🛑 Permits, Parking & Planning: What to Know Before a Marin County Move

Moving in Marin County? Before you box up your life and hit the road, there’s one thing you absolutely need to check off your to-do list—planning ahead for local moving rules. Yep, we're talking about permits, parking restrictions, and the little-known regulations that can turn a smooth move into a major headache.

At Belfor Moving, we’ve helped thousands of Californians relocate stress-free—so we’ve seen it all. From surprise parking tickets to HOA nightmares, we’re here to make sure you’re in the know before the big day.

Whether you’re relocating to Mill Valley, Novato, or San Rafael, this guide has everything you need to handle your Marin County move like a pro.

1. Yes, You Probably Need a Moving Permit

If your move involves street parking, a moving truck, or takes place in a densely populated area like downtown Sausalito or Fairfax, chances are you’ll need a Marin County moving permit.

Each city or town in Marin manages its own permit system. For example:

• San Rafael requires Temporary No Parking signs for moving trucks, which you can request through the Public Works Department.

• Mill Valley may need permits for blocking sidewalks or street lanes—check with the City of Mill Valley.

• Larkspur & Corte Madera often coordinate through local police departments for temporary parking arrangements.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply early—some cities require 48–72 hours’ notice, and you’ll often need to post the signs 24 hours in advance.

2. Mind the "Moving Day Rules" in Marin

Some neighborhoods in Marin have strict homeowners' association (HOA) guidelines—meaning your movers might need to:

• Arrive within certain hours (no early birds allowed!)

• Use specific routes to avoid damaging community landscaping

• Check in with gate security

Also, don’t forget about noise ordinances. Most cities in Marin prohibit noisy activity before 7 AM or after 7 PM. You can find local ordinances on each city’s official website or consult your Marin movers directly.

3. Plan for Parking—Seriously

Parking a 26-foot truck in Marin isn’t as easy as finding a spot at Whole Foods on a Sunday. Many neighborhoods have:

• Narrow, winding streets (hello, Tamalpais Valley)

• Limited street parking

• Time-limited zones or permit-only areas

🚛 What to do:

• Scout your new address ahead of time.

• Take photos or notes of available curb space.

• Ask neighbors if you can reserve space or place cones.

• Use Belfor’s concierge-style support to help with coordination—we’ve got Marin wired.

4. Double-Check Moving Insurance & Building Access

Moving into an apartment or condo? You might need to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company. This is common in multi-story buildings in areas like San Rafael, Terra Linda, or Corte Madera.

Make sure to:

• Confirm elevator reservations if applicable

• Check loading dock availability

• Alert your building manager at least a week in advance

👉 Need help navigating building rules? Contact us here.

5. Hire Marin Movers Who Know the Terrain

Let’s face it—Marin County isn’t your average moving territory. From hillside homes in Tiburon to tight alleys in San Anselmo, this place has quirks.

Working with a local company like Belfor Moving, a trusted National Van Lines agent, means:

• We know local city permit rules

• We’ve worked with Marin County parking officials

• Our drivers can handle Marin’s trickiest roads with ease

📞 Call us today:

• Marin: 415-892-1001

• Sonoma: 707-586-6662

• Napa: 707-224-0102

6. Don’t Wait—Start Planning Early

The biggest mistake we see? Last-minute scrambling. Here’s a quick timeline to keep your move on track:

4 weeks before: Apply for city permits
2–3 weeks before: Notify neighbors & HOA of move-in date
1 week before: Reserve elevators/loading zones if needed
2–3 days before: Post “No Parking” signs at origin/destination

7. Bookmark These Resources

To make your life easier, here are some links you’ll want:

• City of San Rafael Moving Permits

• Mill Valley Public Works

• Novato Street Maintenance

• Larkspur Police Parking Info

Final Thoughts: The Secret to a Stress-Free Marin Move

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right planning—and the right partner—your Marin County move can be as breezy as a stroll along Rodeo Beach.

Need help with permits or just want pros who know Marin?
Let Belfor Moving do the heavy lifting (literally and logistically).

We’re local. We’re licensed. And we’re ready to roll.

📞 Book your Marin move today!
Marin: 415-892-1001 | Sonoma: 707-586-6662 | Napa: 707-224-0102
Get your free quote