Architect in Tiburon and Belvedere
— Tiburon and Belvedere
Two houses on the peninsula
Rossington Architecture is a small, full-service architectural firm located in Sausalito, across Richardson Bay from the Tiburon peninsula. Southern Marin is one of the areas our work focuses on.
Our portfolio includes one house in each town. McCart Court in Tiburon began with a 1960 house that was, in the plainest terms, falling apart; the owner describes the project as a complete tear down. Its roof was designed in three parts so that the uphill neighbor can see over it, and the interior was opened to the roof for better views across Richardson Bay. Cove in Belvedere took a cottage that had been moved and added onto several times, and made a cohesive whole of its parts through consistent materials and detailing.
They are different problems. One was a failing house on a view lot. The other was a house that needed coherence. Both towns review designs closely. Tiburon mails notice to neighbors, and Belvedere asks you to share your plan with them before you apply.
— Our work
Tiburon and Belvedere projects
2012
McCart Court, Tiburon
A failing 1960 house rebuilt with a three-part roof that keeps the uphill neighbor’s view, a rebuilt landscape, radiant slabs and photovoltaic panels.
2009
Cove, Belvedere
A much-added-onto cottage brought together with African mahogany casework, honed marble and consistent detailing. The garage and a small television room became a family room.
— Local review
What design review involves in each town
As of November 2026. Confirm the current requirements with the Town of Tiburon or the City of Belvedere before relying on this summary.
Tiburon. The Town says design review is generally required for any addition or exterior remodel, all new homes and all accessory structures. Minor additions of less than 500 square feet are generally decided by staff, without a public hearing. New homes, additions larger than 500 square feet and any variance go to the Design Review Board, which meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Properties within 300 feet are mailed notice of a hearing. Approvals carry a 10-day appeal period and expire after three years.
Belvedere. The City says most home projects need planning approval, building approval or both. Interior remodels and minor additions or exterior changes typically go to planning staff, with an average review of about 50 days. Significant remodels, new structures, decks, fences and anything needing a variance go to the Planning Commission, at about 90 days. The City asks applicants to share their plans with neighbors early, and sets a time limit for construction.
We handle this stage for our clients, acting as a liaison with city officials and adjacent property owners.
Read more in our Journal: the full guide to design review in Tiburon and Belvedere and a guide to BCDC permits for bayfront homes.
Sources: Town of Tiburon, Start Your Project and Design Review Board; City of Belvedere, Planning & Building Review & Approval and How-to Guide. Read on November 14, 2026.
— Questions
Questions about working with us in Tiburon and Belvedere
Do you take on projects in Tiburon and Belvedere?
Yes. Our office is in nearby Sausalito and our portfolio includes a house in each town: McCart Court in Tiburon and Cove in Belvedere.
Have you rebuilt a house in Tiburon?
At McCart Court the original 1960 house was falling apart. The owner has described the project as a complete tear down.
How do you deal with a neighbor view?
Early, and in the design itself. At McCart Court the roof was divided into three parts so the uphill neighbor can see over it.
Does a remodel need design review in Tiburon or Belvedere?
Usually. Tiburon generally requires it for any addition or exterior remodel. Belvedere lists even interior remodels under planning staff review. The size of the project decides whether staff or a board makes the decision.
Planning a project in Tiburon or Belvedere?
Tell us about your house and what you would like to change. You can also read how we work and how we charge on our Services & Fees page.
We also work in Sausalito, Mill Valley, across Marin County and in San Francisco.