Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Sausalito, California
Sausalito is a city in Marin County, California. Sausalito adopts its own zoning, so inside its limits Sausalito’s rules apply, not the county’s. 3 rules below are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked, most recently on October 22, 2026. Rules for unincorporated land are on the Marin County page.
Answers from the rulebook for Sausalito
Sausalito’s own rules
Local zoningPresent
All land inside the incorporated area of Sausalito city, under the City of Sausalito zoning ordinance (SMC Title 10)
The zoning ordinance is based on the Sausalito general plan and the Marinship Specific Plan (SMC 10.10.010).
The zoning map is adopted by the city council under Government Code sections 65800 et seq. (SMC 10.10.020).
“this zoning ordinance shall apply to all land uses and development within the incorporated area of the city of sausalito as provided by this section.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Base and overlay zoning districts inside Sausalito city limits
Base districts include open space and public (OS, PP, PI, OA), residential (R-1, R-2, R-3, PR, H, A), commercial (CC, CR, CN, SC, CW, W) and industrial (IM) districts (SMC Table 10.12-1, listed in the source). Overlay districts are -h, -m, -pd, -sh and -es (SMC Table 10.12-2).
Any property not specifically included in a zoning district is declared to be in the OS district until rezoned (SMC 10.12.030 f.).
“the city is divided into the base zoning districts listed in table 10.12-1”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Creating new parcels or subdividing land inside Sausalito city
Subdivision approval is subject to SMC Title 9 (SMC 10.12.020 j.3 cross-reference).
Title 9 chapters were not opened during this research.
“subdivision approval is subject to smc title 9.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Sausalito or Marin County directly.
Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemption inside Sausalito city
Building code adopted — Which California building codes Sausalito city has adopted for construction inside city limits
Inspections — Building inspections for new homes inside Sausalito city
Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy for new homes inside Sausalito city
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for a dwelling in the R-1 single-family district inside Sausalito city
19 more unanswered
Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Who permits septic
Septic permit
Septic inspection
Off-grid sanitation
Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Driveway access
Short-term rentals
Permit fees
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Sausalito publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Marin County’s page lists the county offices to call.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Sausalito means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
