ADU permit process in Tiburon, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department: Building Division
Permit portal: City Online Portal System
Contact: 415-435-7380 building@townoftiburon.gov

Step by step

1
Classify the ADU/JADU and identify project-triggered reviews
Compare the proposal with Ordinance 608 ministerial categories Identify public sewer versus onsite sewage Separate any roof deck, exterior structure or right-of-way work from the ADU ministerial scope Ministerial ADU Building Permit route Conditional outside-review list
2
Email the Building Permit application, plans and supporting documents
Prepare the Town Building Permit Application Prepare the ADU plan set and supporting documents using the Town checklist Email the package to building@townoftiburon.gov with the site address in the subject line Town acknowledgement of receipt
3
Obtain sanitary-capacity evidence and project-triggered outside approvals
Obtain the applicable sanitary district or Marin County Environmental Health capacity letter Address Fire District, Public Works and utility conditions only when applicable Sanitary capacity letter Conditional agency clearances
4
Ministerial Town review and written decision
Monitor Town communications Respond to a denial/deficiency list or other plan-review request if issued Written approval or denial For denial, a full comment list and remediation description
5
Pay required fees and receive the issued Building Permit
Pay Town-calculated fees after initial review Address applicable separate district fees and pre-issuance conditions Receive and retain the issued permit and approved plans as instructed Issued Building Permit Approved plans
6
Build to the approved plans and submit revisions before changed work
Keep approved plans and the job card on site Request required inspections before covering work Submit a permit revision before implementing changes to Town-stamped plans Constructed work ready for inspection Approved revision when scope changes
7
Schedule and pass scope-required inspections
Schedule online through eTRAKiT or use the Town inspection phone line Make the site, approved plans and job card available Correct failed work and request reinspection Inspection result Reinspection when required
8
Complete the ADU final inspection and occupancy close-out
Submit required final paperwork, including actual-cost evaluation Call Building staff to schedule the ADU/multi-trade final Complete applicable outside-agency finals Obtain the Town final/Certificate of Occupancy before treating the ADU as complete Building Final Certificate of Occupancy or Town close-out record

What you need to submit

Electronic ADU plan set and supporting documents
Completed Building Permit Application
Applicable CALGreen checklist
Sanitary service capacity letter
Issued-permit revision application, clouded revised sheets and supporting documents — only in some cases
Final Cost Evaluation

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Tiburon’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Tiburon permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages

CityForms & Fees
The live Town Forms & Fees page lists a $595 flat fee for a Secondary Dwelling Unit Permit.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityApply for a Building Permit
The live Town Building page states that fees are largely valuation-based, final actual cost can cause re-evaluation fees, and outside districts charge separately.
Accessed August 28, 2026