unwilling to flush pool water into the sewer system.

Mold and mildew can cause serious health risks. For tips on removing and preventing mold, contact your local health department or visit the California Department of Public Health's Web site.

You can appeal any determination of violation. Appeals of some determinations may require a fee. We suggest the owner respond in writing immediately to avoid the loss of appeal rights. All appeals shall be submitted to the City Manager.

Permit fees are based upon the valuation of the project. Building staff will assist you in determining your cost.

Code Enforcement strives to assist the property owner to obtain compliance. If permits are not obtained and the matter is corrected without a permit, an administrative citation may be issued under section 7.04.190 of the Municipal Code. A $100.00 fine shall be due and payable, with second and third citations for continued violations increasing incrementally thereafter. Should you then fail to pay the fines, the City may place your property on lien. This may prevent you from selling the property or obtaining refinancing or title insurance on the property. 

We receive complaints from a number of sources including internal referrals, outside agencies and the general public. Names of complainants are kept confidential.

Trash and debris on your property can invite criminal activity, graffiti and illegal dumping and can contribute to infestations of insects and rodents. Remove trash and debris and store all property in an approved manner. Check with our Planning Department to ensure you are complying with all regulations especially when storing or parking boats or commercial and recreational vehicles in a residential area.

Store inoperable vehicles in an enclosed building out of public view or remove them from your property. Participate in agency-sponsored trash/garbage removal programs that usually occur once a year. Mill Valley’s City ordinance (7.04.150) requires all residence to have disposal service.

Report graffiti to the Police Department, 389-4100. They can provide information to private property owners on how to remove graffiti or arrange for the responsible public agency to remove it from public property.

Vacant structures can become targets for vandals, criminal activities and a general nuisance for adjacent property owners. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or Building Department for the proper procedures to secure the property and keep it secured.

If you suspect there is a code violation on another property, you may contact Code Enforcement and provide this information. A Code Enforcement Inspector will investigate the matter. If a violation is found to exist, the owner will be contacted by letter and will be required to remove the violation and/or obtain the necessary permits for the violation.

Please remember that the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is prohibited by the Mill Valley Municipal Code in an effort to minimize air and noise pollution. Violators could be fined as much as $500. 

Instead of using gas powered leaf blowers, residents and gardeners are encouraged to rake or sweep leaves and debris into piles and dispose in the appropriate green trash bin. Residents and gardeners can also use electric leaf blowers or electric leaf vacuums to collect and dispose of leaves. Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding. 

To conserve water, please do not use a watering hose to clear leaves and debris from driveways, sidewalks, and streets. This is a Marin Municipal Water District prohibited water use and can be punishable by a fine up to $500.

Residents who would like to assist in notifying their neighbors or their gardeners can print out this helpful flyer that explains the City's ordinance in both English and Spanish.

No. Mill Valley Municipal Code 6.12.140 prohibits apiaries/the keeping of bees within city limits.

Mill Valley Municipal Code 6.12.120 states that you may have up to 12 mature poultry or 6 mature rabbits if they are kept at least 40 feet away from any dwelling on adjacent property. Crowing roosters, quacking ducks, geese, guinea fowl or peafowl are prohibitied at all times.

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) or an owner/occupant doing your own construction on a site with an active building permit:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – Light noise associated with preparing the jobsite is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm – Light noise associated with disassembling the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays, Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted. This includes painting and landscaping.

If you are an owner/occupant and are doing home maintenance NOT associated with a site with an active building permit:

Certain types of activities and noise sources associated with residential living are permitted under the City’s municipal code. With the exception of gas-powered leaf blowers, low-noise generating power garden equipment (such as hedge clippers, weed-eaters, lawn mowers) is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays - Construction allowed 9:00am to 5:00pm
• Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

Please note: Unless expressly permitted by the City of Mill Valley, commercial landscape maintenance work on residential properties is not permitted on weekends and holidays. 

No-Work Holidays:
New Years Day
MLK Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day

Complaints:

Need to file a complaint?

Fill out a form online to open a code enforcement investigation.

Submit a Complaint Form to our Code Enforcement Officer. Weekends - call the Police Department at 415-389-4100. Please be prepared to provide the address, date, and time you witnessed the violation. If the violator is a contractor or gardener, please note the company name and vehicle license number.

Yes, the City requires you to trim or cut down trees that pose a danger of falling or obstruct the vision of motorists. Shrubs which boarder a yard along a sidewalk should also be kept clear from obstructing vehicular traffic or encroaching onto a sidewalk. Trim overgrown grass and vegetation or remove the grass and clippings from your property. Clear brush, weeds and dry grass from 30 to 100 feet around your home. The Mill Valley Fire Department can help you determine the exact distance based on slope, wind, neighborhood density, house construction, etc.

Maintain your swimming pool with proper chemical treatments and cleaning or drain the water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and potentially spreading West Nile Virus. Report abandoned and unclean pools to the Code Enforcement Officer or to Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control, 800-231-3236 (toll free) & 707-285-2200 (office). 

Contact the Planning Department to obtain the requirements for size, location and types of temporary and permanent signs allowed within the City.

The City of Mill Valley imposes penalties for building, zoning and some Municipal code violations. These penalties may be calculated in one of two ways. When a permit can be issued to legalize a violation, penalties are two times the base permit fee. If the violation cannot be approved or legalized by a permit, you will be given (30) days to cease the unlawful use or demolish the unlawful structure. If you fail to comply with our direction, you may be penalized anywhere between $100 per day up to a maximum of $500 per day.

Where you fall within this penalty range is based upon the following:

The seriousness of the violation. Could the violation harm human health/safety or the environment?
The length of time the violation has existed.
The diligence and cooperation of the property owner.
The impact of the violation on other properties.
The owner's level of responsibility for the violation. Did the owner create or add to the violation?

To report a code violation regarding building, zoning or Municipal code violations, open a Code Enforcement Investigation online or download a form and send it to Eric Cogbill our Senior Code Enforcement Officer at City Hall (26 Corte Madera Avenue) or via email at ecogbill@cityofmillvalley.org

Under most circumstances you will be given 15 days. This may involve simply stopping the illegal use or obtaining the necessary permits. Under some circumstances an extension of time may be granted when the property owner is steadily working to resolve the problem and is making progress.

Most businesses are not allowed to operate in residential areas. Contact the Planning Department before you start a business to ensure you comply with all regulations.

We welcome the community’s assistance in protecting Steps, Lanes, and Paths (SLPs) and reporting encroachments so we can act on them. Complaints about SLP encroachments may be made anonymously.

Report Encroachments:
Eric Cogbill, Senior Code Enforcement Officer
City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: 415-384-4813
Email: ecogbill@cityofmillvalley.org

Fill out a form online

Download the Code Enforcement Complaint Form

Visit the Code Enforcement Home Page for Hours and Info

The Marin County District Attorneys Office offers Mediation Services to the public. Click here to learn more.

The Marin Humane Society offers Animal Services to Mill Valley residents. Please visit their Animal Services page to find information and resources concerning the following:

Animal Emergencies
Complaints
Lost and Found Pets
Pet Licensing
Animal Permits
Marin Humane Society
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 415-883-4621
Contact

Visit the Library website here to answer all your library-related questions, or call the Circulation Desk during open hours at 415-389-4292.

City plans have existed throughout the history of urban development as a means to organize space and insure that essential ceremonial and communal functions could be accommodated. Beginning in the early 20th Century, and in response to the detrimental effects of rapid urbanization (inadequate housing, poor sanitation, industrialization, etc.), city plans emphasized a compelling vision of a future (the "city beautiful"; the "garden city") intended to engage the public, build civic pride, and encourage long-term investments and decision-making that would ultimately realize the goals of the plan. By the 1920's states began adopting planning and zoning enabling laws that allowed local governments to regulate the use and development of individual properties under the premise of protecting the public health, safety and welfare. These laws typically made zoning ordinances the primary tool for guiding growth and development, while general (or comprehensive) plans were considered to be optional, advisory documents. That is still true in many states, even today.

In 1971, the state of California amended its Government Code to make General Plans mandatory for every city and county in the state and further, and more significantly, required all local land use approvals to be consistent with the jurisdiction's General Plan. In 1990, the California Supreme Court firmly established the General Plan as the pre-eminent statement of local planning policy governing future growth and development, calling it "the constitution for all future development." On-going changes in state law and successive interpretations by the courts continue to add to the scope and responsibilities of the General Plan. However, in its purest form, the General Plan is the link between the expressed values and vision of the community and the resulting public process and decision-making that affect the physical, social, environmental and economic character of the community.

State law and the collective body of court decisions over the years clearly establish the basic components of a General Plan and how these components are to be interwoven to create a "longterm", "comprehensive", "integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement" of goals and policies that reflect local conditions and circumstances. The law requires that a General Plan
address seven subject areas, known in the law and by practice, as "elements", and that each element establish goals, policies and implementation programs and time frames for the subject matter in each element. The mandatory elements are:

• land use
• circulation
• housing
• open space
• conservation
• noise
• safety

The law and the state's "General Plan Guidelines" (created and periodically updated by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research to assist localities in preparing a General Plan) includes specific requirements for each element as to the level of detail and analysis that must be addressed in the plan. The "Housing Element" has the most specific content requirements, including its own separate schedule of mandatory revision (currently every 7 years); and it is the only General Plan element that requires the separate approval (called "certification") of a state agency, the department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). However, the internal consistency requirement of General Plan law is intended to insure that all elements have equal importance and priority in their application and implementation.

Beyond the mandatory elements of the General Plan, there is a great deal of flexibility to address local conditions and circumstances through additional elements. Many General Plans contain elements that address the local economy, urban design, bicycle and pedestrian needs, parks and recreation, social services, public health, sustainability and so forth. There is also a great deal of flexibility in creating the format of the General Plan so that certain topics can be better integrated. For example, the Circulation element, which has traditionally focused on roadway networks and accommodating motor vehicle movements, has evolved into a much more comprehensive analysis of "mobility" that analyzes all means of personal and public transportation, as well as the movement of goods and services.

Although the scope of the General Plan focuses on local conditions and circumstances, it also offers an opportunity to do that in a broader context. Many local issues are influenced by factors that do not necessarily recognize the city limits: traffic, air quality, housing, natural disasters and water supply, to name several. The process of preparing a General Plan allows the local community to look beyond its borders and not only collaborate with other communities and agencies on solutions to common problems, but also build relationships that can result in more effective policy and program implementation into the future. Within the organization, the General Plan process can be a tool for building better working relationships among departments by clarifying regulatory and program implementation roles and responsibilities and future budget and capital project priorities.

There are several reasons why it is important to have a current General Plan:

• Community Vision - The General Plan preparation and adoption process offers the opportunity to bring the community together to express (or confirm) its collective values and shape a common vision for the future and dealing with future conditions. A strong and clear vision built on broad-based participation and consensus will guide long-term decision-making and build community.
  
  
• Public Policy Coordination - The General Plan is not just a land use document that governs future growth and development. It is where all of a community's major policy initiatives are identified, assessed and expressed in a comprehensive and consistent form. As such, the General Plan process allows for a community discussion about policy goals and objectives, which can then lead to the identification of implementation programs, timing and priorities. The internal consistency requirement of the General Plan helps insure that there is coordination among the various elements of the plan.
  
  
• Budget and Capital Investment Coordination - An up-to-date General Plan can be used to strategically identify budget and capital investment priorities based on realizing the vision of the plan and its implementation priorities. It is a management tool used by all City departments and decision-makers.
  
  
• Legal Basis for Implementation - State statutes and established case law require that local government decisions affecting a community's growth and development must be consistent with the General Plan. Although this requirement is most commonly expressed through the City's review of and action in matters regarding land use, the same legal standard of consistency with the General Plan can also apply to adopting new regulations and fees or undertaking new program or service initiatives that affect the entire community.

Various commissions and City departments regularly report to the City Manager and City Council on the implementaion of the overall goals, policies and programs identified in the MV2040 General Plan.  Similar to the General Plan Update process, the community has the opportunity to listen and provide feedback on programs and policies through staff work, committee work and public hearings. 

The Mill Valley Parks & Recreation department permits many of the athletic fields within Mill Valley to be used for organzied use. Organized use is defined as 15 or more players on the field. The fields that are available for rent through MVPR are Alto, Bayfront, Boyle, Friends & Hauke. For further information go to the field rental page or call 415-383-1370 x 104.

The Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Department permits organzied events at two City parks. Boyle and Old Mill Park are available to rent for your event. To do so visit the Parks & Recreation park rental page or call 415-383-1370 x 104 for further information.

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays, Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

If you are an owner/occupant than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays - From 9:00am to 5:00pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers are Prohibited

Please remember that the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is prohibited by the Mill Valley Municipal Code in an effort to minimize air and noise pollution. Violators could be fined as much as $500. 

Instead of using gas powered leaf blowers, residents and gardeners are encouraged to rake or sweep leaves and debris into piles and dispose in the appropriate green trash bin. Residents and gardeners can also use electric leaf blowers or electric leaf vacuums to collect and dispose of leaves. Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding. 

To conserve water, please do not use a watering hose to clear leaves and debris from driveways, sidewalks, and streets. This is a Marin Municipal Water District prohibited water use and can be punishable by a fine up to $500.

Residents who would like to assist in notifying their neighbors or their gardeners can print out this helpful flyer that explains the City’s ordinance in both English and Spanish.

Complaints:

Need to file a complaint?

Submit a Complaint Form to our Code Enforcement Officer. Weekends - call the Police Department at 415-389-4100. Please be prepared to provide the address, date, and time you witnessed the violation. If the violator is a contractor or gardener, please note the company name and vehicle license number.

Story poles need to go up a minimum of 10-days prior to the public hearing before the Planning Commission (the same time the public notice is sent out to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed project). This is intended to allow ample time for the public and Planning Commissioners to view the project dimensions.

Yes. Building plans are protected by copyright laws and the approval of the architect, designer, or other design professional who prepared the plans is required, in writing, before the plans can be copied. Plans, however, can be viewed in the lobby at City Hall.

Yes, a sign permit is required since it is considered a new sign.

Trash and debris on your property can invite criminal activity, graffiti and illegal dumping and can contribute to infestations of insects and rodents. Remove trash and debris and store all property in an approved manner. Check with our Planning Department to ensure you are complying with all regulations especially when storing or parking boats or commercial and recreational vehicles in a residential area.

Store inoperable vehicles in an enclosed building out of public view or remove them from your property. Participate in agency-sponsored trash/garbage removal programs that usually occur once a year. Mill Valley’s City ordinance (7.04.150) requires all residence to have disposal service.

Dogs shall at all times be kept under the immediate control and direction of a competent, responsible person who is capable of controlling such an animal.

Parking meter holidays are:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
  

You can find out the amount due for traffic fines at www.marincourt.org/uniform_bail_sched.htm. The Vehicle Code(s) listed on the traffic citation will correspond to the imposed fees.

The Marin Humane Society offers Animal Services to Mill Valley residents. Please visit their Animal Services page to find information and resources concerning the following:

Animal Emergencies
Complaints
Lost and Found Pets
Pet Licensing
Animal Permits
Marin Humane Society
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 415-883-4621
Contact

Yes, construction work can be done Monday – Friday from the hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Heavy equipment and power tools are restricted to weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, a homeowner, not a construction crew, can do work. No construction work is allowed on Sunday and holidays.

Signs advertising services, garage sales, homes for sale or rent are not allowed on public property, streets or utility poles. Signs placed on utility poles will be taken down and destroyed. Real estate signs will be stored at the police station and can be retrieved by the listing agent. There is a $10 fee per location.

If you have a “fix it” ticket (for registration, equipment, etc.) you can come into the station (1 Hamilton Drive) to have the proof of correction signed. Or, a patrol officer or an employee of Traffic court can also sign-off on the ticket. Only the Traffic Court at the Civic Center is able to sign-off a proof of insurance ticket.

Children under the age of 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, need to be off the streets between the hours of 11:00 pm and sunrise.

Yes! The police need your help in recognizing when something is wrong. The police rely on the community to act as their “eyes and ears” and to report dangerous, suspicious, and illegal activities. Call 911 if the incident is in progress, call 389-4100 if you want to make a report after the fact, and call 721-4547 to leave information anonymously regarding a crime. IF YOU SEE IT, HEAR IT, KNOW IT – PLEASE, REPORT IT!

Municipal Code states it is unlawful for any person to operate a gas-powered device to blow leaves, dirt, or other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns, or other surfaces within any area of Mill Valley. Electric leaf blowers are permitted.

Outdated prescription medicine, pharmaceuticals you no longer use may be turned in at the Mill Valley Police Department during normal business hours. Place items into the green disposal bin located in the front lobby. Drugs must be removed from their original packaging and placed in zip-lock bags. Ointments or liquids may remain in their original containers. 

Sharps or needles should be returned to your pharmacy for proper disposal. Do not flush medicine and sharps down the toilet! Some compounds used in making medicine can pass through wastewater treatment plants and into the Bay which can harm aquatic life.

Some pharmacies will accept your old medications and sharps. Contact the County of Marin for a list of free drop off locations.

1 Hamilton Drive
Mill Valley, CA 94941

The police station is open to the public Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

You can request an administrative review to contest the ticket. The administrative review form is available at the police station or online. However, you are not required to submit this form, you can write your own letter. Include the citation number, your vehicle license number, the date of the citation and your statement as to the reason you don’t feel the ticket is justified. Mail the letter or form to the Marin parking Authority (the address is on the citation). The review form or letter must be submitted no more than 21 days from the date of the ticket. Your letter or form will be reviewed within 30-45 days from receipt. 

The Police Department has a Citizen Report Form. If you provide them with the license number, description location and time, they will send the offending driver a warning about their bad behavior. Call the Police Department at 415-389-4100 or click here.

For serious offenses, or vehicles or objects that are blocking the roadway, please call 911 or the Mill Valley Police Department at (415) 389-4100.

If the abandoned car poses no immediate danger, please fill out our abandoned vehicle form.

Overall Mill Valley is a very safe place to live. Property crimes (burglary, theft, fraud, vandalism, etc.), not violent crimes, make up most of the cases filed with the Police Department. To view crime statistics online, you can go to the Office of the Attorney General (www.ag.ca.gov/cjsc). If you are interested in motor vehicle collision information and statistics, you can access the SWITRS Annual Report at www.chp.ca.gov. You can view Megan’s law information at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. 

Contact the Mill Valley Police Department. Call 415-389-4100 or stop by the Police Department at 1 Hamilton Drive. 

Having commercial plates doesn't automatically entitle you to park in a yellow zone. Mill Valley municipal code specifies that one must be actively involved in loading and/or unloading for commercial purposes to legally park in a yellow zone. There are specific times each day that anyone can legally park in a yellow zone: Monday – Friday after 4:00 pm, Saturday after noon, and Sunday all day.

Any individual who solicits door to door for a business is required to obtain a solicitor’s permit and a business license from City Hall. It is unlawful for solicitors to contact a resident that has signage that prohibits solicitation or canvassing. When a solicitor comes to your door, you may ask to see a permit. If the solicitor does not have a permit, or refuses to show it to your, or causes any problems, please call the Police at 415-389-4100.

For more information regarding the solicitation and canvass permit process please click here.

Citizen's complaint forms are located at Mill Valley's City Hall, Library, and Police Department, or you can download them online.

Download complaint form in English.
Download complaint form in Spanish.

We evaluate the noise and other disturbances related to the construction project and then assess the proximity of residential neighborhoods. If the project is close to residential neighborhoods, such as the recent work on East Blithedale and Camino Alto, then night work is not an option.

This possible roadway modification is on the table for review. At their May 4, 2015 City Council meeting the City Manager presented a report on traffic conditions and introduced an Action Plan with steps the City can take to restore road capacity, increase capacity and reduce the demand on our roads. The Action Plan includes realistic steps to provide immediate improvements and a structure to develop further comprehensive short and long term strategies to improve traffic flow. One of the approved steps from the Action Plan includes forming a Traffic Congestion Advisory Task Force to develop recommendations for short and long-term improvements and programs. The widening of East Blithedale is one of the roadway modifications that will be studied by the Task Force.

Please visit the 2015 Street and Sewer Rehabilitation Project page to find out information about the current year’s road section repairs, replacement of asphalt, concrete pavement and traffic markings, resurfacing, repair of sewer pipes, storm drainage rehabilitation, and other street work.

To request street repair or resurfacing, contact City of Mill Valley Senior Civil Engineer Scott Schneider, P.E. at (415) 384-4818 or email sschneider@cityofmillvalley.org.

Tree maintenance is the responsibility of the Parks Department (388-4242).

The City requires eleven feet of roadway to be kept clear and passable. This is to allow for the free passage of emergency vehicles such as fire engines or ambulances. Leaving less than eleven feet open constitutes a closed road and requires a Road Closure Permit.

The City allows most roads to be closed for the staging of large equipment for construction or tree work. If you think you need to close a road, contact the Department of Public Works at least 48 hours before the proposed closure. There is a procedure to follow and a $70 fee. Access for emergency services must be maintained. Dead end streets and some busy streets may not be closed. Two closures on one street will not be allowed if this creates an area with no outlets. Overnight closures are not allowed. The City does not allow the closure of roads for the staging of moving vans. Streets may be closed for block parties. For information on staging a block party, see the City’s Event Policy.

The most important factor for Public Works is how a fence hinders visibility. Tall, solid fences can block visibility for a car exiting a property. This is especially important in areas that have sidewalks. With a tall solid fence, a car backing out of a driveway and a child on a bicycle on the sidewalk will not be able to see each other until it is too late. With the varied terrain and irregularly shaped lots in Mill Valley, the amount of sight distance necessary to be preserved is decided on a case-by-case basis. However, if you are submitting a fence application near a driveway or a road, it is suggested you start with a design that limits the fence height to 30 inches within a 10-foot triangular area on either side of the driveway or road.

Yes, see the City’s Events Policy.

The Municipal Code allows for the storage of garbage cans in places where they will not be a public nuisance or in any degree offensive. While this does not exclude garbage cans from the right-of-way, the City prohibits the construction of pads or enclosures for garbage cans in the right-of-way.

The road rights-of-way in Mill Valley are typically 40 or 50 feet wide, while the paved roads are less than that. So a parking space may be off the pavement, but still in the right-of-way. The policy is that if a parking space is at least 50% in the right-of-way it is considered a public space and is available to anyone on a first come-first serve basis. If you pay to create a parking space more than 50% in the right-of-way it is still a public space even though you have paid for it. Any new parking spaces that may be created must be wide enough to hold a car completely off the paved roadway.

Keeping sidewalks clear is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. It’s extremely important to allow for access by both the disabled and ambulatory community. The Public Works Department abates sidewalk obstructions by sending an Abatement Notice to the owner, requiring trimming within a reasonable time. If the shrubbery is not removed, the Department may cause it to be removed at the expense of the owner, including administrative costs. These costs can become a lien on the property if not addressed. We strongly encourage owners to inspect and maintain the walkways adjacent to their property to avoid time consuming and costly efforts by the City.

Click on the link for a memo regarding the B Street Policy: B street

The City had a policy where streets were put into four categories, A through D. This policy is no longer in effect. The current policy is to consider rights-of-way as either City or private. There is a new policy regarding B streets, which are streets that have historically received minimal maintenance. The City Council has set aside annual funds exclusively for repairing B streets. DPW Staff prioritizes the repairs, and once completed, the B street classification is eliminated and the street is a normal City street with the same maintenance levels as other City streets. The streets that were called C or D are now considered private streets and do not receive City maintenance. Just because a street is called private does not mean someone can regulate passage on these streets. The private streets still have a right-of-way that allows the public to use these streets.

Drainage involves the natural flow of surface water across property. Many factors affect drainage, including the topography of the property and the land upstream, the type of soil present, the type of development on the property (for example, whether the property is paved or landscaped), the localized drainage systems at the property (drains, gutters, ditches, and the like), among many others. Some properties may naturally be prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Adequate drainage is also important to hillside stability and landslide prevention.

To evaluate the adequacy of the drainage systems at your property, and to determine whether your property presents special risks (such as hillside properties), you should consult a California licensed specialist, such as a civil engineer, geotechnical engineer or geologist, and obtain guidance on the need for regular slope and drainage inspections.

Yes. On a large development project such as building a new house, the City may ask you to submit a drainage plan, prepared by a California licensed engineer, as part of your application to develop your property. The installation of drainage facilities on such a project would be inspected by the City for compliance with the property owner’s plan. Tie-ins to public drains or gutters in the public right-of-way require an Encroachment Permit.

Large-scale projects, such as rerouting the course of a storm drain or channel, require a Watercourse Modification Permit issued by the Department of Public Works. Work within a creek requires review and approval from several regulatory agencies, including the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Game, and possibly the Army Corps of Engineers. For further information, see the Department of Public Works fact sheet regarding work near creeks.

Probably not. On a small project, such as a room addition or installation of a deck, or on drainage work unrelated to a construction project, such as landscaping, property owners may do minor localized drainage improvements without obtaining City or other regulatory permits or approval. If in doubt, contact the City’s Public Works Department. In addition, do not alter your slopes or drainage without expert advice. Consult a California licensed civil engineer.

Yes. There are many measures that property owners can and should take to protect their property. These include, for example, controlling water that flows onto the property, controlling runoff on slopes, strengthening the soil to resist erosion, allowing for positive drainage at the property, installing adequate drains, gutters, and other devices at your property, among many others.

It is also important to maintain your drainage system, such as making sure drains are not clogged with leaves, replacing cracked drains and gutters promptly, and inspecting your drainage system regularly especially before, during and after the rainy season. There are also many emergency preparedness measures you can take to protect your property from water damage, such as having sandbags, pumps, and plastic sheeting available before the rainy season. If you notice any unusual cracks, earth slippage, or settling, consult an expert immediately.

The City encourages property owners to disperse storm water runoff from their impervious surfaces on their own property by recreating natural sheet flow wherever possible and directing it towards the public street. If this is not feasible, the drain line may be run to the street. An Encroachment Permit is required from the Department of Public Works for this work. All pipes in the right-of-way must be buried according to City standards.

During business hours, call the Department of Public Works at 388-4033. If they are unavailable, call the Police Dispatch Center at 389-4100.

If the sewage is in your yard, contact a sewer service company immediately. Most local sewer service companies have after hours response crews. If it appears to be from a City main, contact the Department of Public Works at 388-4033 during business hours and the Police Dispatch Center at 389-4100 after hours.

The City’s Municipal Code states that the owner of a sewer lateral is responsible for maintaining their sewer lateral all the way to the City main, including the portion within the right-of-way. This includes the fitting that branches the lateral off the main.

Click here to download the Sewer Connection Permit

The connection referred to here is not the physical connection of sewer pipe. It refers to allowing a dwelling unit to have its sewage transported by the City system and processed by the SASM treatment plant. The connection charge for second units is $1250 for dwelling units less than 700 Square feet and $4000 for units greater than 700 square feet. In addition, an annual Sewer Service Charge of $297 is levied on the second unit. The physical connecting of a second unit may also require a Plumbing Permit from the Building Department for work on private property and an Encroachment Permit for that portion of the work in the right-of-way.

If any work increases the number of plumbing fixtures, you will need to replace your sewer lateral unless you can demonstrate to the Department that it is a tightline pipe in good condition. A tightline pipe is either steel or plastic, so all clay piping will need to be replaced, and with the proper permits.

Shared laterals are discouraged except for extreme circumstances where it is technically or environmentally infeasible to install a lateral into a City main sewer. This is because of the difficulty of assigning and accepting responsibility when repairs are needed or emergencies occur. Cost is not considered a qualifying factor. In the event that the Department concurs that a shared lateral is the only feasible alternative, a maintenance agreement between the parties must be prepared and recorded.

Regarding another property using your lateral, you should first refer to the title report for the property to find if there is a recorded easement. If there is no recorded easement, the property owner using your lateral may have continued rights of use through history of use. The City cannot assist in this determination, as it ultimately must be determined in court. Property owners are always encouraged to make all reasonable attempts to work with each other before seeking legal recourse.

There are two main reasons for this problem. One is connection of storm drains to the sewer system, which is illegal. If you have a downspout or area drain connected to your sewer, this should be corrected so the stormwater is discharged in an appropriate manner. The other common cause of this problem is old sewer lines, both City mains and private laterals. Older sewers were made of clay pipe, which can break or separate over the years, allowing rainwater in the ground to get into the pipe that leads to the treatment plant. You are strongly urged to have your lateral inspected and replaced if it is clay pipe. This will help reduce potential overflows at the SASM treatment plant.

The City has a winter grading moratorium. Grading is not allowed from October 15th to April 15th. There are no exceptions. This means all grading has to be completed by October 15th. If an excavation is going to be retained by a retaining wall or foundation, the wall or foundation must be completed by October 15th. If no retaining structures are included in the work, the site grading must be completed and the site winterized by October 15th. This would include the installation of any temporary or permanent erosion control measures. If construction work that includes excavation is anticipated to be near the deadline of October, a construction schedule must be approved by the Department. Unrealistic schedules will be rejected and the construction activities will need to include winterization until April 15th.

The City allows short-term use of the right-of-way for construction projects. Sometimes the topography of a site makes it impossible for delivery trucks to deliver their shipment on private property. You are allowed one day to move the material onto your own property. Any material stored in the road must fit in a legal parking space. Debris boxes are allowed in the right-of-way if you obtain an Encroachment Permit from the Department of Public Works. The cost is $10 per day in residential areas and $20 per day in metered spaces. The long-term use of the right-of-way for construction purposes is not allowed. The City does not allow the placement of job sheds, porta-potties or storage containers in the right-of-way. Storage in the right-of-way is not permitted over weekends.

You can reserve spaces for large tasks such as pouring concrete or bringing in a crane. Reserving spaces for daily worker parking is not allowed. Spaces may be reserved by contacting the Department of Public Works. There is a fee of $10 per space per day, or $20 for metered spaces. The Department may restrict the number of days allowed in areas with parking issues.

The right-of-way for most streets in Mill Valley is either forty or fifty feet wide, which is wider than the actual paved road surface. Due to our hilly topography, locating a garage on private property may involve a large cut into the hill or having the garage sticking out into space. In an effort to minimize excessive grading or unsightly hanging garages, the City allows garages to be partially in the right-of-way.

Mill Valley has a boilerplate set of development conditions that are tailored for each individual development. Many of these apply to most development and are frequently imposed. Each department of the City imposes their own conditions. Check the Boilerplate Development Conditions from Public Works.

The City of Mill Valley only provides services within City limits. The neighborhoods mentioned above are not within the City of Mill Valley and receive services from other agencies such as the County or a special district. If you have a question about whether you’re in Mill Valley city limits or which district, click here or check the online maps available at www.marinmap.org. This website is jointly prepared by all Marin cities and the County, as well as special districts, and is an excellent resource for digital information about properties, boundaries, districts, transportation, hydrology, and aerial photographs.

Please visit the Department of Public Works page to find out information about the current year’s road section repairs, replacement of asphalt, concrete pavement and traffic markings, resurfacing, repair of sewer pipes, storm drainage rehabilitation, and other street work.

During business hours, call the Department of Public Works at 388-4033. If they are unavailable, call the Police Dispatch Center at 389-4100

If the sewage is in your yard, contact a sewer service company immediately. Most local sewer service companies have after hours response crews. If it appears to be from a City main, contact the Department of Public Works at 388-4033 during business hours and the Police Dispatch Center at 389-4100 after hours.

The City’s Municipal Code states that the owner of a sewer lateral is responsible for maintaining their sewer lateral all the way to the City main, including the portion within the right-of-way. This includes the fitting that branches the lateral off the main.

If any work increases the number of plumbing fixtures, you will need to replace your sewer lateral unless you can demonstrate to the Department that it is a tightline pipe in good condition. A tightline pipe is either steel or plastic, so all clay piping will need to be replaced, and with the proper permits.

Shared laterals are discouraged except for extreme circumstances where it is technically or environmentally infeasible to install a lateral into a City main sewer. This is because of the difficulty of assigning and accepting responsibility when repairs are needed or emergencies occur. Cost is not considered a qualifying factor. In the event that the Department concurs that a shared lateral is the only feasible alternative, a maintenance agreement between the parties must be prepared and recorded.

Regarding another property using your lateral, you should first refer to the title report for the property to find if there is a recorded easement. If there is no recorded easement, the property owner using your lateral may have continued rights of use through history of use. The City cannot assist in this determination, as it ultimately must be determined in court. Property owners are always encouraged to make all reasonable attempts to work with each other before seeking legal recourse.

Debris box rentals require approval by the Department of Public Works. Please visit the Department of Public Works front desk upstairs in City Hall at 26 Corte Madera Ave. Mill Valley, CA 94941. For further questions or to check on staff availability please call (415) 384-4800.

To report the dumping of hazardous materials in creeks or gutters during business hours please call the Public Works front desk at (415) 384-4800.

To report dumping of hazardous materials after hours, please contact the Police Dispatch at (415) 446-4526.

If you notice a missing or fallen stop sign please contact us immediately. During weekdays 8:00-5:00pm please call Public Works front desk at (415) 384-4800.

If you are calling after hours or on a day when City Hall is closed please call Police Dispatch at (415) 446-4526.

If you see a fallen tree in the roadway please call 911.

If you notice a fallen tree that is not in a roadway and does not pose any immediate danger please contact Public Works front desk at (415) 384-4800 during weekdays 8:00-5:00pm.

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays, Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

If you are an owner/occupant than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays - From 9:00am to 5:00pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers are Prohibited

Please remember that the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is prohibited by the Mill Valley Municipal Code in an effort to minimize air and noise pollution. Violators could be fined as much as $500. 

Instead of using gas powered leaf blowers, residents and gardeners are encouraged to rake or sweep leaves and debris into piles and dispose in the appropriate green trash bin. Residents and gardeners can also use electric leaf blowers or electric leaf vacuums to collect and dispose of leaves. Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding. 

To conserve water, please do not use a watering hose to clear leaves and debris from driveways, sidewalks, and streets. This is a Marin Municipal Water District prohibited water use and can be punishable by a fine up to $500.

Residents who would like to assist in notifying their neighbors or their gardeners can print out this helpful flyer that explains the City’s ordinance in both English and Spanish.

Complaints:

Need to file a complaint?

Submit a Complaint Form to our Code Enforcement Officer. Weekends - call the Police Department at 415-389-4100. Please be prepared to provide the address, date, and time you witnessed the violation. If the violator is a contractor or gardener, please note the company name and vehicle license number.

Fences are allowed to be built in the right-of-way under certain conditions. There has to be a necessary reason why the fence can’t be located on the property line. The right-of-way is for public use and fencing to expand yard size is prohibited. Given the City’s hilly topography, fences sometimes need to be placed in the right-of-way to accomplish their purpose. Fences are not allowed to be placed closer than three feet from the edge of the road. This allows for a recovery area for pedestrians. Gates are not allowed to swing over a road or sidewalk.

Fences or other surface improvements are not allowed within the Steps, Lanes and Paths throughout the City. Fences require an Encroachment Permit from DPW as well as fence permits from the Planning Department.

You should call the Department of Public works at 388-4033 to report a problem with streetlights. When reporting streetlight problems you will be asked for the location of the pole and a pole number. The numbers are typically three digits long followed by a letter. You will also be asked for type of problem with the light. The three main problems with streetlights are being burned out, staying on during the day and blinking on and off which is called cycling.

No. It is unlawful to divert flows from their natural path to harm your neighbor’s property. Every property owner has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to adjacent property, including avoiding injury through the flow of surface waters. Even though water naturally flows from higher ground to lower ground, both the upper and lower property owners must act reasonably with respect to his or her neighbor’s land.

You should work with your neighbors where possible to resolve disputes. If you are unable to resolve your dispute, you may seek assistance from various dispute resolution services, such as Mediation Services. If you have questions regarding your legal rights and responsibilities, consult an attorney. The City does not arbitrate disputes between property owners regarding drainage matters.

Trees on Private Property

There are two types of tree-cutting permits required by the City of Mill Valley: one for trees on city property and one for trees on private property. The Department of Planning and Building oversees those on private property. 

The City of Mill Valley's Planning Deptarment requires a permit to remove four (4) or more (non-Heritage) trees on a developed site per year. The City requires a permit to remove any Heritage tree.  In addition, no tree may be removed from a vacant site without a permit. There are certain exceptions to the permit requirements based on tree size, emergencies and vegetative management. 

A summary of the City's tree regulations is available here. 

The Supplemental Application Form for Tree Removal Permit provides the application requirements (submit with the Planning Application Form). The current fee for a Tree Removal Permit is $775 for a Heritage Tree. For 4 or more non-Heritage Trees on a developed lot or a Heritage Oak Tree with Sudden Oak Death the fee is $76 per tree.  Please allow up to 30 days for the process and approval of these tree permits.

For more information regarding Private tree trimming or removals call Planning Department at 388-4033. 

Trees on City Property

The Department of Public Works, Parks Supervisor oversees the application process for pruning and removal of trees on city property. A permit is required to trim, brace or alter or remove any tree on city property. The current permit fee to trim, brace or alter trees is $25. The current permit fee to remove a tree under 20" in diameter is $25 per tree and for trees over 20" in diameter is $100 per tree. Fees are due at the time of the permit request. An Application for Pruning and Removal of City Trees, along with fee payment, must be turned into the Parks Department for processing prior to any work on city trees.

For more information regarding City tree trimming or removals call Department of Public Works 388-4033

You can fill out the form below to send a request to the Public Works Department or call them directly at (415) 384-4800. Pot hole requests are forwarded to our Streets and Sewer team and repair times vary depending on staff availability and the specifics related to the damaged street. When filling out the form please include your contact information so staff can be in touch with you about the request.

Remove the permit from your vehicle and return it to the Police Department to purchase a replacement permit for $10.

If you have an RSVP and believe you received a citation in error, please contact the Mill Valley Police Department at 389-4100.

Mill Valley Police Department 
1 Hamilton Drive
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Lobby Hours:  Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Police Non-emergency Phone: 415-389-4100
Police Fax: 415-389-4148.
Police Email: pd-info@cityofmillvalley.org

This is a program targeting Mill Valley and Southern Marin residents (zip codes 94920, 94925, 94965) to encourage patronage in the downtown area of Mill Valley.

Visitors can park in any of the metered spaces up to the time limit posted.  Additional  parking is available for all patrons in the public parking lot across from the Deport.

Employees are encouraged to purchase the Employee parking permit which enables parking 9-3:30 seven days a week at all “E” parking spaces. The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce sells Employee parking permits.

Mill Valley and eligible neighboring residents may purchase up to four permits per residence. All vehicles must be registered to an eligible address.

The RSVP (Resident Shopper Vehicle Permit) parking program is designed to make it convenient and inviting for Mill Valley and Southern Marin residents to shop, eat and visit downtown Mill Valley. The RSVP allows residents to park in any of the city's metered spaces without paying the meter seven days a week from 9am-6pm.

The parking permit must be placed on the outside of your vehicle, either on the back bumper or the back window, on the driver's side. If the permit is not properly displayed, you may be issued a citation.

Yes. All meters will be free to patrons, up to the meter limit, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, as has been the tradition during the holiday shopping season.

If you would like to purchase a new (extended 2019/2020) or replacement permit, you may come to the Mill Valley Police Department Monday –Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or mail the printable application located on the link above to:

Mill Valley Police Department 1 Hamilton Dr., Mill Valley, CA 94941

The RSVP is reduced to half price beginning July 1st to December 31st of the current permit year.

*Note: All online sales are suspended at this time.  We do not have the 2021 permits to sell at this time.

• Secondhand smoke contains all the 4,000 toxic chemicals found in cigarettes and is actually more dangerous than the smoke inhaled with a cigarette since there is no filter available for secondhand smoke.
• In 2006, the California EPA Air Resources Board classified secondhand smoke as a toxic air contaminant with no known safe level of exposure, even in outdoor settings.
  

• There are too many sources of shared air for smoke to stay contained within one unit.
• Vents are not the only cause of contamination. Aggravating amounts of smoke can easily passes through pipes, floorboards, and even walls.
• Even if the smoker opens the windows or smokes on the balcony, the smoke drifts to the other units through the outside air, preventing the non-smoking tenants from open their windows without exposure to smoke.
• Non-smoking tenants with or without a pre-standing ailment, such as asthma or a heart condition among others, can become medically ill from the exposure.

• Smoke-free units require less cleaning, which requires less time and money from management. Restoration firms estimate a $15,000 cost for smoking units.
• Tar and cigarette particulates will attach to all surfaces within the unit, including walls, carpet, and blinds. These can often not be removed in spite of cleaning efforts.
• Fire insurance premiums can decrease and will reduce risk of financial loss due to fire.
  
  Remember, a smoke-free policy does not mean that you cannot rent to smokers or are only limited to non-smoking tenants. It only means that smokers are not allowed to smoke in units and outdoor common areas. Smokers have become increasingly used to "no-smoking" areas. Complexes are allowed to restrict smoking anywhere on the premise, but others may also create an outdoor designated smoking area at least 20 feet away from operable doors or windows or other areas where smoking is prohibited.

• The Marin County Tobacco Disease Control Program has received hundreds of phone calls from stressed and aggravated tenants and landlords dealing with drifting smoke problems.
• Many responsible, non-smoking tenants have seriously contemplated or ultimately decided to leave their apartment because of the aggravation caused by secondhand smoke.
• Non-smoking policies eliminate tension between tenants and with management and reduces otherwise unnecessary and unwanted turnover, creating less stress and saving money for landlords and tenants.

• There is no constitutional right to smoke. Banning smoking is not discrimination
  Landlords have the legal right to ban smoking in all or part of the rental property, including individual rental units.
• ''No Smoking" restrictions are the legal equivalent of"No Pets" or ''No loud noises"
• The reality is that a landlord will more likely face a lawsuit from a frustrated and medically injured non-smoker than from a nonsmoker. Today's legal climate tens to favor nonsmokers in these kinds of disputes.
• If someone is injured by tobacco smoke and takes legal action, your liability insurance may not protect you because tobacco smoke is a pollutant that has been categorized by the California Air Resources Board as a toxic with no known safe level of exposure.
  
  The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Programs website offers resources, assistance and an online report form. They will offer assistance to residents and property owners/managers with signage, letters, advice, template rental lease agreements, and articles to help with the transition to 100% smoke-free housing. Questions can be directed to the Tobacco Related Disease Control Program office at (415) 473-3020.

The City of Mill Valley urges residents to work with pool service providers that commit to flushing pool water into the sewer system instead of into the ground or down the storm drain. 

Because many of us swim in chlorinated water at relatively high concentrations, we often don’t fully understand the toxicity of chlorine on the natural habitat that surrounds us. It’s quite simple: the concentration of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) in pool water is high enough to pollute a body of water 10 to 100 times its size if sent to the storm drain. 

Because every storm drain in the City of Mill Valley empties into a sensitive natural body of water, such as a creek or wetland, introducing chlorine into those creeks and wetlands kills fish and frogs and the aquatic bugs they feed on. 

City officials urge residents not to hire a pool service company that is unwilling to flush pool water into the sewer system. 

The City of Mill Valley has prepared the following two-page info sheet with Frequently Asked Questions about the Environmentally Preferable Food Packaging Ordinance.

Click here to download.

Click here for more information.

Trash service is provided in Mill Valley by Mill Valley Refuse Service. Contact information:

Phone: (415) 457-9760
Office hours: Monday – Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
After hours: Please leave a message on our 24-hour voice mail system at (415) 457-9760

Mailing address:
Mill Valley Refuse Service
112 Front Street
San Rafael, CA 94901

Website: www.millvalleyrefuse.com

The City of Mill Valley participates in a battery recycling program. You can drop off your old household and cell phone batteries (sorry, no automotive batteries) at one of the following collection points:
City Hall
Library
Public Safety Building
Community Center
SASM Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Look for the Blue Battery Recycling Barrel.

Not sure what to recycle? See Mill Valley Refuse Service's recycling guide for a list of items they'll accept for recycling, and how to prepare them for pick-up.

You'll also find lots of useful information on Mill Valley Refuse Service's website site about how to reduce waste on their Let's Talk Trash page and on their Zero Waste page.

Contact the Department of Public Works as soon as possible. If it is after hours, call the Dispatch Center at 389-4100

The City of Mill Valley participates in a battery recycling program. You can drop off your old household and cell phone batteries (sorry, no automotive batteries) at one of the following collection points: 
City Hall
Library
Public Safety Building
Community Center 
SASM Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Look for the Blue Battery Recycling Barrel.

There are two main reasons for this problem. One is connection of storm drains to the sewer system, which is illegal. If you have a downspout or area drain connected to your sewer, this should be corrected so the stormwater is discharged in an appropriate manner. The other common cause of this problem is old sewer lines, both City mains and private laterals. Older sewers were made of clay pipe, which can break or separate over the years, allowing rainwater in the ground to get into the pipe that leads to the treatment plant. You are strongly urged to have your lateral inspected and replaced if it is clay pipe. This will help reduce potential overflows at the SASM treatment plant.

If you have recently experienced a particular problem, please fill out this form.

If you have a question about traffic, please contact the Department of Public Works:

Phone: (415) 384-4800
Main email: publicworks@cityofmillvalley.org

We evaluate the noise and other disturbances related to the construction project and then assess the proximity of residential neighborhoods. If the project is close to residential neighborhoods, such as the recent work on East Blithedale and Camino Alto, then night work is not an option.

At times of heavy traffic volumes, a second right turn lane from Camino Alto to East Blithedale would not help to move traffic along, as the bottleneck in the corridor starts at the Highway 101 overpass where competing traffic flows converge and cause traffic to back-up to Camino Alto and beyond.

Our traffic engineer has looked at several alternatives to help move Camino Alto traffic onto East Blithedale, and the preferred alternative is to eliminate the U-turn on westbound East Blithedale at Camino Alto, so that the right-turn green arrow can be turned on when East Blithedale is turning left onto Camino Alto. Right now, when that is happening, the right turning vehicles have a red light, and thus, need to come to a complete stop before turning. With the left-turn overlap (as it’s called), the right turners will get a green arrow, and thus move more quickly onto East Blithedale. This idea will be implemented in the next few weeks.

Roundabouts can reduce traffic delays and increase the safety of an intersection. A roundabout at Camino Alto and East Blithedale is an idea the Traffic Congestion Advisory Committee will likely study and consider.

Get Updates on Current and Upcoming Traffic Conditions in Mill Valley

www.mvtraffic.org: The City of Mill Valley has launched mvtraffic.org to give you a central location for local traffic conditions and updates about local traffic.

The website includes a local map showing current conditions (via Google traffic), timely updates from the Police Department's Twitter account, and news about events or projects that are impacting traffic in town.

Visit mvtraffic.org and bookmark the site on your mobile device.

Twitter: Follow the Mill Valley Police Department and City of Mill Valley on Twitter. Police Officers are often first to know about traffic issues and they tweet alerts to the community.

Nextdoor: Sign up for Nextdoor. Nextdoor is a private neighborhood website where residents share information such as neighborhood public safety issues, community events and activities, local services, and referrals. The City has the ability to send urgent messages to all subscribers.

Sign up for eNews: eNews is sent directly to your email inbox with information about news and events of importance to you. Enter your email address and select "Traffic Conditions and Road Closures."

The Marin Humane Society offers Animal Services to Mill Valley residents. Please visit their Animal Services page to find information and resources concerning the following:

Animal Emergencies
Complaints
Lost and Found Pets
Pet Licensing
Animal Permits
Marin Humane Society 
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949 
Phone: 415-883-4621
Contact

If the tree is within the city limits of Mill Valley and is on City property you should contact the Mill Valley Parks & Recreation department @ 415-383-1370 with the location of the tree or limbs.

If the tree is within city limits and is blocking a public right of way or roadway contact the Mill Valley Parks & Recreation department @ 415-383-1370 (M-F 9am-5pm) and after hours call the Mill Valley Police Department @ 415-389-4100 with the location of the tree or limbs.

If the tree is on private property and has fallen onto private property contact the property owner.

If the tree is touching electrical wires contact PG&E 800-743-500 or the Mill Valley Fire Department at 389-4130.

If the tree is outside of the city limits, but is on county property contact County of Marin Public Works @ 415-499-7877.

Trash service is provided in Mill Valley by Mill Valley Refuse Service. Contact information:

Phone: (415) 457-9760
Office hours: Monday – Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
After hours: Please leave a message on our 24-hour voice mail system at (415) 457-9760

Mailing address:
Mill Valley Refuse Service
112 Front Street
San Rafael, CA 94901

Website: www.millvalleyrefuse.com

If the tree is within the city limits of Mill Valley and is on City property you should contact the Mill Valley Parks & Recreation department @ 415-383-1370 with the location of the tree or limbs.

If the tree is within city limits and is blocking a public right of way or roadway contact the Mill Valley Parks & Recreation department @ 415-383-1370 (M-F 9am-5pm) and after hours call the Mill Valley Police Department @ 415-389-4100 with the location of the tree or limbs.

If the tree is on private property and has fallen onto private property contact the property owner.

If the tree is touching electrical wires contact PG&E 800-743-500 or the Mill Valley Fire Department at 389-4130.

If the tree is outside of the city limits, but is on county property contact County of Marin Public Works @ 415-499-7877.

For sewer line problems, call the Sanitary District you reside in. SASM has six Member Agencies:

MEMBER AGENCIES                                             PHONE
1. Almonte Sanitary District                                (415) 388-8775
2. Alto Sanitary District                                        (415) 388-3696
3. Homestead Valley Sanitary District              (415) 388-4796
4. City of Mill Valley                                              (415) 388-4033
5. Richardson Bay Sanitary District                   (415) 388-1345
6. Tamalpais Community Services District       (415) 388-6393

For Sewer Emergencies after hours, call Roto Rooter at: (415) 388-2740

Report graffiti to the Police Department, 389-4100. They can provide information to private property owners on how to remove graffiti or arrange for the responsible public agency to remove it from public property.

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays, Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

If you are an owner/occupant than construction is permitted as follows:

• Mon – Fri - From 7:00 am to 8:00 am – No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 8:00am to 5:00pm – Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Mon – Fri – From 5:00 pm to 6:00pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
• Saturdays - From 9:00am to 5:00pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
• Sundays and City Holidays – No construction is permitted.

Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers are Prohibited

Please remember that the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is prohibited by the Mill Valley Municipal Code in an effort to minimize air and noise pollution. Violators could be fined as much as $500. 

Instead of using gas powered leaf blowers, residents and gardeners are encouraged to rake or sweep leaves and debris into piles and dispose in the appropriate green trash bin. Residents and gardeners can also use electric leaf blowers or electric leaf vacuums to collect and dispose of leaves. Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding. 

To conserve water, please do not use a watering hose to clear leaves and debris from driveways, sidewalks, and streets. This is a Marin Municipal Water District prohibited water use and can be punishable by a fine up to $500.

Residents who would like to assist in notifying their neighbors or their gardeners can print out this helpful flyer that explains the City’s ordinance in both English and Spanish.

Complaints:

Need to file a complaint?

Submit a Complaint Form to our Code Enforcement Officer. Weekends - call the Police Department at 415-389-4100. Please be prepared to provide the address, date, and time you witnessed the violation. If the violator is a contractor or gardener, please note the company name and vehicle license number.

If you own a septic system and need assistance with your system, contact Marin County Environmental Health Services at 415-499-6907 or visit their website.