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Mill Valley, in short

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Mill Valley?

Sometimes. The City requires a permit for removal or major pruning of a Heritage tree, and to cut four or more other trees over 19 inches around on a developed lot in a year. A coast redwood is a Heritage tree at 95 inches around, about 30 across. Allow up to 30 days.

The story of Mill Valley

Mill Valley, named for John Reed’s sawmill, at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.

The Historic Context Statement traces Mill Valley from the Huimen group of the Coast Miwok, through two Mexican land grants and John Reed’s sawmill, to the 1890 land auction that started the town and the scenic railway that carried visitors up Mount Tamalpais. After the 1906 earthquake about half of the town’s households hosted refugees, and the 1936 City Hall, paid for by the Works Progress Administration, still stands.

The Historic Context Statement says the land that is now Mill Valley was occupied by the Huimen group of the Coast Miwok.

In 1834, the Statement says, John Reed was awarded Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio; the name meant “ranch of cut wood of the Presidio”, a grant provision that required Reed to provide cut wood for the Presidio of San Francisco. His sawmill later gave the town its name.

Present-day Mill Valley lies at the junction of that grant and Rancho Sausalito, granted to William Richardson in 1838.

In the 1850s Samuel Throckmorton turned Richardson’s ranch from cattle into dairy ranches, leased primarily by Portuguese immigrants from the Azores.

In 1873 Dr. John Cushing, a San Francisco physician, acquired 320 acres between the Reed and Richardson lands; after his death in 1879 his widow and son opened the first hotel in present-day Mill Valley.

The first train reached the new downtown station in 1889, and the station sign read both Eastland and Mill Valley.

In 1890, at a public land auction beside the old Reed mill, the Tamalpais Land & Water Company sold several hundred lots; the buyers, unsatisfied with the name Eastland, voted that year to change it to Mill Valley in remembrance of Reed’s mill and the area’s early association with the lumber industry.

By mid-June 1892, the Statement says, 150 campsites had been set up in Mill Valley, serving over 700 people.

In 1896 the Mill Valley & Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway was incorporated; nicknamed “the Crookedest Railroad in the World”, it ran around 281 curves from downtown to the summit, until the last train in 1929.

Mill Valley was incorporated in 1900.

In 1902, 35 women signed the founding roll of the Outdoor Art Club, a local women’s civic club started in part as a response to redwood trees being cut. Its clubhouse was built in 1904.

After the 1906 earthquake, the Statement says, approximately half of Mill Valley households hosted refugees, either in their own home or by letting people camp on their land.

The Great Fire of 1929 began at the head of Blithedale Canyon and burned approximately 2,500 acres over three days; the Statement says 117 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged, the City’s history page says 110 were destroyed, and the Garden of Allah, now the Ralston White Retreat, was spared.

In 1936 the Works Progress Administration funded a new City Hall and Firehouse on Corte Madera Avenue, designed by local architect Walter C. Falch in Tudor Revival style.

The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, brought easy automobile access to and from San Francisco and a building upturn.

In the 1940s builder George Goheen put up 351 houses in a tract called Sycamore Village, colloquially “Goheen Gulch”; by 1950, the Statement says, one in ten people in Mill Valley is estimated to have lived in a Goheen-built house.

In 1947 Mill Valley officially became the “City of Mill Valley”.

The Mill Valley Air Force Station was built in 1950 at the top of Mount Tamalpais, and its radar dome is now “somewhat of a visual landmark”.

In 1956 Beat poet Gary Snyder moved into a cabin on Montford Avenue he named Marin-An, and invited writer Jack Kerouac to live with him during the summer.

On June 10 and 11, 1967, over 36,000 people filled the Cushing Memorial Amphitheater for the Magic Mountain Music Festival, which the Statement says is generally considered to be the first open-air rock festival.

A civic beautification project that repainted buildings in coordinated earth-tone colors won Mill Valley a national Distinguished Achievement award in 1968.

In 2021 the City Council adopted a Historic Context Statement and a Historic Resources Inventory Survey Report.

In 2025 the California State Historic Resources Commission approved the nomination of the 1936 City Hall and Fire Station #6 building for the California Historical Resources List.

Read the full story of Mill Valley

Fire safety

Your fire department

Since July 1, 2023, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District has been the fire department of the City of Mill Valley. The City’s code says: “The Southern Marin Fire Protection District is hereby designated, and shall serve, as the Fire Department of the City of Mill Valley.”

The State’s map of Mill Valley

Read from the State Fire Marshal’s recommended map of local-area fire hazard severity zones, one of the 2025 maps the State released in four phases between February 10 and March 24, 2025, Mill Valley has Very High, High and Moderate zones inside the city. This is the State’s recommended map in its online layer, not the zones the City or the District adopted, and the reading names no neighborhood or address.

Read Oct 25 2026

See 11 more

The City’s Safety Element on fire zones

The Safety Element says: “The residential communities located in the northern part of Mill Valley are mostly located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) and High FHSZ”, and that some residences and downtown commercial areas lie within the Moderate FHSZ. Its cover is dated January 20, 2026. To see which zone your own address is in, the Fire District’s inspection page links a Fire Hazard Severity Zone Search Map.

Cover dated January 20, 2026

Where the interface areas are

The Safety Element says significant portions of the Mill Valley community are in a designated wildland-urban interface area, and names Warner Canyon, Mill Valley Ridge, Blithedale Canyon, Blithedale Ridge, Cascade Canyon, Fern Canyon, Summit Ridge, Scott Valley, and the southeast face of Mount Tamalpais.

The City’s clearing rule

The City’s fire code, section 15.04.050, applies to owners of buildings and of land “within specific Wildland-Urban Interface Areas”. It asks them to cut and remove all pyrophytic combustible vegetation and ground coverings within 10 feet of property lines and driveways and within 100 feet of structures, up to 200 feet (but not beyond the property line) when topography or the kinds of vegetation call for it, as the Fire Chief or the Chief’s designee determines. The code defines pyrophytic vegetation as vegetation that is highly flammable and endangers public safety by creating a fire hazard.

Ordinance 1364, adopted December 8, 2025

Leaves and needles on the roof and in the gutters

Among the duties the code lists for owners in those areas: “Clean any leaves and needles from roof and gutters.” The Fire District’s own fire code, which the City ratified, says the same in section 604.6. The code also asks owners to cut tree limbs that overhang wood decks and roofs, and to remove the part of any tree that extends within 10 feet of a chimney, stovepipe, roof surface or roof gutter.

Metal gutter covers, on the District’s list

The Fire District’s home-hardening page prints CAL FIRE’s list of low-cost ways to harden a home, which says: “Install noncombustible corrosion resistant metal gutter covers on gutters to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.”

Ten plants to remove

Since May 1, 2021, the code has also asked owners in those areas to remove ten plants from the whole parcel: acacia, bamboo, arborvitae, Italian cypress, juniper, French, Portuguese, Scotch and Spanish broom, and gorse.

The first 3 feet

The City’s code says owners “are encouraged to voluntarily clear and create hardscape within the first 3 feet surrounding any residential or commercial structure”, and that a deck or patio is considered part of the structure.

Ordinance 1364, adopted December 8, 2025

Zone 0, the State’s rule

The State’s Zone 0 rule was adopted by the Board of Forestry; it is in final review with the Office of Administrative Law, and no effective date is known. This is the status on our standing check of October 22, 2026.

Standing check of Oct 22 2026

Inspections

The Fire District describes a defensible space inspection as “an annual review of a property, conducted by a fire official in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)”.

A 1996 vote and the City’s vegetation program

The Safety Element says a Municipal Services Tax approved by Mill Valley voters in 1996 allowed the creation of the City’s Vegetation Management Program, and that the program “removes 300 tons of fire fuel from Mill Valley every year”. The City’s own page for it now sends residents to the Fire District.

The City’s words on wildfire

The City’s wildfire page says “Wildfire is one of Mill Valley’s most significant risks.” Among its protective measures: “Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from your roof and chimney.” and “Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammables at least 30 feet away from structures.”

Mill Valley this month

Storm season: the City’s page lists sandbag sites at Hauke Park, Boyle Park and behind Old Mill Park.

The Mill Valley blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.

Culture and history

A name from a sawmill

Mill Valley takes its name from John Reed’s sawmill on Cascade Creek, now Old Mill Park. More in The story of Mill Valley, below.

Old Mill Park

The sawmill site is now Old Mill Park, California Historical Landmark No. 207, where a mill reconstructed from historic photographs in 1991 stands.

See 11 more

The Crookedest Railroad

From 1896 to 1929 a scenic railway climbed from downtown Mill Valley to the summit of Mount Tamalpais; it was nicknamed “the Crookedest Railroad in the World”. More in The story of Mill Valley, below.

The Outdoor Art Club clubhouse

Bernard Maybeck designed the Outdoor Art Club’s clubhouse in 1904; it is a California Historical Landmark (No. 922). More in The story of Mill Valley, below.

The Lucretia Little History Room

The Mill Valley Public Library’s Lucretia Little History Room preserves and shares “the photographs, records, artifacts, and stories that capture the rich history of Mill Valley, California”, and curates exhibitions from its collections.

The Oral History Program

The City says “Founded in 1968, the Mill Valley Oral History Program includes audio interviews with Mill Valley residents and others who have contributed to the cultural or civic life of Mill Valley.”

Steps, lanes and paths

The City says “There are over 175 original steps, lanes and paths in Mill Valley.” The Historic Context Statement counts 174 that remain, and says the town began to be called “10,000 steps built into the side of Mount Tamalpais”.

Sweetwater Music Hall

The Sweetwater Music Hall says the original Sweetwater opened in 1972; the Historic Context Statement says it stayed in its small 90-seat location until it closed in 2007, and the City says it reopened in 2012 on Corte Madera Avenue, across from City Hall.

Marin Theatre Company

Marin Theatre Company, founded in 1966, calls itself “a home for brave and thoughtfully curated professional theater, art and events in the San Francisco Bay Area”.

The Dipsea Race

The Dipsea Race, run from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, was first run in 1905; the race’s own site says it is run every year on the second Sunday in June.

Every year, second Sunday in June

The Mill Valley Film Festival

The California Film Institute says the 11-day Mill Valley Film Festival, founded in 1978, is held every October.

Every October

The Fall Arts Festival

The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival began in 1957, when a small group of artists showed their work in downtown store windows. It moved to Old Mill Park in 1962, and the City’s history series says it takes place there every September.

Every September

Winterfest

Winterfest, the Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday gathering downtown, is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm, with performances, a visit from Santa and the community tree lighting. Admission is free.

Organizer’s page read Oct 25 2026: “New for 2026”; Sunday, December 6, 2026

Community

Neighborhood associations

The City’s resource directory lists sixteen neighborhood and homeowner associations, among them Blithedale Highlands, Old Mill, Scott Valley, Shelter Bay, Tamalpais Park and West Blithedale Canyon.

Firewise neighborhoods

The Fire District’s Firewise Communities page lists neighborhood groups such as Mill Valley Meadows, Marsh Drive, Middle Ridge, Shelter Ridge, Blithedale Highlands, Scott Valley and Scott Highland. It says the national program “has empowered neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risk”; the page does not say which groups are recognized and in good standing today.

See 5 more

FIRESafe MARIN

The Fire District calls itself “a founding member of FIRESafe MARIN, our local Fire Safe Council and an excellent source of information on creating defensible space and protecting your family and property from wildfire”.

Marin Wildfire

The City of Mill Valley and the Southern Marin Fire District are among the 17 member agencies of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, a joint powers authority funded by a parcel tax that began in 2020-21.

The Beautification Brigade

The City’s Beautification Brigade, a volunteer group, “launched in April 2024 with the goal to carry the torch and build a more beautiful Mill Valley for everyone”.

The Arts Commission

The Mill Valley Arts Commission was founded in 1967. Its page says it “endeavors to enhance the cultural life of the community” and that it hosts Concerts in the Plaza and Comedy Night in the Plaza throughout the summer months.

The Outdoor Art Club

The Outdoor Art Club says its 400 members “continue to advocate for conservation and open space preservation while also supporting the cultural arts and other civic endeavors that enhance the vitality of Mill Valley’s community”.

City rules and regulations

A re-roof and the City’s permit

The City lists “Re-Roof” among the minor permits it issues automatically to licensed contractors upon application; permit cards are mailed after an administrative review, generally within a week. Its Inspections page adds that a re-roof permit applied for online is auto issued.

Mill Valley or unincorporated Mill Valley

The City asks every applicant to “confirm the job site address is located in the City of Mill Valley and NOT in an Unincorporated area of Mill Valley”, and its page links an address-check tool.

See 9 more

Inspections of a re-roof

The City’s re-roofing handout says tear-off inspections are required for all residential roofs and “Final inspections are required for all reroofs”.

Historic houses

The City’s Survey Report says its Historic Overlay zoning, adopted in 1975, “requires design review of any addition or alteration to listed structures, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation”. The City’s code, section 20.54.030, says permits within a Historic Overlay district “shall be subject to Design Review” when they involve “exterior alterations”; it does not name re-roofing. If your house is listed, ask the City’s Planning Division whether your roof falls under it. Code read on ecode360 on November 5, 2026.

Survey Report adopted June 7, 2021

Heritage trees

A permit is required for removal or major pruning of Heritage trees. The City’s list, measured at four and a half feet above the ground: tanbark oak, 65 inches around (about 20 across); oak, 75 inches (about 24); madrone, 75 inches (about 24); coast redwood, 95 inches (about 30); and any tree the City Council designates by resolution.

Four or more trees

On a developed lot, a permit is required to cut four or more trees over 19 inches around (about 6 inches across) in a 12-month period, unless the City asks in writing for the removal for vegetative management. The Tree Removal page asks owners to allow up to 30 days for the process and approval.

Trees on a vacant lot

On a vacant lot, a permit is required to cut any tree over 12 and a half inches around (about 4 inches across).

Fire danger comes first

A tree removal permit may be granted when removal is necessary for any of five objectives; the first is “To protect the public health and safety by reducing or eliminating fire danger and other potential hazards to persons or property”. Removing trees under the fire code still follows the tree chapter, 20.67.

Trees on City property

For a tree on City property the City says “A permit is required to trim, brace, alter or remove any tree on city property”, and its handout sends you to the Public Works Department.

Roof water and the sewer

The City’s sewer chapter, section 17.04.320, says “it is unlawful to discharge into any sub-main or main sewer or house lateral any leader pipe from a roof, surface drain, underground drain”.

When you buy or sell The fire inspection before a sale

The Fire District’s inspection page describes the State’s sale rule (Civil Code 1102.19) this way: it “requires a seller of real estate property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to provide the buyer with documentation stating the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements”. Another Fire District page says “The designation of a Moderate, High, or Very High Severity Zone indicates that enhanced building requirements and re-sale inspections may be required for your parcel.” The two pages differ on a Moderate zone: if your home is in one, ask Fire Prevention.

Need a hand with this? Roofing

Storms, flood and drainage

Sandbags

The City lists sandbags at Hauke Park, in the parking lot next to the Public Safety Building; at Boyle Park, in the parking lot near the baseball fields; and behind Old Mill Park, about 100 yards east of Molino Avenue and Cascade Way. It also lists sites in Strawberry and Tam Valley. The County’s page says some locations limit the number of sandbags per household.

City page read Oct 7 2026; County page updated July 8, 2026

Where it floods

The Safety Element says “the majority of the city’s flooding has occurred in the low-lying areas that are susceptible during sunny-day king tide events” and that “The Sycamore Avenue and Plymouth Street neighborhoods are the most impacted by these flooding events.” The City’s flood plan adds that when a rainfall peaks during a high tide, the impacts are worse.

See 4 more

Creeks and storm drains

The flood plan counts almost 16 miles of storm drain pipe in the City and names seven creeks draining through it. It says the two largest, Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio and Warner Canyon Creek, “capture around 70% of runoff within the City boundaries”.

Building in a floodplain

The City’s floodplain page says a permit is required before any construction in a floodplain that FEMA designates AO, AE or Floodway. FEMA’s Community Status Book lists the City’s current effective flood map date as 08/15/17.

Landslides on the hillsides

The Safety Element says “Most of Mill Valley is susceptible to landslides due to the steep terrain throughout the city”, that the flat downtown between Miller Avenue and East Blithedale Avenue has little to no landslide susceptibility, and that mudslides “typically occur during heavy rainfall events”.

Wind and fallen trees

The Safety Element says the hilly and mountainous areas around the City “are more susceptible to damage from wind because of the greater presence of trees”, with downed trees hindering access on “the numerous windy and dead-end roads”.

Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning

Programs, loans and insurance

Free home assessment from the Fire District

The Southern Marin Fire Protection District “offers a very detailed home assessment of residential properties that are in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)”. Its page calls it “a complimentary service that we offer to all residents in our district” and says to schedule an appointment by phone or e-mail.

Check back Seasonal defensible space evaluations: check back

The Fire District’s evaluations page lists 2026 rounds that include Mill Valley Upper Summit and Mill Valley Montford in August and Mill Valley Edgewood in September, and no later month. It says your Wildfire Risk Report “will be ready to review approximately 24 hours after the inspection”, and Fire Safe Marin’s page says “This evaluation is free of charge.”

Page lists April to September 2026 only; read Oct 7 2026

See 16 more

Check back Free on-demand chipper

The Fire District’s page says “The Free On-Demand Chipper service is provided at no cost to SMFD residents.” The chipper handles “up to 10 inches diameter rounds/branches”, at least three homes are needed to participate, and the page says the individual request form “has been closed”. Read again on November 5, 2026, the page says the District no longer accepts its online request form: you check your property report at www.marinwildfire.org/dspace, and the Prevention Department (415-388-8182) gives you your property access code. A new ChipperDay.com page is still marked “COMING SOON – Spring of 2026”.

Read Oct 7 and Nov 5 2026

County-wide Marin Wildfire resident grants

Marin Wildfire’s Resident Grants page says “We are currently accepting applications from residents who have recently received a full evaluation.” The page names only Fiscal Year 2024/2025, when Marin Wildfire “will award up to $2,500 per parcel for the above listed items”, with no matching funds from the resident, paid by check after proof of completion of the work and proof of payment; the lifetime maximum is $15,000. The listed items include fire resistant vents and clearing vegetation in the first 30 feet around a structure. Read again on November 5, 2026, the page is still headed “Resident Grants FY 24/25” and names no later fiscal year, so it does not say whether this year’s funds remain. Its eligible items include “Installing metal gutters and guards”, and it says “If your property has combustible gutters, you may be reimbursed to upgrade these to metal before installing gutter guards.”

Page read Oct 7 and Oct 25 2026, headed Resident Grants FY 24/25

Marin Water rain barrel and cistern rebate

Marin Water is “offering customers $0.75 per gallon of water stored” for rain barrels and cisterns, with a cap of $2,000 per customer; recycled barrels are not eligible, and an application must be submitted within 90 days of the purchase. The page adds: “Before and after the rainy season, clean roof gutters, screens, overflow outlets and filters.”

Read Oct 7 2026

Cash for Sewers

The Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin’s Cash for Sewers program, which the City belongs to, offers residents “who were required to replace their sewer laterals as a result of SASM or a member Agency’s capital improvement program” “a grant of up to 20% of the cost of the work, up to $2,000”; households earning 80% or less of Median Family Income can get up to 75% of the cost, up to $7,500. It is about the sewer lateral, not the roof or gutters.

Read Oct 7 2026

Free curbside clean-ups

Mill Valley Refuse Service “provides a limited number of free curbside cleanups with regular residential garbage service when scheduled in advance of your pickup day”. It cannot take items that include “construction material or yard waste”.

Read Oct 7 2026

Free smoke alarms

The Fire District’s page sends residents to the American Red Cross of the North Bay’s “Sound the Alarm” program for “free 10 year smoke alarms”, and says to call the District and ask about services for low-income families or disabled.

County-wide Check back Low-income senior exemption from Marin Wildfire’s parcel tax: check back

Marin Wildfire’s exemption requires the owner to be 65 or older by July 1 of the tax year and the property to be an owner-occupied single-family residence, with household income at or below the HUD income limits its page lists. The page says “Applications are available annually from February – June and applicants must re-apply every year.”

Read Oct 7 2026; the June deadline has passed

County-wide BayREN EASE Home: weatherization for income-qualified homes

BayREN’s EASE Home program “covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing”. To qualify you live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010, are a PG&E customer, and have a household income under or at 120% of area median income. The page shows an Apply Now button. The page does not say whether a household that buys its electricity from MCE counts as a PG&E customer.

Read Oct 7 2026

Check back PG&E Energy Savings Assistance: check back

PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance page offers income-qualified households in a house, mobile home or apartment at least five years old: “Upgrade or repair heat pump water heaters, furnaces, lighting-even refrigerators. All at no charge.” Its income table is valid through May 31, 2027. The page names no county or town; PG&E’s service-area page lists Mill Valley under Marin.

Read Oct 7 2026

MCE Home Energy Savings

MCE’s Home Energy Savings offers qualifying single-family homeowners and renters a home energy assessment and “Free home energy upgrades – valued at up to $7,000 – such as attic insulation, duct sealing, and more.” The page lists the places its partner is visiting, in Marin Belvedere, Corte Madera, Fairfax and Larkspur, and does not name Mill Valley.

Read Oct 7 2026

County-wide CalHome home rehabilitation loans

Marin Housing Authority’s CalHome Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program “provides low-interest property improvement loans and technical assistance to qualified low-income homeowners to make basic repairs and improvements, correct substandard conditions, and eliminate health and safety hazards”. The guidelines page says eligible borrowers must be households with incomes not to exceed 80% of area median income, that maximum assistance with CalHome funds is $100,000, and that the loan term is 20 years.

Read Oct 7 2026; the page has no status word

County-wide Check back Habitat for Humanity home repair loans: check back

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s Home Preservation Program offers home repair loans in Marin of $25,000 to $75,000 at 2% simple interest, and its page lists “Replacing and repairing roofs, windows and siding”. The page says “Program in Marin is currently fully subscribed.”

Read Oct 7 2026

County-wide Earthquake Brace + Bolt

The California Residential Mitigation Program’s page says “Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) retrofit grant programs are available only for qualified homes in select ZIP Codes.” The program’s page has a ZIP Code search for checking your address.

Read Oct 7 2026

State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back

California Safe Homes, a State program, is not described as open on any State page we read: the Department of Insurance’s 2026 press-release index, read November 5, 2026, lists no Safe Homes release, and its newest release is dated October 27, 2026.

Read Nov 5, 2026

Insurance The fire district on the State’s list

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community List, dated July 1, 2026, includes the Southern Marin Fire Protection District; the Board’s page says the 2026 list takes effect on July 1, 2026 and remains active until the next list is released on July 1, 2028. The City of Mill Valley is not a separate entry. What that is worth on a given policy depends on the insurer’s own filing: ask your insurance company or agent.

Effective July 1, 2026

Insurance What the listing means for you

The Department of Insurance’s Safer from Wildfires rule, Title 10 section 2644.9(d)(1)(A), says an insurer’s rating plan “shall reflect, and the rate offered to the applicant or insured shall be based in part on, the reduced wildfire risk associated with” community designations, and it lists “Fire Risk Reduction Community listed by the Board of Forestry”. The Board of Forestry’s brochure says “FRRCL communities may see a discount on insurance costs.” Whether your own policy shows one is the insurer’s call: ask your insurance company or agent.

Who serves your home in Mill Valley

Fire: The Southern Marin Fire Protection District, which the City’s code designates as the Fire Department of the City of Mill Valley.
Water: Marin Water (the Marin Municipal Water District); its Board of Directors page puts incorporated Mill Valley in its Division IV.
Sewer: The City runs the sewer pipes inside the city and sends the flow to the plant of the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin, which the City and five other agencies own together.
Garbage: Mill Valley Refuse Service; the City’s FAQ says “Trash service is provided in Mill Valley by Mill Valley Refuse Service.”
Electricity: MCE, a community choice electricity provider; its home page lists Mill Valley among its Marin communities.
Gas: PG&E; its service-area page lists “Mill Valley” under the heading “Marin”, and MCE’s About page says PG&E delivers the electricity MCE supplies and continues to provide natural gas service.
Air: The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which regulates stationary sources of air pollution in the nine counties around San Francisco Bay, Marin among them.
Flood control: The Marin County Flood Control District; its page says its Richardson Bay area covers over 13 square miles and includes the City of Mill Valley and several unincorporated communities.
Storm drains: The City; its flood plan says the City’s urban storm drainage system includes a pump station in Sycamore Park.
Assessor: Marin County’s Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, whose property tax relief page explains relief when a home’s market value falls below its assessed value.
Schools: The Mill Valley School District, whose home page names Strawberry Point School, Edna Maguire Elementary School, Old Mill Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Tam Valley Elementary School and Mill Valley Middle School; and the Tamalpais Union High School District, which names Archie Williams, Redwood and Tamalpais high schools.
Parks: The City’s parks page lists 19 entries, among them Bayfront Park, Boyle Park, Hauke Park, Old Mill Park, Scott Highlands Park and Sycamore Park, and a nine-hole golf course.

Useful links: Mill Valley School District · Tamalpais Union High School District · Southern Marin Fire Protection District · Fire Hazard Severity Zone search map (linked from the Fire District’s inspection page) · Marin Wildfire (Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority) · FIRESafe MARIN · Marin Water · Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (Cash for Sewers) · Mill Valley Refuse Service · MCE · PG&E · City of Mill Valley: Tree Removal · City of Mill Valley: Permit Application Process · City of Mill Valley: building fee schedule · City of Mill Valley: Flooding and Storms (sandbags) · Marin County: emergency sandbag sites · Lucretia Little History Room (Mill Valley Public Library) · City of Mill Valley: Emergency Preparedness (Alert Marin and Nixle)

The homes of Mill Valley

Mill Valley’s median home was built in 1958. About four in five homes were built in 1979 or earlier, about 70 percent are single-family houses that stand apart, and about two in three occupied homes are owner-occupied, our own calculations from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 tables.

1883 to 1899

Early wood-frame homes

The Historic Context Statement says homes of this period are typically one to two stories, wood frame, with gable or hip roofs and front and wraparound porches, originally clad in wood shingle, clapboard, shiplap or rustic channel siding.

1900 to 1929

First Bay Tradition, Craftsman and Tudor Revival

The First Bay Tradition (Shingle) style is “by far the most common” of the period, with redwood shingle siding and gable or gambrel roofs. Craftsman homes have front or side gable roofs with knee braces and exposed rafter tails, and Tudor Revival homes steeply pitched gable roofs with stucco and faux half-timber.

1930 to 1945

Gable and hip roofs, Spanish Colonial Revival and Minimal Traditional

Most homes are rectangular or L-shaped and typically one story, with gable and hip roofs; Spanish Colonial Revival homes had clay tile roofing, and Minimal Traditional homes hipped or eaveless gable roofs with shiplap or stucco siding.

1946 to 1980

Tract subdivisions

The Statement says one-story houses predominate, with some two-story split-levels, and that hip or gable roofs are most common. Its styles include California Ranch, Midcentury Modern with flat and low-pitched gable roofs, and Bay Tradition houses with flat, shed or sawtooth roofs.

Modernist experiments

The A-frame “Leisure House”

The Statement says Mill Valley was also grounds for a number of experiments in high-style Modernist architecture, including Campbell & Wong’s famous and prolific A-frame “Leisure House”.

Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation

The story of Mill Valley

History and character