City offices will be closed on November 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Emergency services are available 24/7. Upcoming community engagement session for the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project on December 9 at Venetia Valley School from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  
San Rafael neighborhood street scene

Planning Division

Contact

Planning Division
(415) 485-3085
community.development@cityofsanrafael.org
1400 Fifth Avenue, Top Floor
San Rafael, CA 94901
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm. Lunch break from 12-1.
Friday: closed to the public but available through phone or email.

Planning Division

The Planning Division provides information on land use, zoning, site development standards and processes applications for land use permits and land divisions.  Most projects submitted fall into two categories, Design Review or Use Permit. If you are constructing a structure of any kind, you may need design review. If you are modifying a land use, you may need a use permit. The information below is taken from the San Rafael Zoning Ordinance.

Current Department Hours and City Holidays

Planning Contacts

Planners Phone Email
Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch, Planning Manager (415) 485-3095 margaret.kavanaugh-lynch@cityofsanrafael.org
Kristina Estudillo, Principal Planner (415) 458-5048 kristina.estudillo@cityofsanrafael.org
Jose Herrera Preza, Principal Planner  (415) 485-3094 jose.herrerapreza@cityofsanrafael.org
Renee Nickenig, Associate Planner (415) 485-3397 Renee.Nickenig@cityofsanrafael.org
Michaela O'Brien, Assistant Planner (415) 485-3468 MichaelaO@cityofsanrafael.org

 

Planning Department News

Public Hearing for Project at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth AvenueProject)

Posted on November 7, 2025

The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth Avenue Project), located at the on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and C Street.  Date: November 18, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901  Project Overview ...
Metal fence in front of a building being demolished.

930 Irwin Property – Demolition Under Way

Posted on November 7, 2025

Demolition work began this week at 930 Irwin Street in preparation for the construction of a new 210-unit multifamily development. Approved last spring, the project marks a significant step forward in expanding local housing options in San Rafael. Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year, with staff from the...

City and County to Co-Host In Person Info Session on 350 Merrydale Shelter Project

Posted on October 28, 2025

  On November 6, the City of San Rafael and County of Marin will co-host a community information session about the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project at the Hoytt Theater inside the Osher Marin JCC. Community members are invited to drop in, learn more, and speak directly with the subject matter experts working on the...
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