We do this while always striving to complete our work as efficiently as possible.

With our experience, we strive to help navigate our clients though the complicated, and ever-changing residential building process.

Christopher (Chris) Schrader, originally from St. Louis Missouri, graduated from The California College of the Arts – School of Architecture, a private school for fine arts education in San Francisco, CA. After working at Gap inc. in Store Design for the GAP, and Banana Republic brands, he transitioned to a position at the highly acclaimed San Francisco architectural firm, BAR architects where he specialized in developing wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties.  Since then, Chris has positioned himself to best guide fellow Marin County property owners through the challenging process of residential building.

Once entitlements and planning/zoning parameters are determined, designs are produced, whether a new residence on a vacant lot, a tear-down and re-build, an addition, or a remodel to achieve the goals and expectations of the client.

This may encompass a simple kitchen & bath remodel all the way to developing a new residence on a site with no existing utilities.

• Zoning
• Land Use Regulations
• Building Codes & Permits
• Lot Line Adjustments & Lot Splits

Typically, the first phase of any project requiring Planning approval. Land use entitlements is an exercise in what is or could be allowed to be developed or re-developed on a specific property.

This is usually an investigative exercise to record the constraints placed on a property from state, and local zoning codes and will help determine the best path for a project.

Site Plan Approval

Rezoning

Zoning Variances

Property Exceptions

Use Permits

Lot line adjustments

Min. Lot Size & Width

• Easements
• Encroachments
• Design Review
• Neighborhood Outreach
• Public Hearings

Working with data from the entitlements phase a projects limitations and Development Standards are defined and include items such as ….

-max. floor area

-max. lot coverage

-max. natural state

-max. height

-min. yard setbacks

-heritage tree removal

-undergrounding of utilities

• Use Permits
• Building Permits
• Demolition Permits
• Retroactive Permits

Upon approval of a design, we prepare a building permit application that once approved, allows the project to be constructed. This application includes preparing documents that reflect code-compliance and life-safety and allows a builder to begin construction.

J/ADU’s have become popular in recent years due to new state regulations regarding increased housing stock, and potential for income. All the above services are applicable to J/ADU’s and we have extensive experience gaining approval for J/ADU’s throughout Marin County. Each jurisdiction in the county has similar, but unique regulations that determine the feasibility of a J/ADU.