Marin Builders Association Expands Permit Improvement Program in San Anselmo and San Rafael
Marin Builders Association Expands Permit Improvement Program in San Anselmo and San Rafael
New phases will advance collaborative efforts to improve the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of local permitting
September 10, 2026
SAN RAFAEL, CA - The Marin Builders Association has announced the next stage of its Permit Improvement Program, continuing its work with the Town of San Anselmo through Phase II and with the City of San Rafael through Phase III.
The Permit Improvement Program brings together local government staff, contractors, design professionals, and property owners to identify opportunities for strengthening the building and development review process. The program focuses on practical, data-informed improvements that support excellent customer service, clear communication, consistent requirements, greater accountability, transparency, and timely project approvals.
The Permit Improvement Program brings together local government staff, contractors, design professionals, and property owners to identify opportunities for strengthening the building and development review process. The program focuses on practical, data-informed improvements that support excellent customer service, clear communication, consistent requirements, greater accountability, transparency, and timely project approvals.
“Efficient and predictable permitting is essential to meeting our community’s housing, sustainability, resilience, and economic goals,” said Rick Wells, CEO of the Marin Builders Association. “We appreciate the continued commitment of San Anselmo and San Rafael to listening to their customers, evaluating their processes, and pursuing meaningful improvements. This collaborative approach benefits applicants, municipal staff, and the entire community.”
The next phases of work in each jurisdiction will be built upon findings and progress from earlier phases. The program will include feedback from permit customers and municipal staff, review of existing practices and performance data, comparison with effective practices in other jurisdictions, and development of actionable recommendations.
Key areas of focus will include:
- Improving communication and transparency throughout the permitting process
- Increasing consistency and predictability for applicants
- Identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary delays and costs
- Strengthening customer service and accountability
- Supporting municipal staff with practical tools, systems, and process improvements
- Establishing measurable benchmarks to evaluate future progress
“The Permit Improvement Program is designed to be constructive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented,” Wells added. “Our goal is to help improve the customer experience, which will in turn protect important community and environmental standards while allowing housing, commercial, and infrastructure projects to move forward efficiently.”
The Marin Builders Association developed the Permit Improvement Program to provide local jurisdictions with direct feedback from permit customers and a structured framework for continuous improvement. Since its launch, the program has helped encourage productive dialogue between the building community and local government while identifying practical opportunities to improve the permitting experience.
The Marin Builders Association developed the Permit Improvement Program to provide local jurisdictions with direct feedback from permit customers and a structured framework for continuous improvement. Since its launch, the program has helped encourage productive dialogue between the building community and local government while identifying practical opportunities to improve the permitting experience.
Additional information and project updates will be shared at www.marinbuilders.com as each phase progresses.
About the Marin Builders Association
The Marin Builders Association represents more than 640 construction and construction-related businesses throughout Marin County and the North Bay. The association supports the building industry through advocacy, education, workforce development, community partnerships, and training programs that promote a strong and sustainable local economy.
Media Contact:
Rick Wells, CEO, Marin Builders Association
415.462.1220
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Marin Builders Association
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Rick Wells CEO - Marin Builders Association
- September 10, 2026
- 415.462.1220